LAUNCHED to acclaim by its fans the Peugeot RCZ GT hit the road this summer and now it’s piling up the pleasure with the introduction of the automatic version.
The automatic transmission is available only with the 156bhp 1.6-litre engine and provides totally effortless progress or a self-selecting option.
There are no column mounted paddles and the big lever on the console serves as selector for either mode.
The lever moves a little jerkily on the automatic side but its simple nudging forward or backwards in manual mode is much more direct.
Once drive is selected in the automatic setting, the changes are quick and smooth even under hard throttle or braking and you can sharpen them by depressing a sport button on the gear gate.
Unlike some sequential transmissions, the unit in the RCZ had a discernable difference between normal and sport modes. Mixing the driving modes I managed to average over 40mpg without any trouble.
You can really appreciate the RCZ Automatic in urban or open road situations and concentrate on the conditions and safely coping with them.
With the 156bhp engine underfoot there is plenty of power produced from low revs, giving good getaway from standstill and safe overtaking with particularly relaxed motorway cruising at the legal limit.
The RCZ’s composure was one of its memorable features in the manual model I tested some months ago, but it is even more refined in the automatic.
There is very little mechanical noise under acceleration or cruising and what sound there is happens to be a pleasant note.
It is a surprisingle large car and roomier than its closest rival 2+2 but you can only put small children in the back pair of seats because of limited legroom. I think most users will end up putting oddments on the back seat as storage space in front is restricted to door bins, glovebox and console compartments and they are not large.
Thankfully, the boot is fairly generous with a low sill, and it’s long and wide if not very deep. A handy net is fitted to secure smaller items in the back and it takes from 384 to 760 litres.
Big doors and front seats give good access and are comfortable with a wide adjustment range and matched to the height adjustable column the driving position is good for anyone.
The refinement of the powertrain is matched by that of the steering and brakes and they instil confidence in any driver.
Good responses to the controls are matched by excellent handling and road-holding with noticeable understeer on tighter turns quickly being corrected by lifting off the throttle.
Secondary controls are partly hidden by the very thick spokes to the steering wheel but the dials are all infront of the driver and depending on the height of the steering column and wheel most are clearly visible.
Heating and ventilation is straightforward, electric windows help as well, but there is no sunroof in the double-bubble roof.
Like the best of sports cars with a longer pedigree than the RCZ, the newcomer manages to fit around the driver in a very reassuring and effective manner. It rides well over all surfaces and soaks up bumps without complaint.
Add to these features its head-turning styling and price and you can see why Peugeot has very high expectations of success for its new sophisticated sportster.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot RCZ Sport THP 156 Auto
Price: £21,550
Mechanical: 156bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 132mph
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Combined mpg: 40
Insurance group: 28
CO2 emissions: 168g/km
BIK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles