Peugeot RCZ

New cars: what the critics say
Peugeot RCZ
Price: from £20,450


The Sunday Times
Peugeot hasn't made an interesting car for more than 25 years, but its latest coupe could be the exception. Though based on the "yawn-a-minute 308 hatchback", you'd hardly know it. The sleek, dome-shaped roof has echoes of the much- admired Audi TT; the distorted rear windows are the stuff of "futuristic car shows". All in all, it "turns heads with the case of an Italian supcrcar".


What Car
Though not quite as stylish as its exterior, the RCZ's interior has a well-polished, "premium" feel. Even the entry-level models are well-equipped, boasting dual-zone air- conditioning, MP3- compatible CD/radio, and rear parking sensors. The 309-litre boot is unusually roomy, but at a cost - the rear seats are so tiny that even children will end the journey "doubled over".


Autocar
Performance-wise, the Peugeot is marginally inferior to the Audi TT (its intended rival). Powered by a 1.6-litre, direct- injection petrol engine- producing 197bhp - it feels "brisk, but not honest-to-God quick", while the easy steering makes it a "predictable" drive. Even so, the RCZ's "inspired styling" and lower price (it's up to £6,000 cheaper than a TT) will have Audi quaking.