Peugeot's Geneva Motor Show Debuts Limited to 308 Facelift and Special Editions of RCZ and 3008 Hybrid4

Unless Peugeot is hiding a surprise in its pouch, the French carmaker's presence at the upcoming Geneva Salon will most likely go under the radar. Aside from the subtly facelifted 308 family which includes the hatchback models, an estate and the coupe-cabriolet, Peugeot's stand will also host the premiere of two limited edition models.

The first is the RCZ Asphalt which is based on the most potent variant of the coupe model with the 200-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, and is set to go on sale in Europe this spring. Exclusive features include a matt grey body colour, two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels and numerous other interior and exterior appointments.

The second model is a limited edition of the 3008 HYbrid4 crossover, which features a 163HP turbo diesel driving the front wheels and an 37HP electric motor at the rear for a maximum power output of 200-horses, a “zero emission” mode and an average fuel consumption of 74.4 mpg UK, equal to 3.8lt/100km and 61.9 mpg US. Production will be limited to 300 numbered cars, all of which get a Pearlescent White exterior finish and two-tone full leather trim.

The 308 facelift and the two special edition models will be joined by two older concept studies, the HR1 and EX1, plus the new 908 Le Mans race car which was unveiled by Peugeot Sport in February.

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Honda CR-Z and Peugeot RCZ in Diesel vs Hybrid Duel [with Video]

In Europe, Honda's CR-Z hybrid hot hatch isn't the only eco-friendly sports car available to buyers of average means. One of the most recent arrivals in the category is Peugeot's striking RCZ sports coupe that is offered with a frugal 2.0-liter diesel engine.

Two cars, two different approaches on the same topic. But which one is better? To answer this question, British magazine Auto Express took both sports cars and tested them to see which one comes on top in typical everyday use.

If you read between the lines - or in this case, the tester's words, the RCZ is a better car picking up the title in fuel economy, performance, interior styling and quality, as well as exterior looks. But -there's always a but, isn't there?- the entry-level RCZ Diesel costs £5,251 [about US$7,900 or €6,500] more than the basic CR-Z, which ultimately makes the comparison unjust.

Video and some quick facts we gathered on both cars after the jump.

Video: Autoexpress / Youtube

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UK SPEC MODELS: QUICK FACTS

HONDA CR-Z: The CR-Z comes with a 1.5-liter petrol engine coupled to a small electric motor producing a combined output of 124-horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 174Nm / 128 lb-ft of peak torque from 1,000 to 1,500 rpm.

With the 6-speed manual, Honda UK claims that the CR-Z in basic 'S' trim sprints to 62mph (100km/h) in 9.9 seconds [10.1 seconds for the better equipped GT model] and tops out at 124mph (199 km/h).

According to the manufacturer, the hybrid sports car, which tips the scales at 1,198 kg / 2,641 lbs, returns a combined fuel economy of 56.5mpg UK [5.0lt/100km or 47.0mpg US] with CO2 emissions of 117g/km.

Auto Express said that in a mixture of conditions as well as some hot laps on the test track, the CR-Z's trip computer recorded an average of 39.5 mpg UK [7.1 lt/100km or 32.9 mpg US].

In the UK, the CR-Z is offered in three trim levels - S, Sport and GT, with prices set at £16,999, £17,999 and £19,999 respectively.

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PEUGEOT RCZ: Along with the 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engines producing 156HP and 200HP, the RCZ is also offered with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox.

It delivers 163-horsepower at 3,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 340Nm / 251 lb ft at 2,000 rpm and returns a combined fuel consumption of 53.2 mpg UK (5.3 lt /100km or 44.3 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.

In AE's test, the RCZ returned an average of 41.4mpg UK [6.8lt/100km or 34.5mpg US].

Weighing in at 1,474 kg / 3,250 lbs, the diesel-powered RCZ goes from zero to 62mph (100km/h) in 8.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 137mph (220km/h).

The Peugeot RCZ 2.0 HDi is available in two grades, Sport and GT, with OTR pricing set at £22,250 and £24,550 respectively.

