Peugeot RCZ in Top Gear? It's a YES if you live in Korea
Seriously though, did the Peugeot RCZ has a place in Top Gear history. If you asked that question to The Stig's Korean cousin, well yes, the Peugeot RCZ does have a place in Top Gear history.
In an episode of Top Gear Korea, presenter Kim Gam Soo introduces to the Peugeot RCZ. Then, this car had a drag race against the Audi TT Roadster and the MINI Cooper S and the Peugeot RCZ won that race. The only problem Kim Gam Soo faces on the RCZ is the rear headroom because of the RCZ's double bubble roof.
In the hands of The Stig, it set a lap time of 1:40.86 round the Top Gear Korea test track, making it faster than the P_rsh_ P_n_m_r_ Diesel and the Range Rover Sport but just a few seconds slower than the Cadillac CTS-V. What a remarkable coupe made from PSA Peugeot Citroen.
The Peugeot RCZ has returned on Forza Motorsport 4 and that is why it's your turn to set the RCZ's personal best round the Top Gear Test Track. Hope that Top Gear executive producer, Andy Wilman, got that memo...
This is surely a bad news for those who are big fans of the 24 Hours of Le Mans because PSA Peugeot-Citroen announces its withdrawal at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, effective now, because of the financial troubles. It's a shame that the European Debt Crisis really put a massive toll on the French carmaker that is famous for its 908 HDi FAP Le Mans Prototype that won the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans against the Audi R10, following with another win with the 908 at the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans.
PRESS RELEASE:
Peugeot brings down the curtain on its endurance programme so as to ensure the success of its numerous launches in 2012
After 14 victories in the last 16 races, including a double at the Le Mans 24 Hours 2009 as part of the ILMC championship won by Peugeot two years running, in 2010 and 2011, the Brand has decided to close its 2012 endurance programme and will not be taking part in the next Le Mans 24 Hours.
This decision has been taken against the backdrop of the challenging economic environment in Europe coupled with a particularly busy year for the Brand in terms of new vehicle launches. In this context, Peugeot prefers to concentrate its 2012 resources on its commercial performance and, in particular, ensuring the successful launches of the 208, 3008 HYbrid4, 508 RXH, 508 HYbrid4 and 4008 which will take forward the Brand's strategy of moving upmarket and extending its global presence. In keeping with its social responsibility obligations and as part of the GPEC (forward management of jobs and skills) agreement signed by 5 trade unions, all of the employees concerned will be offered redeployment solutions within the Group thanks to a special system set up to oversee and lead occupational training/retraining as well as internal mobility.
The triplets from Czech Republic; the Peugeot 107, the Citroen C1, and the Toyota Aygo, were all given a second facelift for the 2013 model year. Those minor changes will be making their debut at the 2012 Brussels Motor Show on January 10.
Over the years, most hybrids run on gasoline and electric. Some cars like the Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid and the Kia Forte Hybrid LPI run on both LPG and electric. There was no such thing as a hybrid car that runs on both diesel and electric because diesels proven to be rivals to hybrid cars. Yes, some say that hybrids and diesels are fierce rivals but for a company like PSA Peugeot Citroen, they decided to combine the best of both worlds, diesel and electric collide in a unique master piece. Welcome the new Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4, the first hybrid car that runs on diesel and electric with a four-wheel drive layout!
This first diesel-hybrid crossover provides the Combined Drive Cycle fuel economy of 26.3km/L (3.8 L/100 km) and CO2 emissions of 99g/km. The 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine provides 200PS of power and 300Nm of torque. This helps the 3008 HYbrid4 accumulate 0-100kph in 8.5 seconds and top speed of 191kph. Unlike most hybrids that are mated with a CVT, which makes them redundant, the 3008 HYbrid4 comes with a 6-speed paddle shift transmission with the freedom to shift gears just the way you want it. On the 3008 HYbrid4, there are four modes to choose from at the twist of the knob. First is the Auto mode that makes the whole system automatically controlled for balance. Second is the ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode that allows the 3008 HYbrid4 to run only in Ni-MH battery, providing a cleaner driving on the road. Third is the 4WD mode that makes the 3008 HYbrid4 go anywhere from tarmac, gravel, and snow. Lastly is the Sport Mode that provides maximum engine response, making it more fun to drive than conventional hybrids. These four modes would be somewhat beneficial to the 3008 HYbrid4 and how you use it depends on your driving experience. This crossover is not complete without the latest-generation idling stop system.
