2014 Peugeot RCZ-R - Is France's Flawed Beauty a Future Classic?

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Today, a look at an often overlooked French sports car - the most powerful 1.6L ever made at its launch, the Peugeot RCZ-R. Future classic, or best forgotten?
#Peugeot #RCZ #Turbo
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[@JayEmmOnCars]

CarVertical: The History Checking Service Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount! www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/v3?b=1e4c9523&a=JayEmm&voucher=jayemm&chan=jayemm

[@YusufGinnah]

Disclaimer: My musings here may be a little biased, just maybe... As somebody that instantly fell in love with the design of the Audi TT from it's inception and thereafter owning a few of them over the years... I could never get past the roofline of the RCZ when seen in profile. It isn't borrowed off the Audi, they've just straight up copied Audi's homework. So the question remains, would you prefer the real deal or be content with Fake TT's?? 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣🤣 Cheers guys

[@daniellantos26]

I am better off with the 407 coupe 3.0

[@gerryr1893]

I’ve got the same Walmart shirt 😂

[@lostgps3005]

The inner child in me dislikes that the R version removed the moving spoiler, but in reality probably a good thing since it's one less thing to go wrong

[@ImReqularr]

Looks nicer than the moving one. But enjoy your 10 likes

[@kiserleti4d4s]

You buy these kind of cars for your inner child :)

[@ashleyfletcher7390]

@@dtrain1634 doesn't count if you thrash them to death😄

[@gerrybailey447]

It's been around for ten years now and I still can't make up my mind on whether I like it or not, kinda reminds me of that vw coupe from the 60s or 70s just the modern equivalent.

[@mrkiplingreallywasanexceed8311]

Not to mention it probably raised at 70mph, this conveniently advising the rozzers that you are exceeding the speed limit....I worked for VAG for 19 years from the mid Nineties and recall that being an issue with the Corrado!🫤

[@iainmantle1373]

Up until 4 years ago I worked for Peugeot for nearly 30 years so as you can imagine I saw a lot of changes. The RCZ was one of the best designs they had at the time, and the amount of Audi TT's we had traded against them certainly confirmed Peugeot really did have a winner. I do personally believe this car will definitely be a future classic.

[@tastypymp1287]

Complete BS. Nobody was trading TTs for these. Hype it all you like mate, this is no classic.

[@richardharrold9736]

​@@tastypymp1287 I can confirm Iain is correct. This was a close competitor to the TT and swayed a lot of TT owners who were more concerned with style than loyalty to a then very tarnished brand.

[@tastypymp1287]

@@richardharrold9736 Citation needed.

[@bazzmundo]

@@tastypymp1287some other thread on here calls it the Aldi TT..

[@tastypymp1287]

@@bazzmundo LOL!! Excellent nickname!

[@chickentonight22]

One of the more intriguing cars from Peugeot, really considered one of these years ago, and it's aged well

[@BlueHopi144]

we still have plenty for sale in second hand over here in France / Belgium which is very exciting . Most are sold with small mileage around 10 K and above and that sounds very accessible . The RCZ-R is rarer and can be found around 30 K Euros .

[@barbarusbloodshed6347]

Hmmm, I think I'd have to disagree. It looks very, very much like a product of its time and in no way "timeless". I can't see this becoming a classic.

[@dondraper2344]

@@barbarusbloodshed6347 I couldn't disagree more. Opinions mate, everybody's got one.

[@mac16a]

I'd love to have 907 one day....

[@barbarusbloodshed6347]

@@dondraper2344 yeah, but I studied that stuff, art and design. I've worked as a designer for more than ten years. I think I know what I'm talking about and it's not just an opinion. ^^ Without going too much into detail, the main reason this isn't a classic in the making is the fact that it is overloaded, a thing common at the time. Lots of manufacturers fell into the trap of "we can do it, so let's do it"... The technologies to shape metals in all kinds of extravagant forms made a leap in the early 2000s and some brands went pretty nuts with their designs. While maybe fun at the time and a welcome change to your eyes from what had come before the appeal of a classic design lies in a few strong lines. As soon as the design becomes too playful it loses all potential to be a classic. Not that a classic design has to be minimalist, but there's definitely that tendency of "less is more". That's why the Audi TT of that same era is a far superior design and will become a classic. The lines are very similar but way stronger because there are just way less of them. There aren't any distractions from those lines on a second gen TT.

[@frenchbred2081]

I have had my RCZ-R for many years now. It’s been awesome and trouble free. The only issue has been the calipers which I stripped and put the stainless pistons in and then replaced the discs and pads. It looks great, goes well and is comfortable and economical on a run. I only use it over summer and weekends so if doesn’t get much use but has covered 76,000 miles without an issue. I think it will be a future classic as most of them are holding over 50% of their value after 10 years. The handling and power is great and with the limited slip diff they corner so well. Another great video by again and strange you should compare the weight of this car with the 360 Challenge Stradale which is another car that I own! Keep up the good reviews and people seriously go and try and drive one of these they are great.

[@Luceq]

My 308 gti got turbo problems 0:57

[@TWCHHK]

Support above coment. Had my R for 4 years now and except for the brakes pistons/calipers, had no issue so far. It's fun to drive, comfortable over long rides (>3h) and economical when driven accordingly.

[@edwardurbaczewski7072]

My 2013 RCZ handles very well but the ride is too hard on our crappy Australian roads - tyres are 245/40/19 ... Am considering fitting 225/55/18 tyres to improve the ride ... Ed

[@ohyesitsme]

@@edwardurbaczewski7072 I think you might need new wheels as well 😁

[@Flavio_rcz]

My rcz kzbin.infoLcKaSF-w5JI?si=pJGJDe9Vbf4rxnkD

[@rf2120]

I've had my 156hp RCZ for 12 years . Still a stunning looking car that attracts attention. Still puts a smile on face driving her.

[@dasaweet1]

Doesn’t its engine break down so often?

