CUT-PRICE TT

       Peugeot's stunning al-new coupe' remains faithful to the concept car showcased two years ago,and shamelessly apes the looks of the Audi TT
       MOTORING
       Why is Peugeot following the footsteps of Audi?
       Over the years,Motoring has learned from the people at Peugeot that the French have a desire to offer some levels of premium in special cars - and they have long looked at Audi's design themes as well as their cabins.That's why the new RCZ looks so much like Audi's highly successful TT.
       Haven't I seen the RCZ before?
       Yes you did. It was first showcased as a concept car two years ago as the RC-Z Concept.And the market-ready version you see here remains utterly faithful to the concept (note that two-tier waistline and bubbly body surfacing) and will make its world premiere in Frankfurt next month alongside a diesel/electric hybrid prototype (see sidebar).
       The front end looks so 308-like...
       Right, that's because the RCZ is based on the 308. The Platform 2- also used by Citroe'n -has been modified for the RCZ to accommodate a 20mm lower ride height and 54mm wider front and 72mm wider rear tracks.Apart from enhanced driving dynamics, such alterations give the RCZ an athletic appearance - its key selling point.
       Would you give a hoot to drive it?
       We can't make a judgement yet. But judging from the conventional strut/torsion beam suspension layout and front-wheel drive arrangement, the RCZ should drive like any other 308- albeit with slightly sportier attitude because the wider tracks and lower ride height do provide chassis engineers the space to deliver it.
       What will be powering the RCZ?
       Peugeot has announced three engines for the car: a 200hp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit and a milder 156hp version, with a sixspeed automatic transmission to choose, aside the standard six-speed manual. The 200hp, in particular, has 225Nm of torque from just 1,700rpm with an overboost function to temporarily increase grunt to 275Nm.
       These engines sound familiar...
       The basic engine block is used extensively in other 308s and the 3008 crossover as well.In fact, it is jointly developed by Peugeot and BMW's Mini. You can find this engine in the Cooper, Cooper S and JCW, the last producing a high-ish 211hp.
       Isn't there a diesel for the RCZ?
       Definitely, given its popularity in Europe where it has already made inroads into sports cars like the TT. The diesel the RCZ gets is a 163hp 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. But unlike in several other 308 applications, there is no sixspeed automatic gearbox to choose from. This means that the only version that could make the RCZ sell in Thailand is the 156hp petrol variant.
       And when is it coming to Thailand?
       Most likely in the second half of 2010. The Thai Peugeot office is known to be keen in selling the RCZ since it knows it can price the car well below the TT, which is priced just slightly under B5m. The RCZ could be priced within the B3m range if there is enough support from the parent firm. It should be a cut-price TT alternative.
       Or the poor man's Cayman, you could say...
       Perhaps, because the obvious highlight of the RCZ would be its appearance. Buyers are unlikely to give a hoot about the RCZ's small rear seats (yes, it's a 2+2) or about how fast the car can go. Read: looking cool at a third the price of the Porsche Cayman. But, these two cars can't be compared in terms of image.
       Then a diesel RCZ should do the trick...
       Sure, it would have been a formidable combination if there was an automatic option for the HDI version. It's not only economical at 18kpl, but also the torquiest with 340Nm.But there are still good reasons to sell the base petrol version: it's refined when tootling around Siam Paragon, while it's going to be the cheapest RCZ - that's going to be important to earn that cut-price TT moniker.
       RCZ Hybrid under study
       Making its debut alongside the RCZ in Frankfurt next month will be a hybrid prototype boasting the model range's 2.0-litre diesel/electric combination.
       The 163hp RCZ Hybrid is claimed to emit just 95g/km and capable of 27kpl,thanks to having the lightest and most aerodynamic body of the 308 model range.
       While the diesel motor conventionally drives the front wheels, an electric motor propels the rear ones. This means that the RCZ can temporarily be 4WD, or even RWD when driven purely in electric mode although for only a short period of time at slow speeds.
       The first model from Peugeot to get diesel/electric hybrid is the 3008 due 2011 before other 308s including the RCZ would be considered for the showroom.