The world only took heed of the Peugeot RCZ R for a brief moment before turning its attention back to what the German automakers are doing. However, we think this is one of the best cars to come out of France in the past several years, certainly something that could give the Audi TT a run for its money.
To prove it, we turn your attention to the following clip, showing onboard footage from inside the RCZ R, taken as it accelerates to its electronically limited top speed. That's right – this unassuming coupe is limited at the top end not by resistance, but by French electronic nannies. Considering socialist Jean-Marc Ayrault was the prime minister of the country in 2012 and 2013, maybe that shouldn't surprise us.
What does come as a shock though is how fast the RCZ R is, proving the company that made the 205 GTi hasn't lost its mojo. The 1.6-liter turbo engine makes an amazing 270 PS and because the RCZ is lighter than compact hot hatchbacks, the extra power is put to excellent use.
In an independent test carried out this January, the Peugeot shocked by being faster in a straight line than the Megane RS 265. Add a double-bubble roof that would make even Ferrari owners look twice at your car and the RCZ becomes clearly defined as one of the best French cars of the past few years, certainly the best coupe since the Laguna Coupe.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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