My future car!!
Nasim and Automobiles Peugeot launched the Peugeot RCZ model last night at the Bangsar Shopping Centre. In attendance for the launch was Nasim CEO and Joint Group Executive Chairman of the Naza Group of Companies Mr SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, and Mr Lionel Faugeres, General Director for Asean countries for Automobiles Peugeot.
The compact 2+2 coupé was designed to become an exclusive vehicle, as Peugeot said at the time of its Global debut : “something special, a melting pot of emotions, aimed at modern and particularly demanding customers with expert opinions on what constitutes driving pleasure.”
The RCZ moniker symbolises the distinctive and singular positioning in relation to the Peugeot range, since it is the first passenger vehicle not to use the numbering system with a central “zero” or “double zero”. The Peugeot RCZ therefore illustrates the sum of Peugeot values, which are constantly realigned with the times.
“The RCZ is a design statement from Peugeot. Its futuristic exterior, luxurious interior and powerful engine is catered for enthusiasts who enjoy driving and want to be noticed. The RCZ enters the niche premium coupe segment in the market and we are confident it will be well received,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, CEO of Nasim.
The RCZ is built at a specialist production facility in Graz, Austria by experienced and much respected company Magna Steyr.
Sculptural, dynamic and elegant, the style of the Peugeot RCZ offers vibrant proportions based on a compact and original three-compartment coupé architecture. The “double bubble” of the roof and rear windscreen is not only a remarkable feat of engineering, but also the stylistic signature of the car which evokes a sense of quality and expressiveness. From the side, its unique profile creates an original continuity between the plunging design of the front and the flowing lines of the rear of the car.
The front feline look, a characteristic of Peugeot, the contours of the wings and the large diameter wheels, the spoiler and ruby-red LED rear lights creates a general appearance that combines athleticism, power, technology and distinction.
The active rear spoiler is not a gimmick, it contributes to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency and it can be deployed in two positions according to the speed of the car, to ensure an ideal balance between road holding and fuel consumption.
The interior of the Peugeot RCZ is a hint of future cabin quality that Peugeot is striving towards, premium class finish that oozes elitist ambience whilst at the same time, echoing the world of motorsport. Featuring Nappa leather, the carefully sculptured seats with intergrated head restraints, adjust electrically to an ideal driving position whilst the leather clad facia is streamlined and uncluttered. The premium interior is further complemented by a premium sound system from JBL that connects to six speakers via a 240 Watt amplifier.
The RCZ is a 2+2 coupe, so don’t expect to travel with rear seat occupants on a long journey, in fact, like most 2+2 vehicles, the rear seats are classified as “occasional seats” by Peugeot, although Peugeot express that the bubble shape roof offers more comfort in the rear than some rivals.
For you and your partner however, hauling luggage on a weekend jaunt will be no problem as the rear cargo space is an adequate 384 litres, added to which are storage spaces under the floor. There is potential to increase this capacity further by folding the rear seat backs down, which gives a maximum boot volume of 760 litres.
The variants being offered by Nasim at this time are the 156hp automatic that develops 240Nm of torque, or the most impressive 200hp manual that develops 275Nm of torque.
The manual version also comes with acoustic technology so that during acceleration the engine sound will change according to speed and rpm. Peugeot say that the system is just like a musical instrument, a vibrating diaphragm delivers a controlled sound output which is amplified by an acoustic duct, this results in a sound level that remains constant over long journeys.
The Peugeot RCZ benefits from a highly efficient suspension set-up utilising McPherson type front suspension and rear torsion beam. The RCZ’s ride height and centre of gravity have been lowered by 20 mm and 40 mm respectively compared to a 308 Hatchback that uses the same platform.
Furthermore, compared to a 308 Turbo, the Peugeot RCZ is wider (+ 30 mm) with wider front and rear tracks (+ 54 mm and + 72 mm). The suspension and dampers have been adapted accordingly and, with the addition of wider tyres on 19 inch rims, the end result is road grip that easily matches or beats the competition.
The 200 hp manual also uses a front axle that incorporates a special lower anti-roll bar to make the car even more responsive and agile, while at the same time guaranteeing efficiency. With all that grip, power and handling, the manual version also gets bigger brake discs on the front end.
In addition to assured road holding, the RCZ come with four airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, EBA, anti-skid regulation and dynamic stability control. Secondary safety includes an active bonnet which “pops-up” due to a pyrotechnic triggering system and limits the degree of injury a pedestrian is likely to suffer in the event of a collision.
Peugeot cite the automatic variant as delivering a fuel consumption of 7.3L/100 km (combined cycle) with CO2 emissions of 168g per km whilst the manual variant has a fuel consumption of 6.9L/100 km (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of 159g per km.
This is one of my 5 dream car ^_^
