In case you're not sure how sporty the Peugeot RCZ is: this is the R.
270 PS, finetuned suspension and improved looks.
Instead of the Audi TT S, we chose the best FWD car as it's rival:
the Renault Mégane RS.
Recently, Renault facelifted the Mégane.
It has 265 PS, and a redesigned front.
The interior with the leather dashboard looks fantastic,
just like these chrome-surrounded instruments and the short gear handle.
The seats are even better than they look.
There's a high level of detail, of example the great-looking R-badges.
The rear window is like a glass dome and causes nice illumination.
It all looks great.
But that's not what coupés are all about: it's the technology that matters.
Fortunately, gearbox and clutch are very accurate and precise.
The engine is a 1,6 liter with an amazing 270 PS.
Future will tell whether it's reliable or not,
but for now, I can assure you it's very fast.
From 3500 RPM, the turbo gives a big boost.
Meanwhile, the sound is magnificent.
Very, very nice.
But let's not forget, going fast in a straight line isn't hard.
In corners, it's way better than the normal RCZ.
It still has some understeer, but less than the normal versions.
A lighter anti-roll bar at the back makes it a bit more playful.
It still has some understeer, but less than the normal versions.
And it steers fantastic, very accurate.
This car has an even lighter rear end than the Peugeot.
This car is continuously communicating with its driver,
and it oversteers when closing the throttle in fast corners.
It's very playful, and very hardcore.
It can be a bit tricky, but gives loads of driving pleasure in exchange.
In fact, it's more a track car than a street car,
especially with the optional cup-chassis, which makes it very firm.
Compared with this, the RCZ is a comfortable long distance cruiser.
The engine delivers 5 PS less than the RCZ, but is more smooth.
The sound is a bit vaccuum cleaner-ish: not as good as the Peugeot.
It just had its second facelift, so it looks a bit different than before,
but it still isn't very good looking.
It's the same in the interior: pretty straightforward.
For the purpose of this car -fast driving- it doesn't really matter.
The Mégane RS is yours from 35000 euro in the Netherlands,
while the Peugeot is at least 47400 euro.
For that money, you get a fully loaded eye catcher,
while the Mégane looks like a diesel with a GT-Line package.
Question is: is the Mégane still the best FWD driver's car in the world?
Yes, without a doubt.
The RCZ R is a fantastic car, drives and looks great,
But in terms of pure driving pleasure, the Mégane RS is just better.