[@solarflare2199]

156hp is the worst engine EVER made

[@Sly_Wolf_1]

​@@solarflare2199I assume you're speaking from personal experience having owned many?

[@Sly_Wolf_1]

​@@dasaweet1Why, has yours? We've had almost nine years of perfect and reliable ownership.

[@solarflare2199]

@@Sly_Wolf_1 owned a 207 RC with that engine many years ago , selled right in time ! HUGE timing chain issues , was still on warranty.The new owner have totally rebuild the engine with fully forged internals , he still got it , is a freakin beast like a full stage 3 , but when was mine was a real worring car , i was like never relaxed about reliability. Such a pity it's an astonishing little aggressive car , loved the design ! Now i got an outstanding , fabolous RCZ-R tuned to 305hp from 5 years , 103k km's , that latest version of the thp Prince engine is just fantastic ! Got only one issue with the HPFP stock , which is a garbage piece of crap , changed with a proper race part from 208 Rally , changed the air filter with a k&n , new red race coils + ecu remapped to 100 octane fuel. It's an insane , underrated car , and for a 1.6 liter its just MAD how it goes straight to 265 without a single issue in erogation ( it weights only 1250 kgs 😍 )

[@DuelingPeaks]

Just bought one and I'm absolutely in love it. Goes like an absolute rocket with zero drama. Looks incredible, sounds well, has just enough refinement, and returns 45+ mpg on motorway journeys with cruise control. Cheaper to insure than my Fiesta ST as well. Okay, there isn't quite as much steering feel, but the car just feels very special overall. It's an absolute joy.

[@neiltully4579]

Totally agree, even after 5 years I still the way it looks and drives, happy motoring….

[@Renold-sl7lq]

kzbin.infoLcKaSF-w5JI?si=zllPCxxnadeaEBLD

[@clownworld-honk410]

I sit back and admire James's skill of saying all he does about a particular car in pretty much one take. The man has some clear thinking going on. No ums and ers, just facts and figures. 😊

[@bensmithkent22]

Its so underated.

[@philippelemaire2887]

James is very good

[@barbarusbloodshed6347]

@@bensmithkent22 or you might say it's rather shocking how small the percentage of the population has become that is able to speak coherently for more than one or two sentences.

[@clownworld-honk410]

@@barbarusbloodshed6347 err yeh like I sort of know what you mean kinda! 😏

[@dannyflint2607]

And one of the few that doesn’t laugh at the beginning of each video

[@solarflare2199]

Rcz-R @ 300hp owner here. 100.00km's Issues in 5 years ownership : - HPFP changed ( with a waaay better one , stock one is CRAP ) -( EDIT : not needed to do transmission , was just a faulty transmission oil actuator ) - 1 starter engine + 1 battery I just got a K&N panel filter and and ECU remap on 100 octane fuel only. Car is a BEAST for a 1.6 liter and it's meant to be driven changing gears A LOT due to the very short gear ratio. AMAZING daily !!! i love her soo much :)

[@katzicael]

I LOOOOOVE the shape of these so much. I've wanted one of these for years, but rare in New Zealand and expensive for a nice/good one.

[@shadquirk607]

The RCZ is SO COOL. I don't give a shit how it drives, it's one of the only modern car designs that actually stands out in any significant way. It's like a crazy person saw a first gen TT and drew it from memory, adding a huge sporting flair. It's just a crazy car and that makes it awesome by default.

[@tastypymp1287]

Cars are not for you....

[@iandavidson99]

My girlfriend has a low-mileage, base-spec petrol RCZ (not R) the same colour as this one. She loves it and it's been super-reliable! As mentioned here, the inside is a nice place to be and the boot is cavernous too!

[@tastypymp1287]

'Cavernous'....

[@jmydy]

This design is great. Aged so well! Still looks so daring. Just another level than most of modern, boring cars.

[@robchaloner7534]

The 'Aldi' TT tag they got early on made me laugh Never drove an R version but have driven a few petrols and diesels and was impressed tbh, good fun to drive and handled nicely. The extended leather interior was nice :D

[@superjody]

Aldi tt 😂😂😂😂 Never heard that before 😂😂😂😂 actually sat here laughing my head off 😂😂

[@cogboy302]

I was going to mention the ALDI TT nickname, but you beat me to it. Funnily enough, RCZ owners weren't too impressed by that tag.

[@richardharrold9736]

​@@cogboy302surely it would have to be a Carréfour TT anyway? Given that Aldi is German...

[@tonyb1223]

I have owned my RCZR since new, so over 9 years now, she has been pretty reliable, fed on V Power from day 1, stuck to the servicing schedule from Peugeot with just a change of gearbox/diff oil as an extra (so plugs every year etc), and mine was the last of the first batch that were for sale. Issues that I have had, please note mine still has a Peugeot extended warranty, so one of the biggest problems are the calipers, mine were replaced under warranty, the pistons are a mild steel and they do rust, you can replace these with an upgraded version done by Godspeed. Godspeed also do a brake disc/hub for a very decent price, even the dealers can get you a set of discs if you ask them nicely, it shouldn't cost you more than 1k for a pair, not quite as eye watering as having to replace the calipers at £800 each. I have also had to replace the starter motor, as that failed, and the ecu, again not a common issue but these were covered by the warranty. Otherwise it has been happy motoring, no issue with the timing chain/tensioner, I do check the oil on a regular basis though, which is one of the issues around tensioner failure, low oil, as the tensioners are pressure operated. The turbo is a larger twin scroll unit, these are not sequential, it is just one turbo, there is a little lag, you get to learn how to drive around it, you have sedate mode, below 2.5k or more enthusiastic mode, above 4k, but unlike a lot of new cars out there, you don't have any driving modes to spoil the fun, it just goes with how much pressure you put on the fast pedal to how you like to drive the car. The power delivery is VERY linear, it may not seem to push you back in your seat, but you look down and see how fast you are going, you may shock yourself, considering it is only a 1.6 with a quoted 330nm (a fairly understated torque figure from what we have seen from this engine, most push out another 40-50nm on average), it can go pretty quickly. Fuel economy is very good, I have had over 50mpg, I average 44ish on a run, have seen people get 55mpg but they are doing 45-50mph for those sort of figures, even at 90mph, you are still in the mid-low 30mpg range, which is quite amazing for a car with 270ps. Overall it is a very good, if a little flawed car, will it be a classic? Yes, that is for sure, the fact that a good one will retain over half its value over 9 years down the line, pretty much tells you that, my dealer keeps wanting me to sell it back to them, they know it will go and they know what the history is of it, but there are crashed versions out there, along with ones that were used as track cars from new, those you need to watch out for, as well as ones not well maintained as these need the spark plugs replacing every year, and those are not cheap and only available from your local Peugeot dealer.