Update: Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept Full Press Release & Image Gallery

As promised yesterday when we first revealed Peugeot’s proposition for an economic alternative to the Audi TT Coupe based on the new 308 hatch, the 308 RC Z Concept, we’re following up the story with the addition of the full media kit that includes the English press release along with more than two dozens of high resolution images. -Click “Read More…” below to see both

THE PEUGEOT 308 RC Z – TAKES PEUGEOT STYLE TO A NEW LEVEL

• World Premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show
• Powered by a 218 bhp turbocharged THP petrol engine
• A versatile 2+2 Coupé
• Emits only 160g/km of CO₂

With the world launch of The Peugeot 308 at the Frankfurt Motor Show another 308 concept will also be showcased – The Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept Car.

The 308 RC Z Concept Car is a 2+2 Coupé with true versatility and at the same time a style that is modern, original and well-balanced. A lot of attention has been paid to the design to ensure it is as light as possible with the use of aluminium and carbon fibre for many of the components.

With a length of 4.276 m (the same as the hatchback), a width of 1.840 m (25 mm more than the hatchback) and a height of only 1.320 m, the streamlined design ensures both improved performance and reduced fuel consumption, helping further to protect the environment thanks to reduced CO₂ emissions.

Exterior styling

The stylish design at the front is taken directly from the 308 but has been given a sharper and sportier lower panel incorporating the single air intake, chrome front grille and integral front fog lights.

The “feline” like front headlamps which extend along the line of the bonnet contain four cylindrical lights, clearly visible through the clear lenses, each of which create a bright and piercing beam of light to ensure safe night time driving.

The curved shape of the roof panel and rear window assists the airflow over the rear of the vehicle, creating sufficient rear down force to eliminate the need for a rear spoiler, thereby preserving the purity of the vehicle design.

The two centrally mounted rear exhaust pipes are integrated into the wraparound rear bumper lower panel. To achieve this, the rear exhaust silencer has been located in a transverse position where it also serves as an aerodynamic diffuser, but still allows sufficient space for the storage of a spare wheel in the boot floor.

The rich metallic grey exterior body colour is created by a special process using finely milled metallic particles. This gives the impression that the vehicle has been formed from a single block of metal, enhancing further the purity of the overall design.

The interior

The fascia panel has been taken directly from the 308 hatchback. The entire fascia panel is trimmed in leather, while the use of chrome, aluminium and black lacquer detailing creates a sporty, upmarket impression. With this in mind, a Bell&Ross® clock has been placed in the centre of the fascia panel, between the two central air vents, its typography perfectly matching that of the instrument panel.

Another sign of the vehicle’s exclusive nature is the bucket type front seats with polished aluminium eyelet detailing, the style of which is also reflected in the design of the inner door panels. The ergonomically designed driver’s seat ensures the driver is always firmly in control of the vehicle.

At the rear there are two occasional folding leather seats. The vehicle therefore offers real modularity and great versatility. For example, enough space can be created behind the front seats to house a set of golf clubs. Similarly, the length and maximum available boot volume can even accommodate a mountain bike!

The engine

The 308 RC Z is powered by a 1.6 litre THP turbo-charged petrol engine developed from the EP6DTS engine normally found under the bonnet of the 207 GTi, but now with a maximum power output of 218 bhp.

It is characterised by incredible responsiveness, thanks to the maximum torque output of 280 Nm produced from very low engine speeds. This can also temporarily be increased to 300 Nm due to the over boost function.

The engine is coupled with an entirely new 6 speed manual gearbox

Suspension

The front suspension uses many aluminium components to help reduce weight and ensure exceptional road holding, excellent steering accuracy and great feedback, intensifying the overall driving sensation.

The rear suspension, developed from the hatchback, consists of a torsion-beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar. It has been specially modified to take account of the wider vehicle track and tyres. Indeed the front and rear tracks have been increased by 59 mm compared to the hatchback.

Braking relies on large (360 mm) diameter ventilated discs at the front with four piston callipers. Polished split rim 19’’ alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 245/40 R19 tyres.

Safety

While the exceptional road holding of the 308 RC Z forms the basis of its primary safety, it is supplemented by safety equipment borrowed from the 308 hatchback such as the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and the directional bi-xenon headlamps. Similarly, in terms of secondary safety, the 308 RC Z uses the same impact protection structures designed to deform in a controlled manner, maximising the absorption of impact forces.

Like all concept cars, the 308 RC Z is an amazing test bed of ideas making it possible to design and test new concepts, technology and styling ideas free from the constraints of volume production.