Peugeot RCZ
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a sports car that turns heads without emptying your wallet? The Peugeot RCZ might be exactly what you need. This distinctive coupe brought genuine European flair to the affordable sports car market when it launched. With its dramatic double-bubble roof and sculpted bodywork, it looked like nothing else on the road at the time.

The RCZ stands out in a crowded market of small sports cars and coupes. While rivals focus on practicality or outright performance, Peugeot created something that prioritises style and driving pleasure. The concept car looks hide a surprisingly capable chassis and a range of punchy turbocharged engines. From the efficient 1.6 THP to the flagship RCZ R, there’s a version to suit different driving styles and budgets.

This is a car that makes every journey feel special, whether you’re commuting through town or tackling a weekend road trip. The RCZ offers that rare combination of striking looks, engaging handling, and reasonable running costs. While it may lack the ultimate refinement of some German alternatives, it more than makes up for it with character and visual drama. If you want a sports car that stands out from the crowd, the RCZ delivers exactly that promise.

What's the Peugeot Rcz Like to Drive?

The Peugeot RCZ lineup centers around turbocharged engines that deliver impressive performance for their size. The entry-level 1.6 THP produces 156 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery. The more powerful 1.6 THP 200 bumps output to 197 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7.5 seconds. For those wanting maximum thrills, the limited RCZ R cranks out 270 horsepower from the same 1.6-litre engine, reaching 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.

What makes the RCZ special is its engaging driving dynamics rather than outright speed. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you confidence through tight corners. The sport-tuned suspension keeps body roll in check while maintaining reasonable comfort for daily use. This coupe feels balanced and composed, encouraging you to explore its capabilities on twisty roads. The chassis feels solid and well-engineered, with a level of sophistication that belies the car’s affordable price point.

Inside the Peugeot Rcz: Comfort & Features

Step inside the RCZ and you’ll find an interior that mixes sporting ambition with typical Peugeot quirks. The dashboard design is distinctive, featuring aluminum trim and sporty detailing that reinforces the car’s performance credentials. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, with good adjustment range for different driver sizes. Higher specification models feature leather upholstery and additional luxury touches that enhance the premium feel.

The cabin quality is generally good, though some materials feel a bit plasticky compared to German rivals. Road noise is well controlled at cruising speeds, making the RCZ a comfortable companion on longer journeys. The driving position is excellent, with all major controls falling easily to hand. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows, and a decent sound system. Higher trim levels add features like cruise control, climate control, and upgraded audio systems that make daily driving more pleasant.

The Peugeot RCZ represents exceptional value in today’s used car market. Its striking looks remain fresh and distinctive years after production ended. The driving experience is engaging and rewarding, with well-balanced handling that encourages spirited driving. Build quality is generally solid, and running costs are reasonable for a turbocharged sports car.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Peugeot Rcz?

The RCZ offers reasonable running costs for a sports car, though fuel economy varies significantly between engines. The diesel 2.0 HDI delivers impressive fuel efficiency, achieving up to 55 mpg in real world driving. Petrol models are thirstier, with the 1.6 THP engines returning around 35-40 mpg depending on how enthusiastically you drive. Insurance groups range from moderate to high, reflecting the car’s sporting nature and turbocharged engines.

Purchase prices have become very attractive as the RCZ has depreciated significantly since production ended. You can find good examples starting from around £8,000, making it excellent value for such a distinctive sports car. Maintenance costs are reasonable, though turbo engines require regular oil changes to stay healthy. Parts availability is generally good through Peugeot’s dealer network. For those looking at car finance options, the low purchase prices make monthly payments very manageable for most budgets.

Peugeot Rcz Practicality & Boot Space

For a sports coupe, the RCZ is surprisingly practical in everyday use. The 309-litre boot is genuinely useful, easily accommodating a week’s shopping or weekend luggage for two people. The rear seats are best viewed as occasional perches or extra storage space rather than genuine passenger accommodation. Adults will find the back seats very cramped, though children can manage short journeys without too much complaint.

The coupe body style means access to the rear is via tilting front seats, which can be awkward with passengers. However, the RCZ works well as a practical two-seater with occasional 2+2 capability. Daily usability is good, with decent forward visibility and manageable dimensions for city parking. If you need regular four-seat capability, consider browsing used Peugeot cars for more spacious alternatives. For couples or single drivers who occasionally need extra space, the RCZ strikes a good balance between style and practicality.

The Peugeot RCZ stands as one of the most distinctive and affordable sports cars available today. It combines head-turning looks with genuinely engaging driving dynamics and reasonable running costs. The range of turbocharged engines provides options from efficient daily driving to serious performance thrills. While interior quality and rear seat space lag behind some competitors, the RCZ more than compensates with character and style.

You choose the RCZ because you want something different from the usual sports car suspects. Its dramatic styling ensures you’ll never lose it in a car park, while the well-sorted chassis delivers driving pleasure on every journey. For buyers seeking an affordable entry into sports car ownership, the RCZ represents outstanding value. With cars under £10,000 offering excellent examples, there’s never been a better time to experience Peugeot’s stylish coupe.