The Peugeot RCZ, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2013 with the 1.6 THP 200 horsepower engine, represents a distinctive offering in the compact sports coupe segment. Produced from 2013 through December 2015, this variant aimed to blend stylish design with a reasonably potent powertrain. The RCZ itself was a departure for Peugeot, attempting to create a more emotionally driven vehicle than many of its contemporaries. The 2013 facelift brought revised styling cues, enhanced interior materials, and importantly, refinements to the 1.6 THP engine. This model sat towards the upper end of the RCZ lineup, offering a significant performance step up from the base 1.6 VTi models, but remaining more accessible than potential future high-performance variants that never materialized.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | RCZ |
| Generation | RCZ (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 THP (200 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | December, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg, 32.1 UK mpg, 11.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 155 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 231 km/h (143.54 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.5 kg/Hp, 154.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm, 212 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 200 Hp |
| Power per litre | 125.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 275 Nm @ 1770 rpm (202.83 lb.-ft. @ 1770 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EP6CDTX |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1297 kg (2859.4 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1780 kg (3924.23 lbs.) |
| Max load | 483 kg (1064.83 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 321 l (11.34 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4287 mm (168.78 in.) |
| Width | 1958 mm (77.09 in.) |
| Height | 1362 mm (53.62 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2612 mm (102.83 in.) |
| Front track | 1580 mm (62.2 in.) |
| Rear track | 1593 mm (62.72 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 111 mm (4.37 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 235/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the RCZ 1.6 THP 200 is the EP6CDTX engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder. This engine is part of Peugeot and Citroën’s Prince engine family, developed in collaboration with BMW. The “THP” designation stands for “Turbo High Pressure,” indicating the use of a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. The direct injection system, operating at pressures up to 190 bar, ensures precise fuel delivery for optimal combustion and efficiency. The engine features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its responsive nature. The 200 horsepower output is achieved through careful tuning of the engine management system, boosting the turbocharger pressure and optimizing ignition timing. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, providing drivers with full control over the power delivery.
Driving Characteristics
The RCZ 1.6 THP 200 offers a noticeably more engaging driving experience than the lower-powered versions. The 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) of torque, available from 1770 rpm, provides strong acceleration in everyday driving situations. While not a track weapon, the RCZ feels nimble and responsive, particularly on winding roads. The six-speed manual transmission is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, offering precise shifts and a satisfying mechanical feel. Compared to the base 1.6 VTi, the THP model’s turbocharger provides a significant boost in mid-range power, making overtaking maneuvers easier and more confident. The suspension, while tuned for comfort, offers a reasonable level of body control, minimizing roll in corners. However, the front-wheel-drive layout can exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The RCZ 1.6 THP 200 typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as a higher-spec model. Standard features often included climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, and sports seats. The interior typically featured a combination of cloth and leather upholstery. Optional extras included a panoramic glass roof, leather seats, and a premium sound system. The 2013 facelift brought improvements to interior materials, with a greater emphasis on perceived quality. The dashboard layout remained largely unchanged, but the overall ambiance felt more refined.
Chassis & Braking
The RCZ utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance between comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing ample stopping power, while the rear brakes are solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety in emergency braking situations. The RCZ’s chassis is relatively lightweight, contributing to its agile handling characteristics. The steering is a rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP 200 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and relatively affordable price point. However, some critics noted the limited rear passenger space and the compromised visibility due to the coupe’s sloping roofline. Compared to other coupes in its class, such as the Volkswagen Scirocco, the RCZ offered a more distinctive and individualistic design. The THP 200 model provided a significant performance advantage over the base RCZ, while remaining more accessible than more expensive sports coupes. Fuel economy was respectable for a performance-oriented coupe, averaging around 35.1 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The Peugeot RCZ, while not a massive sales success, remains a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking a stylish and engaging coupe. The 1.6 THP engine, while known for some potential issues with carbon buildup if not properly maintained, is generally considered reliable when serviced according to Peugeot’s recommendations. On the used car market, the RCZ 1.6 THP 200 offers a compelling value proposition, providing a good blend of performance, style, and affordability. Its distinctive design and engaging driving dynamics ensure that it continues to attract attention and appreciation from car enthusiasts.
