Limited edition RCZ Red Carbon goes on sale

A special version of the stylish sportscar from Peugeot, the RCZ, has been released. But those looking to own the new Red Carbon RCZ LE model ought to get in quick as there are only 300 available.

The limited edition car is derived from the sport model but is distinguished with unique Red Carbon badging. It has a high specification, bespoke trim and is completed by its red stitch interior.

Each model has one of Peugeot’s Vision Packs included. This included xenon directional and self-levelling headlamps as well as 19-inch Solstice alloy wheels. There are a choice of two metallic colours for this car, Moroccan Red or Nera Black, and it comes with an onyx black matt paintwork finish. The car also has a so-called Black pack, which contains matt black roof arches, a brilliant black front grill, brake calipers and door mirror covers.

Its interior features black style sports front seats, unique to the Red Carbon model and trimmed in simple leather with red carbon stitching. This design extends to the Red Carbon style dashboard, short shift gear lever and sport steering wheel. As standard, it comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

In terms of in-car electronics, for helping drivers to get around and keep both themselves and their passengers entertained while on route, the Red Carbon comes with Peugeot Connect Navigation (RT6), an audio, CD and satellite navigation system as well as a Peugeot Connect USB box that is complete with Bluetooth connectivity.

There are three versions of the Red Carbon available, with prices ranging between £26,000 and £28,400. The cheapest version is a 1.6 litre THP 156 petrol engine, which can go from zero to 62 mph in just 8.3 seconds. It produces 149 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions and can get 44.1 mpg.

Next up is the 2.0 litre HDi 163 Diesel engine, which is priced as £27,850. This car is the kindest of the three to the environment, producing 135 g/km and the best for fuel economy as it can achieve up to 54.3 mpg. On the other hand, it is also marginally slower in terms of acceleration as it takes 8.7 seconds to get from zero to 62 mph.

The fastest and the most expensive of the three is the 1.6 litre THP 200 petrol engine. This car can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds. In terms of fuel economy, it gets 42.1 mpg and produces 155 g/km of carbon emissions.

On the whole, the RCZ is one sportscar that has been proving popular with the critics. Recently it managed to get the Sportscar of the Year award from DieselCar magazine for the fifth year running. This year’s accolade followed on from the release of the RCZ Sports Coupe in 2013.

Speaking about the vehicle, editor of DieselCar magazine Ian Robertson said: “The Peugeot RCZ offers a rewarding driving experience, agile handling and a well sorted ride, and frugal diesel power. It really is the icing on the cake for the sexily styled sports coupé.”