Colors available on the 3008 HYbrid4 are Blanc Banquise, Noir Perla Nera, Brun Hickory, Vapor Grey, Bleu Philae, and Blanc Nacre.
My Comment:
Well, I got to say that PSA Peugeot Citroen made a milestone for creating the world's first diesel hybrid car that changes the hybrid revolution forever with the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4. We are sure that the new HYbrid4 technology will scatter through future models such as the Citroen DS5 and the Peugeot 508 RXH.
Those three executive medium sedans are from France, hence I called them the executives in France-tan's clothing. Wouldn't believe I used the "France-tan" word? Never mind, the Renault Latitude, Peugeot 508, and the Citroen C5 sedan are executive medium sedans stands out the crowd with its premium quality, performance, comfort, and everything else. The Citroen C5 and Peugeot 508 are made in France but the Renault Latitude is made in South Korea under the name Renault Samsung SM5. Come to think of it, those three are beautiful indeed but time for me to judge which of these French executive medium sedans is my pick...
In terms of overall design: I guess I can make it a three-way tie because all three got the best looks.
In terms of pricing: Let's see, the Renault Latitude Business dCi150 costs 32,500 Euros while the Peugeot 508 Access 1.6L VTi 16v 120ch BMP6 costs 23,300 Euros and the Citroen C5 Berline VTi 120 BMP6 Attraction costs 22,600 Euros, which makes the Citroen C5 the winner because of its affordability.
In terms of fuel efficiency: Since both the Citroen C5 and the Peugeot 508 are offered with the e-HDi Micro-Hybrid technology, they deserved the credit. Better luck next time, Latitude.
In terms of performance: The Renault Latitude takes over. The Renault Latitude's V6 engine has more power than the 2.2L HDi engines offered from the Citroen C5 and the Peugeot 508. It is the only Renault that offers that kind of powerful diesel engine for now.
Indeed it is. The 2013 Peugeot 508 RXH is the hybrid crossover version of the Peugeot 508 using the 508 SW as its base. It competes against the likes of the Audi A4 Allroad and Subaru Legacy Outback when it hits Europe at the first half of this year.
Details remain slim for now but the 508 RXH is the second Peugeot to be equipped with Hybrid4 technology, the new diesel-electric hybrid feature that was first equipped on the 3008 Hybrid4, providing low emissions and cleaner driving while tackling mud, sand, gravel, and snow.
Since its launch at 2007 as the successor of the Peugeot 307, the Peugeot 308 advances that the previous 307 can't do. It comes with the hatchback, station wagon, and a convertible, which leaves customers a wide variety of choices to choose from. Now, this year marks the second phase of Peugeot's 308 range sporting a new trademark look that brings the "Motion and Emotion" tagline come closer to reality.
2012 Peugeot 308
The 308 hatchback is the standard choice for beginners. On its second phase, only the 5-door hatchback is offered. The 3-door hatchback was dropped, making it an unpleasant drawback for the hardcore Peugeot fans. A decent rival to the Citroen C4, Volkswagen Golf, Honda Fit, and the Renault Megane Berline.
2012 Peugeot 308 SW
If excursion is the French families' type, the 308 SW is offered with some extra space at the rear. It chooses the Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon, Renault Megane Sport Tourer, Opel Astra Sport Tourer, Mazda Atenza Sport Wagon, or even the Volkswagen Golf Variant as the rivals.
2012 Peugeot 308 CC
The disappearance of the 3-door hatchback does not need to worry about hardcore Peugeot fans because a quick alternative, the Peugeot 308 CC, is offered. With the 308 CC received a minor change, most fans will love it even further because of its open-top fun riding. It targets the likelihood of the Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet.
