Peugeot RCZ Launched in Malaysia

24 May 2011 - More than just a concept car which has become a reality, the Peugeot RCZ marks a new chapter in the history of Peugeot "lifestyle vehicles". Its expressive and innovative styling, its luxurious interior, its efficient and environmentally- friendly engines and the driving enjoyment they create will project the Marque into a future which promises to be more exciting than ever.

The Peugeot RCZ has been launched at the Bangsar Shopping Centre in KL moments ago. This 2+2 coupe comes in two versions – a 156 hp/240 Nm variant paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a hotter 200 hp/275 Nm model with a 6-speed manual.

Both are turbocharged and direct injected 1.6-litre engines from the Prince family, but the 200 hp unit adds on variable valve lift over the standard VVT. The manual, which makes its 275 Nm of torque from just 1,700 rpm, does 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The 156 hp auto does the same in 8.4 seconds. Top speed is 237 km/h for the manual and 213 km/h for the auto.

Feature wise, the Austrian made RCZ comes with dynamic xenons (with washers), dynamic rear wing with two levels, 19-inch alloys, auto headlights and wipers, Nappa leather (dashboard is leather lined as well), electric seats (with memory for driver) and a six-speaker JBL audio system (with 240W amp).

The manual gets some added kit, which includes a smaller diameter steering wheel, larger cluster display and larger 340 mm brake discs (from 302 mm). It also has a lower anti collision bar and special hub carriers that are claimed to offer sharper handling. There’s also enhanced engine acoustics over the 156 hp engine.

Braking, meanwhile, is powerful and durable and is assured by generously dimensioned ventilated discs with a diameter of 302 mm and a thickness of 26 mm on the 1.6 litre THP 147 kW (200 bhp) engine notably of 340x30mm. All models are equipped with rear brake discs with a diameter of 290x12 mm.

To facilitate manoeuvres on steep gradients, all versions of the Peugeot RCZ come with Hill Assist. This function is coupled as standard with ESP which, except on versions with an automatic gearbox, includes an intelligent traction control system (a sophisticated ASR which automatically adapts the traction of both front wheels according to the available grip levels), and of course dynamic stability control (DSC), electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). The DSC, ASR and EBA functions can be disconnected simultaneously (ESP Off) so that experienced and demanding drivers can fully exploit the car's capabilities.

Two colours are available – Pearlescent White and Haria Grey. The RCZ is priced at RM218,888 for the 156 hp automatic and RM223,888 for the 200 hp manual (OTR prices with insurance). Both cars will be displayed at BSC throughout this weekend, so head here for some live viewing.