Peugeot RCZ coupe (2009-2015) - Interior & comfort

The Peugeot RCZ interior is nice and spacious for front-seat occupants, with comfortable seats and a decent amount of standard equipment. However, the pedals are quite high – something that longer-legged drivers might find a bit uncomfortable, and there’s also no space to the left of the clutch pedal to rest your foot when you’re not using the clutch.

On the plus side, the low-slung seating position gives the interior a genuine sports-car feel. However, some of the switches and buttons aren’t as clearly laid-out as those you’ll find in key rivals – particularly the latest Audi TT, which set new standards in this class with its amazing cabin. On top of that, firm suspension means the RCZ has a stiff ride to match its racy looks, but comfort still manages to be perfectly acceptable for a sporty car.

Peugeot RCZ dashboard

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The RCZ has an attractively shaped dashboard with deep-set, chrome-ringed dials, while the large analogue clock and circular air vents are also nice touches. However, there are lots of small buttons and the layout is fiddly to use, as is the optional sat nav – mapping for which is displayed on a pop-up screen that rises out of the dash. Material quality is decent, but it’s not as good as in rivals like the Audi TT. The Audi’s stunning cabin made the RCZ (and indeed every other car in the range) seem old-fashioned by comparison.

Equipment

Across all trim levels, the RCZ was a well equipped coupe. The most basic Sport model had Bluetooth phone connectivity, dual-zone air conditioning, automatic lights, rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels and a stylish black panel roof.

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If you stepped up to the GT model, you got front parking sensors, a smaller sports steering wheel, a short-shift gearlever and 19-inch alloy wheels. It also boasts power-adjustable and heated leather sports seats.

The GT Line trim of the 200bhp petrol model featured 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights and kit like satellite navigation and DAB radio. The Red Carbon model had sat nav, bright xenon headlights and metallic paint, plus unique upholstery and dashboard stitching.

Options

There was plenty of scope to add extra equipment to the Peugeot RCZ. Sat nav was standard on the Red Carbon model, but could be added to the Sport and GT for a price. Other upmarket options included leather trim and heated seats. Outside, there were several alloy-wheel choices, and customers could also have the roof arches finished in matt black or champagne chrome. There was also the option of having a matt-black grille or black brake callipers.