We drive the 197bhp turbo -Peugeot CRZ

Model: Peugeot RCZ GT 1.6 THP 200
Bodystyle: Two-door coupé
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder, petrol
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive

What is it?

Image © Peugeot

As stylish and individual as the related 308, 3008 and 5008 are lumpy and aesthetically challenged, the RCZ proves Peugeot hasn't completely forgotten how to build beautiful cars. Or make them handle.
Previewed as a concept at Frankfurt in 2007 the "you have to build it!" response was so strong Peugeot had no choice. And here's the production version, all but identical to that first concept. And it's a stunner, no mistake.
The distinctive cab-forward look - so unappealing on the 308 CC - actually works on the RCZ, the muscular haunches, neat design flourishes (check out that neat double bubble roof and kinked windowline) all beautifully resolved. It just looks fabulous.
But Peugeot has been canny in productionising the RCZ too. Based on the 308 platform its underpinnings are nowhere near as exotic as the styling may lead you to believe. Which is OK, so long as it drives like it looks.
Where does it fit?

Image © Peugeot

There are two obvious rivals to the RCZ, both German and hailing from the same parent company but each offering a subtly different take on the theme. These are, of course, the Volkswagen Scirocco and Audi TT.
Like the TT, the RCZ is at the sportier end of the spectrum and a clear two-seater, token rear 'seats' or no. At £22,750 for base Sport or £25,050 for GT trim this RCZ 1.6 THP 200 is nearly a grand cheaper than the base TT though.
It's closer to the four-seater Scirocco, which costs £23,615. Both the VW and the Audi use versions of the same 2.0-litre turbo, the Scirocco with 210hp and the TT with 211hp. This flagship RCZ manages an impressive 200hp from just 1.6 litres.
The pricing is certainly keen compared with the German rivals, Sport spec getting leather upholstery with heated, power-operated seats and various other goodies as standard. Try getting a TT with a comparable spec for much under £30K.

Image © Peugeot

OK, if you need usable back seats you need a Scirocco or, perhaps, an Alfa Romeo GT. If you don't, the RCZ makes a very tempting case for itself, the styling alone suitably exotic even if the badge isn't in this company.
And if you want your RCZ to look truly special Peugeot offers further options, like a carbon roof (just like the concept's) for £1,330, contrast colours on the aluminium roof rails for £260 or various combinations of wheels, colours and decal sets.
Suffice to say, for less than 30 grand you could end up with a genuinely personalised car that's bound to turn heads and make the TT look a little dull and outdated. And it's got the performance too.
This 200hp version gets beefed up front hubs, bigger brakes and an underbody front strut brace to help sharpen up the handling, 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds is, admittedly, slower than the 6.1 seconds of the lighter, more powerful TT 2.0 TFSI.
What does it do well?

Image © Peugeot

Those 308 underpinnings may mean a more basic torsion beam rear suspension setup than the multi-link setup on the TT and Scirocco but the RCZ isn't too compromised and offers a decent steer more than living up to the sporty looks.
The familiar 1.6-litre (it's related to that used in hot Minis) delivers gutsy performance too. The chassis is more than up to the job, although the ride is somewhat fierce in setup and rather unforgiving on broken British roads.
OK, it's effectively a hot hatch in fancy clothes but the RCZ handles with the kind verve we thought Peugeot had forgotten about since the halcyon days of the 205 GTI. It's not perfect but it's good enough to hold its head up high against the Germans.
And those stunning, concept car looks will never fail to be a talking point. OK, your Peugeot key fob might not carry the same cachet as an Audi one but once your TT-owning friends see the RCZ they'll be green with envy.
What doesn't it do well?

Image © Peugeot

That knobbly suspension is best considered a try-before-you-buy issue. Suffice to say, if you're looking for a plush ride you won't be getting it here. And beyond the superficially flash trimmings the interior has some low-rent fittings too.
The synthetic noise generator - designed to impart some sporty attitude to the driving dynamics - can confuse too. Because it's not directly linked to engine revs you can find yourself closer to the redline than you might have thought you were.
What's it like to live with?

Image © Peugeot

Having accepted those back seats aren't much use the RCZ is actually decently practical in terms of boot space, the 321-litre boot (expandable to 639 litres with the seats down) usefully accommodating.
Usefully small and with punchy acceleration, the RCZ combines hot hatch usability with a much more prestigious, exotic feel. True, you need to go beyond the standard spec to make it feel truly special but you can still do that without breaking the bank.
How green is it?

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That smaller than average engine counts in the RCZ's favour on emissions and fuel economy, even this 200hp version managing an official 39.8mpg and CO2 of 159g/km. That said, even with a 2.0-litre engine the TT TFSI manages 154g/km and 42.8mpg.
Thank the TT's clever steel/aluminium construction and 161kg lighter kerb weight for much of this, the RCZ also available in diesel and lower-powered 156hp 1.6 turbo petrol versions with 139g/km and 155g/km respectively.
Would we buy it?

Image © Peugeot

If we needed back seats we'd go for a Scirocco but against the TT the RCZ would probably get the nod, the truly exotic feel and stunning looks more than making up for any issues with cheaper cabin fittings and hatchback derived pedigree.
A coupé should make you feel special though and the RCZ more than achieves this and, in 200hp form, offers a spirited and gutsy driving experience too. That it's keenly priced just adds to the appeal.