[@frenchbred2081]

Just added my reply above and I fully agree with yours!

[@davidfoster3814]

I’m intrigued by your checking the engine oil on a regular basis comment . From that I assume you don’t rely on the digital oil level ok / not ok dashboard indicator but do the old fashioned manual checks . Not a bad idea ! I have a RCZ 200 which I like and has for me been fun, reliable , economical and different. I wish the seating position was better though and would prefer it’s first 5 gears to have higher ratios , 4th in my wife’s old mini one is equivalent to 5th in my RCZ.

[@frenchbred2081]

@@davidfoster3814 the dipstick on these cars as well as some of the 208 gti/308 gti are really hard to read so I swapped mine for a mini one that’s easier to read. Nothing better than doing a manual check for piece of mind!

[@davidfoster3814]

Thanks FB.

[@tonyb1223]

@@davidfoster3814 Never rely on the digital level, always check it manually, most of these digital readings will say ok all the way down to below the level on the dip stick, by this time it can already be too late for engines like the EP6 which are very oil level sensitive, and as the chain tensioner works on oil pressure, it can cause excessive wear and hence you get problems with it. There is also the added issues that short journeys have on oil consumption, the more short trips you do, the higher the oil consumption can be, hence still check it manually, along with all the other levels under the bonnet :)

[@prathameshghatol1230]

I live in Berlin, i see these cars many times and its just a Beauty to look at😍♥️

[@jerryorange6983]

My neighbour used to have 2 of them. Black and white. Beautiful cars in and out. They were like a better nicer version of Audi TT.

[@leccy9901]

I had a 208gti when i was younger, a 2015 plate, got it brand new. Had the same engine as this. Come with just over 200bhp as standard. Very little lag in that one though, but i must say they really did improve the engine. I got mine as a side project, pumping it full of power and getting a body kit on it. Think max power magazine days. That 1.6litre engine when fully forged and given a huge turbo got up to nearly 500bhp. Yes, nearly 500. I drove it all over the place, giving it the thrashing it needed. Even a weekend at the ring was not enough to bring it to its knees. I put 50k of very hard miles on that car. And it loved every second of it. I sold it on to a freind, its now just over 8 years old, de tuned down to about 300bhp and has recently got up to 100k miles. Still rock solid. Considering where that engine started with mini / bmw, pegeout really did massively improve it. Never knew the rczr had the same one in. They are pretty bullet proof if looked after. It's very lucky im an electrical engineer, though. As the electrical faults on my 208 were never ending, random, and the main dealer wouldn't touch the car after the mods. The rczr is now definitely on my to buy list of cars. Thankyou!

[@rjbiker66]

I had a 208gti for 6 yrs and had no real issues. Certainly far less than the Polo Gti that replaced it. Now thats been a dissappointment.

[@varmastiko2908]

@@rjbiker66Sadly the German brands all decided to ditch their high engineering quality after year 2000. Now German cars are no longer an option for the informed enthusiast.

[@solarflare2199]

Differences between 208GTI engine and R are HUGE.

[@leccy9901]

@@solarflare2199 really? Wow! Arnt you a clever little boy! Well done 👏

[@DuelingPeaks]

500bhp from a 1.6 is absolutely insane. What did you do to it to achieve that sort of power, and do you have any pictures/videos? I feel like I need to see it!

[@marklotinga]

I loved my RCZ, sure it wasn't an R but nonetheless l rarely saw another on the road, and yes, l had more conversations about that bubble roof than any other car l have owned. Future classique? Well, maybe, l would say it's a real possibility it being so rare in the first place. If you are considering buying one, l say, go for it!

[@andrashoffmann7522]

The handling of this car is just astonishing, im hungarian, and on youtube theres a hungarian car channel called laptiming, where a couple guys take various cars around the same tight little track, and the RCZR still holds the FWD record there, just awesome.

[@tastypymp1287]

FWD record compared to what? What were the other challengers?

[@andrashoffmann7522]

@@tastypymp1287 plenty of megane rs cups and any fwd hothatch you can imagine

[@tastypymp1287]

@@andrashoffmann7522 Ford RS Focus?

[@tastypymp1287]

@@andrashoffmann7522 You see, the reason this car might be quickest on test is because manufacturers have actually moved from FWD toward AWD. And arw thus quicker. So it's the best of the obsoletes.... Not much of an accolade, is it.

[@andrashoffmann7522]

@@tastypymp1287 the newer megane rs trophies are not old cars at all... And they held or still hold the nurburgring FWD record

[@TheJonboyg]

You are literally the only car review channel I watch now, thank you for you attention to what people should care about on all levels, about such a wide variety of interesting cars, it’s great that I can watch you review cars I owned in my 20’s, cars I liked and never owned, cars I might buy as well as cars I dream of owning. I had a love affair with mark 2 MR2’s, so I can’t wait for you to review the new mr2 if it happens!

[@tastypymp1287]

That's sad.