The latest addition to the new 308 range is the all new 1.6 litre HDi FAP 112 bhp Euro 5 engine with e-HDi micro-hybrid technology and the latest generation idling stop system, worthy enough to call the 308 Minor Change a full-fledged eco-car. As an eco-car, the new 308 consumes 4.5L/100km, CO2 emissions weighing 118kg/m, top speed of 190km/h, and it is equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. If it's not your thing, you can also try a wide variety of lineup to choose from;
The Peugeot 308 minor change is ready to show its character lines that will stand the rest. Aside from that, the new 1.6L e-HDi engine with the innovative Micro Hybrid Technology is made to show its true eco-car character. Three body types; the 5-door hatchback, the SW, and the CC, received its minor change that will make customers love the new 308 even further as if it was from the pre-minor change model. This car is ready to play in the rainy plain in Europe.
Final Impressions: "It chooses you, it owns you", that's how the feeling of the Peugeot RCZ feels like. It was first debuted at Forza 3 via the Summer Velocity car pack released since June 2010. What impresses me is its strikingly aggressive look that others think that this French sports car has a wickedly scary face to hide away from but in terms of performance, I think the RCZ need a little bit of TLC to push it to its full potential. Even when tuned to Class A, I think its still can't seem to be right. Convert it to FR and the RCZ would be rather disappointing at the start and cornering doesn't seem to be more dynamic. Set it to 4WD at the RCZ feels a bit more stable, at least what a few can say.
Whatever the heck is, I think the Peugeot RCZ can be a good car to decorate at. You can even mimic the RCZ Nurburgring 24HR race car or start something new you know, color it with everything or make an itasha out of it. I guess I can't find some real life RCZ itashas in Japan...
A black, 1st-generation, Hyundai Tucson CRDi appeared again on a Green Rose episode since April 14, 2011. This was first appeared since Jerome (Jericho Rosales) spent years in South Korea working for Mr. Darren Lee (guest star Albert Martinez), providing an opportunity for Jerome to return to the Philippines using Darren Lee's identity and claim back what Edward (Jake Cuenca) got from him, especially Angela (Anne Curtis).
A Peugeot 206CC in a Green Rose episode
Prior to that, there was a Peugeot 206CC appeared on that latest episode as well. Gina (Alessandra de Rossi), Edward's former right-hand woman who was a fugitive because of the corporate espionage, rode on it. Seems that the Peugeot 206CC here in the Philippines was an instant classic.
This latest commercial for the Peugeot 308 minor change looks intensive. Seeing a woman getting soaked in the rain sounds original for that ad and the 308 minor change really hits the spot!
Speaking of somebody asking what was that song played on this latest Peugeot 308 ad, the song played on the new 308 ad is "Walking in the Rain" by "Flash and the Pan" and this song really connects to the intensive commercial for the new 308.
A very intensive commercial with a very relaxing song!♫
Although the controversial Peugeot 407 and the aging Peugeot 607 met their demise, it seems that this new Peugeot premium-class, the 508, is much more similar to Toyota Mark X because the Mark X combined the Mark II, Cresta, and Chaser (don't forget the Verossa) into one premium sedan. The Toyota Mark X is too premium enough against the Peugeot 508. The real rivals of the Peugeot 508 are the Volkswagen Passat B7 and the Kia K5/Optima.
STYLING: The Peugeot 508 is essentially a production version of the "5 by Peugeot" concept car as seen on the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It comes in two available body styles; the 508 sedan for premium preference and the 508 SW for spacious premium. It is somewhat disappointing that Peugeot did not offered a coupe version of the 508 yet. Still, I still prefer the styling of the Kia K5 over the new Peugeot 508, but on the lighter side, it looks more attractive than the Volkswagen Passat B7.
2011 Peugeot 508 interior
INTERIOR: The Peugeot 508's interior design is somewhat more of a carbon copy of its French arch-rival, the Renault Latitude (known in South Korea as the third-generation Renault Samsung SM5). However, the Peugeot 508's interior is the best-looking interior in all of Peugeot's lineup because of its premium amenities offered such as colored HUD (Heads Up Display), four-zone air conditioning, hands-free access and start-up, JBL audio system, multi-function steering wheel, navigation system, and a whole lot of conveniences offered on the 508.
