Peugeot RCZ coupe (2009-2015) - MPG, running costs & CO2

The diesel Peugeot RCZ is an economical choice that gives you sports-car looks without the big bills normally associated with stylish coupes. And even the petrol models are no more expensive to run than a fast hatchback.

Peugeot RCZ MPG & CO2

The diesel RCZ has claimed fuel economy of 54.3mpg, so if you plan on spending lots of time on the motorway or regularly cover big miles, the 2.0-litre HDi diesel engine is a good used buy. With CO2 emissions of 130g/km, your road tax will cost £110 a year. It’s not as clean as leading diesel hatchbacks and saloons, but shouldn’t break the bank.

Petrol models cost a bit more to run, but given the performance and style of the RCZ, they’re by no means expensive for the performance on offer. The 156bhp car should achieve 44.1mpg and costs £145 a year to tax, yet impressively the 200bhp version is almost as economical, with claimed economy of 42.2mpg and costing only £40 more a year to tax.

Only one automatic gearbox was available, fitted to the less powerful 156bhp petrol model. Unlike the best systems from Audi and Volkswagen models sold at the time, it reduces fuel economy, leaving the RCZ capable of just 38.7mpg and emitting 168g/km of CO2 for expensive £205-a-year tax.

Overall, the RCZ isn’t as cheap to run as the new Audi TT, but it’s more fuel-efficient than the thirsty Toyota GT86. For further comparison, the cleanest Vauxhall Astra GTC diesel beat it for economy, with 67.3mpg, but its best petrol engine only manages 47.9mpg.

Insurance group

As you’d expect, insurance groups for the RCZ depend on engine power and trim level. They range from group 28 for the less powerful petrol up to group 34 for the Red Carbon THP 200 petrol. The diesel sits in group 29 or 30 depending on trim level, while the fastest RCZ R is in group 42 out of 50.

Warranty

All Peugeot RCZs came with a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty and a 12-month breakdown recovery deal. It was possible to extend Peugeot assistance for an extra two years near to the time of purchase.

Servicing

Fixed-price servicing made it easy to budget for running costs. Peugeot’s Optiway Service Plan was offered for up to five years with a variety of mileage limits.