[@asimmalik6378]

Having driven both an RCZ R and 308 GTI which has the same engine, the performance of that engine is one of the real highlights. The 308 was comfortably quicker than the i30 N which I also test drove when looking for a hot hatch recently. I can only assume there was something wrong with this particular car if James thought it didn't feel like all of 270bhp. Most people are surprised they only have 270bhp because of the performance on offer.

[@jonathanw11]

Or it could be that the RCZ-R just isn't a fast car, especially in 2023.

[@asimmalik6378]

@@jonathanw11 It's of course all relative. I've driven and owned faster cars than the RCZ R. The RCZ R is a quick car, for comparison it's in gear acceleration is on par with a Mk7 Golf R.

[@leonardoserafini5231]

i have a regular one, buti know a lot of people that have them and i can assure you most of these engines put out far less power than they should, i've seen a couple of them on the dyno and usually they dont go over 245 hp, mapped tho, thats a different story, they can make easyly 300 hp with no mods and 320/330 with just an intake and full exaust. idk about the longevity tho, i've had to rebuild my 156thp but i know thats mostly a problem with that specific engine

[@stevenharrison9257]

@@jonathanw11 It's not as quick as my 2018 Skoda Superb.

[@jonathanw11]

@@stevenharrison9257 nothing beats a 2018 Superb!

[@antonmealy168]

Always reminded me of the VW Kharman Ghia, a stylish cruiser/personal coupe & am sure ordinary models could offer unrivaled style for the money now.

[@h-hj8hl]

My dad had one. Always said that it used to drive like a go-kart!

[@LankyLowery]

I have the 308 GTI and after owning a mk7gti and an i30n, I can easily say it's the most underrated and performance focused hot hatch there is. Mine always surprises so many people. Would love to see you cover one

[@krisnadiimam4556]

even the lowly 206 1.4xsi is really something when compared to the jazz / yaris of that era.

[@skippylegrandgourou2069]

Peugeot is good at making amazing chassis but the 1.6 THP from BMW is a POS.

[@aquilino1984]

It's funny how some people speak about Peugeot being unreliable, but drive a VAG or BMW themselves. Those aren't more reliable 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

100% , I've had many Peugeot's and not on has broke down, including an RCZ

[@varmastiko2908]

Most people believe what media says. And media says what their advertisers want them to. German brands still have premium image even though they stopped making quality cars 20 years ago.

[@dh1380]

It is mostly pot luck. My BMW did not miss a beat ever. My Audi had lots of minor niggles. My Toyota blew up... Go figure. My aversion to Pugeot comes from my mother having had a few of them and all of them experiencing electrical issues.

[@GadgetyMV]

The looks remind me of the 1955 VW Karmann Ghia coupe, which explains why the boot is so massive, as they moved the engine to the front. Meanwhile JayEmm's description sounds more like the French equivalent of the American "personal luxury coupe", something meant to be a bit more exclusive than its platform siblings, a nice place to spend your time, goes reasonably well, low cost, with little in terms of driver interaction, feel and excitement and no drama.

[@askrs]

Had one. Wasn't the most sophisticated thing in the world, but absolutely flew out of roundabouts ripping through second and third gear. Still looks sensational on the road, and it was always getting double-takes from people. I didn't drive any others, but mine really didn't enjoy being in temps over 20c; after as little as 10minutes spirited driving on even just country roads I'd get a warning flash up about oil temperature and it went into limp mode more than once. The price of sticking a whopping great turbo on a small engine I suppose. Like I say, unsophisticated but I still look at pictures of it to this day and the roadtrips I had in it. Although, I often had the bonnet up on those roadtrips to cool the engine xD. Definitely felt quick enough on UK roads, and it put every single one of its horses down. I remember it fondly, but just always had an inkling in the back of my mind that it could go bang lmao. Also just to add, I did once carry two adults a (very) short distance in the back seats, and the boot is strangely enormous for a car of its type.

[@faragogyorgy88]

I had a regular RCZ for over 5 years. It was amazing. I loved every bit of that car although it had issues no lies here, but after 80k miles still running. No breakdowns. Cheap parts, economical (156bhp). I had the mainstream hpfp issue and electrical anomalies but nothing broke the bank! I would buy it again. I wanted an R but I was afraid that the engine would fell apart as it stretched to its limits im sure.

[@philippelemaire2887]

The R engines ate more reliable normally

[@gingerguyful]

I have the 147kw model. Hugely enjoyable. Draws near constant attention everywhere i go. Very reliable.

[@tastypymp1287]

Doubt it! I've never seen a crowd around one of these.

[@gingerguyful]

@@tastypymp1287 What do you know. You disqualified druid Crack hair

[@tastypymp1287]

@@gingerguyful Right. You wanna give that another shot mate? I'll be charitable for people with your disadvantages.

[@JamalPennant]

Iv got this exact model and spec, not had any issues at all over the 5 years of ownership and 75k on the clock. Out of caution of it having the same engine as the mini i change the timing chain. Been taking it on track days around the uk and the ring and planning to keep it for a long time.

[@sportzntouring]

Fun fact... These were used by MSV for track tuition at Brands Hatch. A young Damani Marcano, as seen on JayEmm & Friends, did his National B racing licence test in one of these aged 16!

[@varmastiko2908]

There's no sequential turbocharging here. It's a single turbo with a twin-scroll turbine.

[@samist4339]

The brakes on the 308 GTI are much cheaper but are practically the same as the RCZ-R. However, still around 1k to change the front brakes 😅

[@gunnarliljas8459]

It is a beauty. Especially in that colour.

[@andrewgee5608]

A '99 Mercury Cougar and an Audi TT had a 'special' night together, you can't unsee it now,

[@colindeller3709]

Good to see one of these reviewed. And like your unbiased view on it. I oh so nearly bought one at one point but in the end bought an E86 Z4 coupe, which I think you are absolutely right, has so much more engagement and drama about it. When I test drove an R it felt a nice place, it felt nice all round, but not exciting. I also looked at the reliability of an N52 engine vs the Prince option and it was a no brainer...