PERFORMANCE: Being a full-fledged European eco-car, the 508 comes with the new 1.6L e-HDi FAP engine. This micro-hybrid system has a power output of 112PS, consumes for about 4.2 liters of diesel and it has the lowest CO2 emissions of 109-110 g/km. This is considered to be Peugeot's finest because of its micro-hybrid technology. The 1.6L e-HDi variant on the 508 comes with the new automated 6-speed manual transmission. Other engines available as of launch are the 1.6L HDi FAP engine with the power output of 112PS and comes with the 5-speed MT, and the 1.6L VTi petrol engine packed with 120PS of power output, 6-speed AT, and consumes 6.2 to 6.3 liters of premium gasoline. A turbocharged 1.6L engine and a 2.0L HDi engine may follow this 1st quarter of 2011.
SAFETY: For peace of mind, the Peugeot 508 comes with the finest safety features such as the xenon headlamps, Electronic Stability Program, six airbags, ISOFIX, power steering, and Peugeot Connect SOS.
My thoughts about the 508:
Based on the design from the Peugeot 5 Concept, the Peugeot 508 defines premium to the next level and trust me. The 508's design is even more attractive than the Volkswagen Passat B7 but less attractive than the Kia K5/Optima. Other rivals of the Peugeot 508 include the Hyundai YF Sonata, Toyota Camry, Chrysler 200, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Teana, Honda Accord Inspire and Accord Euro, Renault Latitude, Citroen C5, and Subaru Legacy.
With the new e-HDi engine equipped on the 508, this lion is grown to be more "clean and economical" on European roads. Although most Europeans deserved more from a medium-sized sedan, this Peugeot is the most majestic of all the Peugeots ever made.
Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen
Also under the partnership between Mitsubishi Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen, the Peugeot iOn shares the same electric car status as the Citroen C-ZERO and the Mitsubishi i MiEV.
Since both the Peugeot iOn and the Citroen C-ZERO were both built by Mitsubishi Motors and sold for the European market, most European buyers can experiencing some confusions on which electric car they would buy. For Peugeot fans may choose the iOn and for Citroen fans may choose the C-ZERO.
More importantly, both the iOn and the C-ZERO are equipped with the Mitsubishi YF41 motor that can go for about 160km in one full charge. And yes, a full power goes from about 6 hours of charging. Power output is 64PS/3,000-6,000r.p.m. and torque output is about 18.4kg-m/0-2,000r.p.m.
MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THE ION:
I guess both the Peugeot iOn and the Citroen C-ZERO are the same coins for European customers, even when built from Japan via Mitsubishi Motors under their partnership. However, as for my point of view, I would either go for the Peugeot iOn or the Citroen C-ZERO for its eco-car status. 6 hours of charging may take up to about 160km, which means that this electric car can go places around the European continent.
It seems that the GTi's past is finally returned to scare its European rivals and show which hot hatch is built for deterrence. When Renault successfully returned the Gordini name and use the Renault Twingo Renault Sport and recently facelifted Clio (known in Japan as the Lutecia) Renault Sport for their Gordini spin-offs, Peugeot decided to revive the GTi (please note that it is Peugeot's GTi naming, not Volkswagen's) name via the high-performance version of the hard-hitting blockbuster from Europe, the Peugeot 308.
Destined to be locked-on by its rivals such as the SEAT Ibiza FR, Volkswagen Golf GTi, and the Renault Clio/Lutecia GT, the 308 GTi is not merely a cruise missile launched by the French Army but it has a heart of an officier subalterne (French for Junior Officer) which makes it a formidable choice among amateurs. With the base price of 26,900 Euros, which is pricier than the Renault Clio/Lutecia GT but affordable than the Volkswagen Golf GTi, how else can you expect more from this hot hatch built for excitement? To make it simple, the 308 GTi is powered with the standard turbocharged 1.6L, 200 PS, THP engine that covers the top speed of 237km/h and the split time of 7.7 seconds on a 0-100km run. Compare these stats with the Renault Clio/Lutecia GT and the 308 GTi say "you're such a loser" to its rival. The 308 GTi comes with a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
My thoughts about the 308 GTi:
Some things that were once disappeared may reborn in various forms. The GTi naming for Peugeot is finally reborn but not just in a form of an eccentric reason, but a reason to fight back in this economy. With this 308 GTi, this hot hatch is merely a good deterrent in the streets of Europe. It is merely to be known as "the return of the myth" since the GTi naming is back. With the JDM Civic Type R Sedan's disappearance, and the Type R Euro remains for one more chance, the 308 GTi can be a fair rival against the Honda Civic Type R Euro. It is not just made for fun, it is made for passion, if I do say so myself.
