Peugeot: Organic curves, baby

Peugeot hopes its RCZ coupe will ride a post-recession wave towards emotional purchases. Photo / Supplied

Peugeot's planning an image upgrade from sensible to sexy and dynamic, headlined by the RCZ coupe.

What's new
Peugeot says this is not a 308 variant despite borrowing from it. It shares its platform with the 5008, 3008 and 308 and uses the same basic suspension, albeit lower, tuned for sportier response and mated to a wider track.

The RCZ is longer, wider, lower and lighter than a 308. Vented brakes are standard, with 340mm front discs for the manual and 302mm for the auto.

Both engines are 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo petrols with direct injection. The six-speed manual's powerplant is new and delivers more power, at 147kW and 275Nm, to the six-speed auto's 115kW and 240Nm.

The manual also features an engine sound system that uses a diaphragm in the exhaust to impart extra aural aggression under hard acceleration.

Other than that, and the manual's aluminium gear knob, pedals and racing-style steering wheel, the two cars are identical. Both cost $64,990 and both are fitted with heated electrically adjustable leather seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth hands-free, front and rear park aid, four airbags, stability control, and a five-star NCAP crash test rating.

The company line
This is a sports car to halo the brand. Its name references the RC cup car racing series, with the Z marking the sporting quality of finish. Expect more limited edition cars in future, all with letter designation to differentiate them from the numerals of the everyday models.

General manager Grant Smith says: "Peugeot has really tried to make this a pure sports car." Is this the right time to launch one? He thinks so. As the recession lifts people return to "emotional" purchases and sports car sales rise, starting with the under-$80,000 range.

Competitors? "As a value proposition we're in a different space [to the Audi TT] but from a styling point of view, yes, and also VW's Scirocco."

What we say
The double-bulge roof that segues into the rear glass is almost disturbingly organic; think Jennifer Lopez's derriere clad in tight, white trousers translated to metal and glass and you get the picture. Peugeot says it's complex to produce and it's functional, directing air to the spoiler. It's certainly eye-catching, as are this car's lines and wheel arches; think Audi TT with a gallic shrug and you're not far off.

It'll be reasonably easy to live with every day, too. The rear seats are afterthoughts, but there's a 384-litre boot plus storage spaces under the floor and the seat backs fold forward to liberate 760 litres. The rear window glass is wide, and all-round vision better than expected. Meanwhile, the smart cabin boasts double-stitched leather everywhere.

On the road
RCZ is entertaining, but not as quick or light on its feet as it looks, at least in auto format. The smidge more power mated to the manual transmission made it my preference, though you still have to stir up those gears to get the best from it; zero to 100 comes in 7.6 seconds, but only if you work it.

Why you'll buy one
It's pretty, relatively practical, and fun.

Why you won't
Capable isn't enough; you want a harder-core driving experience.