[@NZGlenn]

Just watched your earlier RCZ vid yesterday, as one has been parked outside my house for a few days. You said then you wanted to review an R, and a day later here we are! Thanks James, great channel 👍

[@nonamenameless5495]

I got a soft spot for the RCZ esp for its quirkyness and the fact that it s genuinely a rare sight and thought the package was really promising so I m fairly shocked given the engine issues and the cost of the brakes...am not familiar with UK prices but after what you and others quite regularly mention regarding other cars, esp Porsche or Ferraris, your prices commonly are the same or actually quite a bit lower than what we get here in continental Europe. I had my brakes for the Cayman done at the official dealership and that cost 1500Eur... I also expected the RCZ to be rock solid given whatever left Magna Steyr s factory is commonly known to be very good or even great in terms of build quality.

[@frenchbred2081]

They are rock solid myself and several others I know have them without any issues. I think it’s the same with any car talk to enough people and you will find problems. I work for a Japanese brand that I won’t name but we are having huge issues with some new models!

[@paulklp8262]

​@@frenchbred2081Let me guess, Nissan/Mitsubishi or Toyota

[@frenchbred2081]

@@paulklp8262 non of those!

[@IamtheLordofDoom]

Been a Peugeot driver for all of the ten years I've been on the road - a 307, a 206, a 308 (all boggo) and now a 61' plate 308 GT THP 200 with all the extras. I bought it for being the devil you know, and because it had electric folding wingmirrors and a panoramic sunroof. I didn't even realise it had a turbo when I got it home and so laggy/unexciting is the turbo response at normal revs it took me a couple of days for the penny to drop :) (no, I didn't know or guess what THP stands for... it's French, after all lol). It's no surprise then that the RCZ R with the even more tuned version of my GT 200 engine is much the same in character. And honestly I could say that with 33% more power on tap it wouldn't bother me. You get used to torque steer easily enough and - yes - these cars brake well. I also enjoy the driving on country roads, love the interior and am just pretty happy. No doubt mine, low mileage as it for its age, will break down at some point but that's a bridge I'll cross (yet again...) another time. Anyway, I truly would love either the Red Carbon version or a late model RCZ R and yes, as a daily driver. I'd save my 308 GT for the weekend/family trips and for project work/tuning. We also want the 308SW as a family wagon too - for the money, the best cheap 5-seat estate car and of course, better the devil you know!

[@IamtheLordofDoom]

The appearance is also something that has grown on me over the years. I originally hated their looks, considering them a bit ridiculous and, yes, awkward. But that roof and all the curves have grown on me since, and now I consider them to be both beautiful and just iconoclastic enough to be interesting. However good the engineering in a 370Z, they look nowhere near as good in my eyes.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

"It's a Peugeot after all." In the Top Gear reviews of the 90s, Peugeot is considered a synonym for fun handling car.

[@richardpearson6329]

Iv had my RCZ R for over 8 years, and the only problem I have had is a faulty door lock. Owned Audi TT,s in the past & have had more issues. Won't be Selling, its a keeper, recommend Michelin 4s tyres, transforms the car

[@edwardurbaczewski7072]

Did you find the ride too harsh ? My 2013 RCZ rides hard on our crappy Australian roads - what sort of Michelin do you recommend ??? Ed

[@richardpearson6329]

​@@edwardurbaczewski7072, yes the ride can be harsh, similar to many sports cars... Michelin 4S, better than the Goodyear

[@varmastiko2908]

Nice to hear, though being better than an Audi isn't much of a praise. These do seem to be good cars though if you skip the 156 version.

[@davidhayes4814]

Such a lovely looking, purposeful car. They were never intended to be a track car and in 200ps form were not priced up to be. Really nice.

[@flanners41]

they were, given the name Racing Zagato Concept and they had their own race series in France. RCZ Racing Cup

[@richardharrold9736]

​@@flanners41 I did wonder if the double bubble indicated any connection to Zagato! But as far as I know this was designed in-house at Peugeot's design studio?

[@flanners41]

@@richardharrold9736 it was a concept based car....in-house by Boris Reinmoller/Peugeot Sport...the Peugeot Le Mans winning car had a double bubble type rear and there are some argue design cues from that winning car in the design of the RCZ. Reinmoller indicated it was based on a lion ready to pounce!? Bespoke nature engineering and design of the car completely missing from this crap/soundbite review imo. Thankfully there are better more accurate than this garbage by Autocar Evo etc

[@richardharrold9736]

@@flanners41 Autocar and Evo are a load of pretentious charlatans. Constantly contradicting themselves from one review to the next. James pointed this phenomenon out in the Alpina XD3 review. Mentioned how everyone liked the Ferrari California when it came out then rubbished it when the successor California T was unveiled... and how Evo did a head-to-head of a Lotus Exige versus a Nissan GT-R then handed the win to (predictably) a Porsche 911 that wasn't even there on the test. If you want to know what a car is actually like to drive and live with in the real world, JayEmm is the best reviewer in the business. Anyway, there is no bespoke engineering in the RCZ, it's a styling exercise on a 308, nothing more.

[@flanners41]

@@richardharrold9736 or conversely drive it yourself...and actually research the car chap......another jayemm fan boy

[@igormac88]

I think the only real purpose of the RCZ is to be a beautiful sight on the world's roads. And it does that beautifully.

[@jacobboni3889]

Really interesting car. The story at the Peugeot dealership doesn't surprise me. Everyone says the main dealers are best as they quote know the cars inside out. I for one, have found specialists to be FAR more knowledgeable, and cheaper so in my mind it is a win win. There is also the advantage of supporting a local business. Great video as always, thank you

[@PatrickTCAPIreland]

I was looking at a regular one of these when I was in the process of buying my similarly named CRZ, I probably made the right choice for my wallet as the Honda is my only car, I prefer the way it looks but I can’t deny these things are cool!

