Peugeot RCZ Restyled

(Tuesday 12 September 2012)

Peugeot's 308-based RCZ sports coupé is not due to have any mechanical tinkering done to it in the near future, but it has been given a redesign. The press material relating to this is notably flowery ("the central air intake, now subtle and elegant, is enlivened by two satin chrome bars and provides the effect of strength and refinement," if you please) but basically what has happened is that Peugeot has reworked the front end while leaving the rear alone.

The central air intake mentioned above has been joined by a lower intake which doubles as a housing for LED daytime running lights. The heavy front bumper of the original car is no longer visible (which may well have been the whole point of the exercise) and the change in appearance is surprisingly profound considering how little has actually been altered.

There are some minor interior revisions too, along with an across-the-board equipment upgrade - all RCZs will now be fitted as standard with an acoustic windscreen, automatic headlights and wipers, an auto-dimming interior mirror, guide-me-home lighting and approach lighting on unlocking. The RT6 audio and satellite navigation first introduced on the 508 will be available as an optional extra.

The current range of engines - a 1.6-litre THP turbo petrol producing either 156bhp or 200bhp, plus a 163bhp 2.0 HDi turbo diesel - is being retained, and there's a new unit on the way.

This is another 1.6 THP with a spectacular maximum power output of 260bhp. It will be fitted to a model known as the RCZ R (or possibly "arrrgh") which will also, quite rightly, feature revised suspension and a limited slip differential.

The more familiar versions of the restyled RCZ will go on sale in the first quarter of 2013, with the R following towards the end of the year.

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