The rest of the distinctive and aerodynamic shape remains largely unchanged, including the trademark 'double bubble' glass roof and rear screen, the clearly delineated roof arches, the deeply sculpted flanks and the muscular wheel arches.
The RCZ's sporty and driver-orientated cockpit continues to combine function and style with space and comfort. Of particular note is an all-new infotainment system that has a large colour screen as its centrepiece. The new system features enhanced navigation functionality, versatile multi-source audio playback, and Bluetooth connectivity.
As before, the RCZ Coupé provides a comprehensive array of advanced safety features, ranging from latest-generation stability and traction control to latest-generation ABS brakes, an active rear spoiler, as well as front and chest/pelvis airbags for both occupants.
The new RCZ builds on the head-turning aesthetics and contemporary design of the original car and retains the key proportions and design highlights that have made it one of the most beautiful modern-day sports coupés in the world.
Most of the design changes are focused on the front end of the coupé, which gets a completely redesigned appearance.
The rear view remains dominated by the Zagato-inspired double-bubble roof, which extends into the twin rounded contours of the rear screen.
The interior of the RCZ remains notable for its high-class materials, its elegant yet sporty execution, its comprehensive standard equipment levels and its particular emphasis on occupant safety.
A new RT6 infotainment system is a feature of the New RCZ Coupé. At its core is a bright, full-colour screen with a wide screen 16:9 format and a 800 x 480 pixel resolution. The infotainment system integrates latest generation satellite navigation, multi-source audio and Bluetooth connectivity, including mobile phone paring and BT audio streaming.
The navigation now offers a perspective view and incorporates speed restriction indicators for main routes, while the single disc CD player is MP3 compatible.
In latest guise, the New Peugeot RCZ Coupé remains an admirably safe car, with an extensive list of active and passive safety features.
The comprehensive and intelligent dynamic control system encompassed under the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is made up of several separate but integrated systems.
These include anti-skid regulation (ASR) and Intelligent Traction Control. ABS brakes are de rigeur on even entry level models, but the RCZ adds the further benefits of electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency braking assistance (EBA) to the all-disc braking system. Further boosting high-speed stability is a retractable rear wing.
The New RCZ coupé is offered with a choice of two versions of the same 1,6-litre turbo-charged engine. Depending on the engine choice, the transmission is either a six speed automatic, or a six-speed manual. The manual gearbox derivative is powered by an efficient, 1,6-litre engine with four valves per cylinder. The four-cylinder unit is high pressure-turbo-charged and as a result, maximum power equates to 147kW in an engine speed band between 5 500 and
6 800rpm.
The accompanying torque peak is a quoted 275Nm, already on tap from 1 700rpm and sustained all the way to 4 500rpm. This engine is only available in tandem with a quick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, which in turn delivers
the available urge to the front wheels.
In this guise, the RCZ 1,6 Manual dashes from zero to 100km/h in 7,5 sec and achieves a top speed of 240km/h. Equally important is fuel consumption and the RCZ is able to count frugality under its list of talents, with a combined cycle statistic of 6,7-litres per 100km.
Customers can also opt for the RCZ 1,6 THP Automatic. This model is fitted with a 115kW version of the same 1,6 THP turbo petrol engine, while the gearbox is a six speed automatic.
The 115kW power maximum is reached at 6 000rpm, linked to a torque peak of 240Nm between 1 400 and 4 500rpm. The RCZ 1,6 THP Automatic is credited with a 0 to 100km/h acceleration time of 8,4 seconds and achieves a 213km/h top speed.
As far as economy is concerned, the automatic coupé has a combined-cycle fuel consumption rating of 7,3-litres per 100km. Carbon emissions come to 168g/km. The pricing includes a three year or 100 000km warranty as well as Peugeot's Premium Plan, a full maintenance plan valid for five years or 100 000km. Services are at
20 000km intervals.
Pricing: RCZ 1,6 THP Automatic - R423 500; RCZ 1,6 THP Manual - R434 900.
Pretty as well as an admirably safe car with a long list of active and passive safety features.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route | Klein-Karoo news'