Last June 2009, Mitsubishi Motors commenced the launch of the world's first electric car in the public. The Mitsubishi i MiEV truly literates Mitsubishi Motors' brand slogan "drive@earth" and this is the electric car that started it all before the advent of the Nissan Leaf. About the i MiEV, this is the first car that it uses lithium-ion battery as its main source instead of gas fuel. It's powered by a YF41 hybrid engine that produces 64PS of power.
While waiting for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines to bring the i-MiEV to our shores, some brands trying to use the i-MiEV's body for some purposes...
Take a look on what we got:
PSA Peugeot Citroen uses the Mitsubishi i-MiEV for their mainframe as their OEM versions known as the Peugeot i0n and the Citroen C-Zero, both of these i-MiEV OEMs will be on sale at the rest of the European peninsula this year. Not only that, there is also something that you shouldn't believe:
Mitsuoka Motors, the brand behind the aggressive Orochi coupe, the Morgan Roadster-cloned Mazda Roadster-based Himiko, and the Galue sedan, unveiled their modified version of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, known as Like. But why Like? What do they like most? The only thing Japanese like the Like is for its hybrid capacity. Even it is an electric vehicle based from the i-MiEV, the exterior design is another part of the Mitsuoka story.
No matter which country you are on, no matter which style do they look on their i-MiEV, this electric vehicle is a part of the commitment for the eco-lovers. With the rising gas-prices, and the case of global warming, this electric vehicle will once save the world.
Most Peugeots used the numerical system for their car names having the zero or double zeros in the middle on it, for instance; the 207, 308, 3008, and the 5008. This time, the tradition of having this numeric naming system has been broken, because the name "RCZ" is finally unleashed from Peugeot. Started as the 308 RCZ concept car, as seen in the 2007 IAA on Frankfurt, Germany, Peugeot decided to create the brand's most sophisticated sports car to rival against the Audi TT. In the other hand, the RCZ is not very competitive against the Audi TT, because of its speed and handling, but when it comes to pricing, the RCZ is surely a winner.
The RCZ's exterior boasts its stunning boldness, undeniable sexiness, and its glamorous detail, from front and back. As from the exterior, the interior of the RCZ is quite an appealing trick to take lust for granted. With the paneling so manly, drivers can almost feel for the seducing feel of this French bombshell. Besides, the seating capacity is for four passengers. What I do not like about the RCZ is its rear seats because passengers find it difficult to get in or out from these rear seats, due to less legroom than the front seats. What makes up to these rear seats are the only room for the women's purses, your laptop, and everything you are carrying with it during those long highway drives.
The RCZ has two different engines to choose from (as of press time), a 1.6 THP turbocharged engine capable of releasing 156PS of power and the 2.0-litre HDi diesel engine which has lesser emissions than the first engine I mentioned here. Aside from the engine choices, the RCZ is equipped with power steering for precision, powerful braking system, adjustable spoiler that pops up when it reaches it top speed or braking, pop-up bonnet for less pedestrian impacts, and four airbags equipped in the front side.
My thoughts about the RCZ:
Although I am going to say that, the RCZ is a decent competitor against other FWD machines such as the Honda Civic Type R, the Kia Forte Koup, or even the Citroen DS3. With its decent features, bold design, and a new name to the new Peugeot (consider the new logo by the way), I can rest assured that the RCZ makes an decent machine, which others think this is a vehicle waiting to be a rant, and others think they will rave it. Is it a rant or rave? You decide when you are behind the wheel of the new Peugeot RCZ.
