Some people call me shallow. But that’s not really related to this car review.
Except that, despite the job I do, I tend to think about cars based on their looks. And once I have driven one, until I drive one with a different engine or specification, I always assume that they are all the same. Even though they obviously aren’t!
So, having driven the 1.6 petrol RCZ I have always felt a little apologetic for liking and recommending it. While it can handle like a sports car and looks like a supercar, it feels just a little bit family hatchback to drive; the clutch and gear change are flimsy like the 308 family hatchback, which reminds you that you are in a Peugeot.
From that point on, you see more and more little details that start you on a one-way path of disappointment; like buying a suit that you thought was tailor-made, only to discover that it is tailored off-the-peg.
The 2.0 HDI diesel however, is a totally different driving experience. The clutch is heavy with a low bite-point. Not so heavy you’ll have to employ a permanent physiotherapist for your ankle, but firm enough to make pulling away fun. Of course, it’s not so much the change of clutch as change of engine, and the more gutsy torque curve of the diesel engine that allows you to beat a boy racer away from the lights.
It feels well-mated with the firm and neutral steering that allows you to hold the car, perfectly poised, through fast sweeping corners. It is this engine-gearbox combination which makes the RCZ seem complete and totally satisfying – making it a credible rival to Nissan’s 370Z.
There is no downside to pay for selecting the ‘driver’s engine’ either. I spent three hours on the M1 and the car felt refined, relaxing, quiet. The fuel consumption is excellent and as you will read later the prices and average mileages all make financial sense too.
When asked if I recommend the RCZ, I used to have to look down at my feet to mumble, ‘well yes because it looks pretty and handles well and has lots of kit.... but it feels a bit naff like a hatchback around town.’
Now, I can emphatically say, ‘In diesel? Absolutely, yes! You don’t need to pay the extra for an Audi TT badge, the RCZ is just as good but much better value.’
Call me shallow now.
What’s the market like?
Interestingly, both the 1.6 turbo petrol and the 2.0 HDI diesel are depreciating at the same steady rate. A one year old example of either will cost around £11,000, despite the average mileage of the petrols being dramatically lower at just 6,000 while the diesel has an average mileage of double that.
The RCZ depreciation will probably pick up around 3 years old, so for the bargain hunter the best is yet to come, but it’s not going to be an earth shattering saving. These cars are so stylish that we expect prices to remain firm for some time to come.
Summary
A nifty sports car, which with the Diesel engine, really is a TT beater in all but name.