[@waldevv]

I've always loved the coupes and CC models Peugeot has made, bit of a shame they've stopped doing that. My first car was a 206 CC which I swapped to a 407 coupe V6 and I recently acquired a 207 CC with the 1.6 turbo as a summer car and I love them. Been thinking about getting an RCZ as well but I don't want to get rid of either of my cars right now and I don't have more space They're pretty rare and stand out from other cars but still have the usual parts from other Peugeots so they're easy to find parts for, and they go for almost nothing (I paid less than 2500€ for my 207 CC which the previous owner spent almost 2 grand on lowering springs and 19" rims the year before)

[@HirooKoslov]

I considered one of these, but I ended up getting a 308 GTi instead. It's got all of the drivetrain and brake goodies, but it's on a new lightweight platform that made it lighter than the RCZ, as well as a further revised engine with even less issues. The brake discs aren't too bad if you know where to look, Peugeot Wrexham run an online store, and they'll sell you genuine discs for £390 each, which isn't too bad compared to other dealers, MTEC and Godspeed also make 2-piece discs as well for a little less. Went with the Godspeed ones in my car, and they have the added benefit of being a genuine 2-piece, so you can replace just the friction part instead of the whole disc like on the OE disc. The original pads are modified Ferodo DS2500 so are worth the £240, but EBC also make fast road pads for these calipers for about half the money. On my car there's a noticeable VVTi lift at 4k rpm; according to the car you get access to the last 70bhp at 4k. So perhaps the engine tuning is a little different compared to the RCZR. As a side note, reliability has been very good. Only engine related part replaced on mine over 85k miles in 6 years, is a pre-cat lambda sensor. Had the timing chain (incl. Tensioner and VVTi sprockets) changed recently for peace of mind, but looking at the old parts it wasn't necessary. But the fact that my car has been enthusiast owned since new, and has had 6k oil change intervals, may of played a part.

[@frenchbred2081]

It’s probably the same, I have the R but ended up having mine walnut blasted now it’s so much better, maybe this one needs doing?!

[@HirooKoslov]

@@frenchbred2081 Yeah, with any direct injection engine carbon is an issue. At that car's age a walnut blast isn't a bad idea.

[@jamesbrooks4060]

I've also got the 308 GTI, which I'm selling. It's about to go in to have a slight rattle from the timing chain looked at, apart from that it's been rock solid for 4 years

[@HirooKoslov]

@@jamesbrooks4060 Yeah, I changed mine for the same reason. It always rattles for like 5 seconds when started cold, even with the new chain, but it started rattling for about a minute instead. Potential timing issues were always at the back of my mind, so I already had the funds squared away. Looking at the old parts, there was a bit of wear on one of the plastic guides, but nothing serious. It was probably the tensioner getting worn and not tightening as quickly as a new one.

[@varmastiko2908]

@@jamesbrooks4060How many miles on the car before it had the chain rattle?

[@23Piccolina]

Jay, thanks for this review cause this car is not sold in the USA and its cool.

[@ianhartley6253]

James, you need to review the 308 GTI. 270 BHP weighing less than the RCZ-R and only 700 left on UK roads. I have one that I'd be happy for you to do a follow up to this video. Let me know

[@JowoHD]

really would love one of these, think they look amazing and are very very cool. this spec is perfection

[@TheKniperlight]

Would love to see a 308 GTi review. Most underrated hot hatch

[@charleshulsey3103]

Peugeot actually raced these in WRC. Not very successful if I remember, but dang what a cool looking race car.

[@tonylee-UK]

The arsey zed has always been a gorgeous car.

[@josephkelly4893]

Always loved that double bubble rear window

[@stephandolby]

It's a shame that the RCZ was retired before it could be revamped using the second generation 308's platform, so it would've been well under 1.3 tons for the R model with the expected improvements to acceleration and economy, as well as the i-Cockpit just to annoy the haters. Salvage Rebuilds UK bought an RCZ last year with an undiagnosed noise, a new engine had been recommended by the previous garage... it was fixed by replacing just the water pump and actuator, along with the auxiliary belt. The actuator is a nice idea in theory as it allows the engine to warm up quicker and as such helps with emissions, but I can only imagine how many vehicles - not just RCZs - with these engines have either had engine replacements or been scrapped. Also, note that most of the issues with the EP6/Prince appear to have been of BMW's making.

[@flanners41]

Did you turn off and drive the car without the ESP on? Fish Brothers Peugeot Parts Direct new set of OE discs are circa £700. Pink dust is the coating applied to turbo heat shield as it degades (due to high temps) easily wiped off. The 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is NOT the co-developed engine with BMW. It is an internal PSA development with the teams of Peugeot Sport and the R & D Group and is handmade in France specific to RCZ R. With forged internal, reinforced block and gearbox. Wheels are specific to the model, as is Torsen, ride height, suspension, camber/toe settings, seats etc. The Cam chain has not been an issue in the facelift models..and not an issue if a correct oil level has been maintained, which is critical. Biggest issue on this car imo and one you don't mention is the High Pressure Fuel Pump....the initial one's fitted are substandard and fail at minimal miles. Don't think the review gives the low down on the design and bespoke nature of the car and as usual is mired in the usual snide comments and prejudgements....values are holding for a decent example at circa £16K. Future classic for sure...but let's face it what won't be......I think PH's summed it up well '£19k buys you a rare, fast, exciting and good-looking coupe which deserved a longer life cycle than it got. The complete opposite of a TT, then.'

[@childrenoflight3010]

My dream car not over the top but just perfect and different

[@user-tn1vc1xz5d]

I always liked it looks, thought the big wheels would help traction, but knew its turbo laggy reputation. Looks good in a deep red.