In South Korea, they have the Ssangyong Rodius (Stavic) and the Hyundai Grand Starex. In Japan, they have the Honda Stepwgn, the Toyota Noah & Voxy twins, and the Nissan Serena. In France, Peugeot's new multipurpose passenger vehicle brings out the best for the European families everywhere. This is the 5008, the newest people carrier from one of hardest working French automobile brands, Peugeot.
Borrowed from the new platform used from the 3008 crossover utility vehicle, you can examine the design flow of this new family mover from the front, side, and the back. Most European car enthusiasts can feel the love-it-or-hate-it decision, once they tried the 5008 for the very first time.
Since the arrival of the 5008, there are two gasoline-powered engines and four diesel-powered engines available as of press time. From the 1.6-litre VTi engine to the 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine, drivers can choose which engine type is suitable to the 5008. Only on the manual transmission-equipped variants is the gearshift indicator, which allows the car to determine the best time for the driver to shift gears.
On the safer point of view, the 5008 is equipped with six airbags, which provide maximum protection for everyone inside, intelligent distance alert system determine the right speed on the right road, anti-skid system, traction control, electronic handbrake, and hill assist. An optional phone added in the 5008, providing the most of the emergencies when needed.
With the interior features, such as the optional rear-seat entertainment system, panoramic roof, optional navigation system, USB connectivity, air con, heads-up display (same as the 3008), and many storage features, you can rest assure that these features are made to be almost premium. Aside from calling it a premium multipurpose passenger vehicle for adults, the 5008 is built for everyone, even kids who are enjoy watching their favorite movies at the passenger side.
THINK ABOUT IT:
Most Pinoy Peugeot fans would wished that this brand would not be abolished from the Philippine market, despite poor reputation, because there are more Peugeots to come in the Philippine market, such as the 3008 crossover, all 207 and 308 variants, the 407 sedan, estate, and coupe, the Mitsubishi Outlander OEM, known as the 4007, or even this 5008 MPV.
With the 5008, most parents cannot wait to take advantage of these rich features suitable on most occasions. Not only the families trying this new French MPV, but also people with great interests would love to witness the 5008 for their first test. Whether you favor it or not, the 5008 designed and engineered to be almost a premium, with the pricing most likely to credit for the drivers.
Talk about a muscled French crossover! The French automaker Peugeot created an unique crossover with the shape of an one-box car with the elements of a Sport Utility Vehicle known as the 3008 and it was here in the European market for a few weeks ago. Regardless of shape and design, this crossover is the perfect shape for Peugeot's success of creating a crossover so unique, you cannot tell if it is a sports utility vehicle, a multipurpose passenger vehicle or a hatchback.
For starters, the 3008 combines the essence of strength, power, and dynamism to release its full potential for the driver's eye. As mentioned, the front side remains the traditional Peugeot look to give this crossover the tradition all French cars deserved. On the rear side, you can see cool-looking rear lamps that look similar to some vehicle drivers know.
The 3008 is fuel efficient and it carries four available engines to choose from, such as the 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine with the fuel economy of 18.9km/L, a 2.0-litre HDi diesel engine, a 1.6-litre VTi engine, and the 2.0-litre THP engine that has the fuel economy of 13.2km/L.
Despite being a "spacious and tall" vehicle, the 3008 is equipped with the finest handling technologies such as the Dynamic Roll Control System to bring the body roll control standards to its new heights while the Grip Control system optimizes the traction in the front wheels for all-road cruising, especially tarmac, gravel, or snow.
The interior of the 3008 is unique for a "spacious and tall" vehicle, especially the Multiflex interior that allows the user to adjust the seating arrangements for some piece of spaciousness at all points of view. For the conveniences, the 3008 is equipped with the next-generation of equipments for the driver like the Head Up Display (similar to the Lexus RX), Distance Alert system, automatic electric parking brake, hill assist system and the optional satellite navigation system that covers most of the European roads.
THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THIS CROSSOVER,
Part hatchback, part SUV, part MPV, and an all round winner for the drivers' hearts. Consider it a family-friendly alternative to such expensive crossovers in the market, the 3008 can be a perfect addition to your family. It will take you wherever you will go.
