The award-winning Peugeot RCZ is now on sale in Ireland. Voted Most Beautiful Car of the Year at the 25th International Automobile Festival by over 100,000 internet voters and awarded a red dot: best of the best 2010 award for outstanding design quality in the Automotive category earlier this year, the RCZ was then presented with the Fleet World Design of the Year gong in May.

The much-sought-after sports coupe will retail in Ireland from €36,495, plus dealer delivery related charges.

There will be one trim level available, the RCZ Sport model with a choice of two high-performance engines: a 2.0 HDi 163bhp engine with 6-speed manual gearbox, (139g/CO2, Band B road tax of €156) and a 1.6 petrol 200bhp engine with 6-speed manual, (159g/CO2, Band D road tax of €447).

The RCZ immerses the driver into a world of sport and luxury. Standard comfort equipment on both petrol and diesel models will include Bluetooth and USB box, luxury leather upholstery, electric and sports front seats, auto headlamps and wipers, electrochrome rear view mirror, electric folding mirrors, front and rear parking aid, dual zone climate control aircon, electric front windows, alarm, cruise control with speed limiter, 18” alloy wheels, active rear spoiler, leather gearstick, stitched nubuck dash, remote stalk control radio, CD and MP3 player, carpet mats, aluminium door sills and double bubble roof.

To enhance the driver experience, a sports pack will come as standard to Ireland to include a leather steering wheel, a sports steering wheel and short gear shift. The sports steering wheel is 362mm in diameter to offer optimal control.

Standard safety equipment includes ABS, ESP, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, hill assist and four airbags.

Announcing the prices and equipment, George Harbourne, Peugeot’s new Managing Director said, “The Peugeot RCZ is a very special car that has attracted hundreds of enquiries through our website and Dealer Network. The sports coupe arrives at a pertinent time when the rejuvenation of the Peugeot brand in Ireland is well under way and it will do much to raise our profile in a new segment for us. Whilst small numbers are currently available, production will free up for the Irish market in January and we expect to sell in the region of 200 units next year. The bulk of sales will be the low emission 2.0 HDi diesel that qualifies for €156 annual road tax.”

Note to editor: Following the RCZ international press tests in Spain, the Irish group of journalists advised Gowan Distributors Limited to opt for the smaller diameter steering wheel, which they felt offered an enhanced driving experience. During pricing / spec negotiations with Automobiles Peugeot, Gowan Distributors were successful in including this option as standard for Ireland.

RRSP Prices
RCZ Sport 2.0 HDi 163bhp: €36,495
RCZ Sport 1.6 petrol 200bhp: €41,495