[@DjDolHaus86]

I love the looks, particularly the earlier ones, I just wish they'd committed to it fully by putting a more characterful engine in the middle

[@TheBadBunny87]

Always said if these had a German badge they'd have sold like hot cakes

[@larssonk22]

Always liked these, still a head turner for me. I remember they did some movie promotions with Terminator with these. I just want to put on lowering springs and put a ridiculous racing wing on it.

[@whalecove1283]

Thanks Jay, that's a car I've been interested in (lusted after) since I laid eyes on it. Loved the OG Audi TT, and this appeared to take the best styling elements and put some Gallic hot sauce on them. Still love to get one on this side of the proverbial pond to try myself. Great report, well done as always.

[@a5cgb]

Lovely looking car and always fancied one. Opted for the more robust audi mk2 tt 3.2 though and haven't regretted it one bit

[@neblolthecarnerd]

I reckon this will be one of the cars i initially hated but end up loving. Definitely has started looking quite better to me than i once thought. How to do the audi tt shape right design wise.

[@DirkWaive]

Lovely looking car 🚗

[@cafe405]

Looks wise this has aged better than the 1st gen TT.

[@jordankaloianov5721]

The mk1 TT had been produced from 1998- 2006 way way before this frankenstain so you just can't compare them, compare it to a Mk 2 TT and then tell me the peugeot is the better car .

[@DuelingPeaks]

​@@jordankaloianov5721I've driven both. The RCZ is much better.

[@OllieduckmanGaming]

I owned one of these R models , while it was fun when it worked it was damn unreliable , usually do 8-10k miles a year and only did 3k and 200 of them was fully working , brake discs are a joke how much they are , mild steel pistons in the callipers that seized , engine rebuild by Peugeot twice and still went wrong again, it was an absolute stunner , 1.6 with 270bhp? That’s just a talking point in itself , shame it was unreliable , great video man ✌️

[@nonamenameless5495]

Tbh, I m genuinely surprised, I always assumed them to be rock solid given the fact that they were built at Magna Steyr, saw this as an asset in the RCZ s favour of an otherwise interesting and quirky car. Is there no way around these horrendous costs like for the brakes? I had mine done on a Cayman- a car that eats this one alive with a smile and that cost 1500Eur at the official dealership...not 2500 quid which would be in the realm of 2800Eur like James mentioned for the RCZ.

[@OllieduckmanGaming]

@@nonamenameless5495 Godspeed brakes do the discs for them now but even then looking at 1.5k 🥲 this is genuine shame as I love that car

[@nonamenameless5495]

@@OllieduckmanGaming It s kinda weird that French cars always had this thing about parts being expensive anywhere outside of France... I remember that even for very mundane French cars sold at reasonable upfront prices, ppl ruled them out coz "oh gee the consecutive costs in parts", I expected this to be tales from a long gone time but here we are it seems. Btw, I originally wanted an A110 not a Cayman...but well, the sheer incompetence or rather ignorance of Alpine s mother Renault made that impossible...it went the way, James famous McLaren story went....

[@nonamenameless5495]

@mipmipmipmipmip seems so given what James said in the vid

[@flanners41]

@@OllieduckmanGaming Fish Brothers/Peugeot Parts Direct do the discs for circa £700 delivered

[@jamessheehy4895]

Your theme music brightens my day

[@spainter1985]

These look pretty great, especially in that colour combination!

[@pk-dn5sj]

I've driven the 308 gti 270 for 48 hours test drive...absolute b road weapon...1200kg on 19's with Torsen and 380mm brakes...there isn't many cars that could attack UK Broads like this car

[@petegarratt1312]

Having owned a R model from new for nearly 10 years now, I would say that’s a pretty fair review. I’m one of the owners who can’t quite find anything comparable from an all round perspective. Whatever like is the luggage carrying ability. There’s no problems going on a fortnights driving holiday.

[@paulgwilliam6323]

Great review as usual and your correct the diesel is the most reliable and have bullet proof engines. And 2014 2015 diesels are around the £9 grand mark and not going down in price. A future classic? Yes most certainly.

[@marcdavis2840]

A diesel, front wheel drive classic of the future - don't hold your breath 😳

[@jaysimpson6857]

@@marcdavis2840Totally agree, what a ridiculous comment.

[@paulgwilliam6323]

@@jaysimpson6857 who's talking about the diesel? I'm stating the diesel is holding it's price as they are rare. Check the classifieds Einstein. RCZR is a future classic as it's rarer.

[@jaysimpson6857]

@@paulgwilliam6323 Most of your comment was specifically referencing the diesel. I get that you were possibly referring to the RCZ-R when you said : “A future classic” but you didn’t mention it, only the diesel. Anyway all is not lost because I didn’t know the diesel RCZ was reliable so I’ll look into it and what or cars share the same engine.

[@Luceq]

I believe it’s going to become a niche classic

[@lostgleammedia]

That car could have been released this year with those looks

[@Whitehart-UK]

Mini/BMW actually used the Prince engine all the way up until 2016 in R59 Roadster, R60 Countryman and R61 Paceman! I've got the N16 Prince in my 2010 R56 Cooper LCI and never had any issues beyond the exhaust VANOS solenoid needing replacing (this is a fairly common issue, I've heard they revised the design of the solenoid a fair few times) at 48,000 miles which only cost £60 and took 10 mins to swap as it's on the front on the engine. It does however only have 120BHP so I imagine that helps somewhat in terms of reliability!

[@bigchief2331]

Prince engine is not as bad as people say , 2010 most of the issue was solved , and then more improvement in years gone by, by 2014 it became very reliable engine.

[@hyper_channel]

It's a beautiful car, I see some on the road here in Spain, although a very small number.

[@boudewynwagener7653]

One stunning and ageless design.

[@coalieroller5663]

michelin in the front, some no name brand in the back. Don't think this specific example would be a good one to judge the RCZ's handling.

