Peugeot RCZ (2009-2015) review - Interior, design and technology

There’s no denying that the Peugeot RCZ is one of the most attractive cars on the road. While there are some elements of the Audi TT about it, the elongated shape, ‘double-bubble’ rear window treatment and aluminium roof bars give it a look all of its own. 

The 2013 facelift added a small version of Peugeot’s latest corporate grille, which is underlined by a wide lower opening. It looks better in the flesh than in pictures, although some would argue that the old grille was a better design than the current car. Either way, the RCZ is a head-turner, and it attracts more attention than the VW Scirocco. 

Go for a GT model, and you get 19-inch alloys in place of the 18-inch rims on Sport models, but aside from that, there are no racy additions like you’ll find on a Scirocco R Line. You can add kit such as matt-black roof rails and extra black trim, but unless you go for the hot RCZ R, the range gets the same clean, uncluttered shape, whether you choose an entry-level petrol or top-spec diesel.

Climb inside, and the RCZ has a real sense of occasion that a VW Scirocco struggles to emulate. The low-slung seating position and wraparound dash have a far sportier feel, while you get heated leather electric seats as standard, and you can change the black upholstery to coloured hide for an extra £150.

You’ll find plenty of room up front, though, and there’s lots of equipment included as standard. You get heated leather seats and climate control, plus Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.

Entry-level Sport RCZs get air conditioning, alloy wheels, a USB port for iPods and rear parking sensors as standard kit, whereas GT models get leather trim and front parking sensors thrown into the deal. The Carbon Red model adds distinctive interior trim materials, sat-nav and xenon headlamps for a modest £1,500 premium over the GT.

The hottest Peugeot RCZ, the RCZ R, gets its own styling to underline its performance credentials, with bigger forged 19-inch alloy wheels, matte black roof rails and a fixed rear wing. The sporting theme continues over to the interior of the RCZ R, and owners are given some racy red stitching, a pair of figure-hugging front seats, and the short-throw gearknob from the excellent Peugeot 208 GTi hot hatch.