[@calibrazxr750]

I have a 2011 GT with 200 bhp. I got it very cheap, but have spent a lot since putting an awful lot right. First thing to need replacing was a camshaft timing vanos valve, then the high pressure fuel pump started causing issues, replaced. Then the turbo blow off valve, then the gearbox oil was changed in an effort to ease the notchy gear change when cold, (it did not work), the battery then decided to call it a day, then a camshaft sensor and the crankshaft sensor, then the spark plugs, (apparently, it doesn't like Bosch plugs, they have to be from NGK), and finally, last week I had the timing chain replaced. It finally runs very well, but I am afraid to use it in case that stops being the case. No doubt the little Prima Donna will throw a fit before long and something else will start causing problems. It is nice to look at, but then, considering how much of its time is spent sitting in the garage waiting for parts and/or repairs, it bloody well needs to be.

[@neilbenton1152]

I'd buy it just for the looks very nice looking car 😂

[@bmacster1985]

It looks like and Audi tt and a honda crz had a baby…… I like it!!

[@shankarbalan3813]

This is a nice car but I just love the Alpine A110

[@christianrnnov4873]

Soo tired of people testing Peugeot they dont wont too test it right they hate them from the start. It has very good design.

[@rootsmanuva82]

I had an R56 MINI with the N14 engine and I absolutely loved it. It had a few minor issues here and there but nothing major. With a Manic tune it was very smooth and powerful with no dips in power anywhere in the rev range. I have an MK7 GTI with the EA888 which puts the N14/N18 to shame, but it was still a great motor nonetheless.

[@MRFUCKOFF202]

Looked at these many times. Love the looks, interior, performance and running costs. But it should be RWD, it could sound better and the killer is the exploding engine. I think I'd go for the 370Z, which is more to run and heavier but bulletproof and sounds great.

[@willmac5642]

I was admiring one of these on school run in Bangkok last week.. moments later it was involved in an accident, rear ending a truck.

[@GuyGamer1]

Surprised these are so rare. When I was in Réunion they were everywhere.

[@michaelleaver1766]

As ex Peugeot parts person ( mustn't say man nowadays! ) these were more than ok reliability wise,just had to avoid buying a used uncared for 156bhp model,which was problematic in the ways described.200bhp and 270bhp motors had different tensioners,and an electronic friction wheel though not perfect was a step up,being a GDi engine dont even think about running it on anything but premium unleaded as it will coke up very quickly,especially if you only do short journeys,and any money saved on fuel will be spent tenfold on cleaning away sticky carbon deposits in the cylinder head.0w30 oil regularly will also help prolong its lifespan as well as dependability.This is the only engine EP6 add suffix after,that in our particular franchised dealer JUMPED 6 teeth on the timing chain,but managed to keep running albeit very poorly!! Good attempt by Peugeot to give the customers in the market a viable alternative to an Audi TT.......But alas their timing was poor.

[@John_Wood_]

don't go woke on us Mike.

[@michaelleaver1766]

@John_Wood_ 🤣I'm awake not woke!! But try not to antagonise others with my terminology! People seem to find reasons to get upset nowadays......

[@John_Wood_]

personally I don't play their game. When my bins are collected by a team of females i'll change the term binman to bingirls. @@michaelleaver1766

[@varmastiko2908]

@@michaelleaver1766Thanks for the Peugeot info. As for people getting upset - let them. Would you say the 200 and 1270 hp engine variants are good enough for the smart man to buy? How many miles would you expect the cam chain system to endure? And can the engine take higher miles mechanically? I'm looking for a 308 Gti but many of the ones for sale have ~100k miles on them. Is that asking for trouble? Thanks again for your help.

[@RogerBergqvist]

Peugeot 405 Mi16 was my favorite. They colud be mental if you trimed them. They went like crazy. This model was up in that category to.

[@dimebarcocker]

It's the BMW bits that make the engine problematic. Lots in common with other BMW engine faults.

[@joshuaminke6629]

i used to have one if these in this colour. great car. surprisingly fast, and still looks modern, need to give it a tune so it has better low down torque

[@sicebim1]

Beautiful car this. ❤

[@AlexTenThousand]

The French still make odd and unique things every now and then - in the spirit of the Clio V6 from many years ago, around a decade ago they took a Clio and made a roadster out of it, the Renault Wind.

[@solitaryclusterofneurons598]

That wasn't Clio based, it was Twingo based, but yes.

[@AlexTenThousand]

@@solitaryclusterofneurons598 huh, I remembered it being a Clio-based car. Weird.

[@varmastiko2908]

@@AlexTenThousandBased on Twingo II

[@timbunker4529]

I had one for 6 years the Diesel. Totally reliable did 130k miles. The only reason I sold it was it's not ULEZ compliant.

[@aaldrich1982]

i work at a dealership and we have a couple of local, regular RCZ-R customers. They don't really develop major problems. Coil packs want doing when you do spark plugs. Brembo brakes are a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. It does wish it was a TT and a lot of the interior is 308. It's alright though. I prefer the 308 GTi but preference is simply an opinion.

[@varmastiko2908]

Can't get Brembo brakes on the RCZ-R. You can get them for the 250-hp version of the 308 GTi though.

[@XxXBattleStarXxX]

Always liked the design of this car

[@TechBaffle]

I always thought the RCZ was cool. I didn't even know there was a RCZ-R, which is a shame because it does look good! It's nice when manufacturers take a bit of a risk to produce something a bit more quirky and unusual - which whilst not probably being commercially successful, does make people consider the brand more.

[@alexmorgan3435]

It would go a lot quicker if this guy had laid off the pies. I have a black one, 24k miles, mint condition, dry summer use only. Has been totally reliable. Mine is currently worth more than I paid for it.

[@Unos2361]

can't be reliable you must be lying

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@Unos2361 Yeah right muppet. Bet you cannot even afford one. It's 100% reliable and such a joy to drive and look at.

[@marvin4827]

Great stuff as usual.