An RCZ R won’t trouble the BMW 3-series as a company car staple, but a power output of 270hp and CO2 of just 145g/km, which puts it in the 22% benefit-in-kind tax band, should make some users choosers take note. And while it won’t have the badge pulling power of Audi’s TT, when it comes to running costs, the RCZ is the pick of the two.
The TT-S 2.0-litre TFSI Sport is only slightly more powerful at 272hp, but the CO2 output of 184g/km pushes it into a 30% BIK rating. The more efficient Peugeot is £358 less to tax each year and has a CPM of 77.6p compared with the TT-S’s 87.7p.
The R brings a slightly lower ride height by 10mm than the regular RCZ and has wider 19-inch wheels, which aid grip and traction. Handling is good, while turning into corners feels extremely sharp and precise. But that combination of ride height and large wheels means the RCZ R is rather uncomfortable when crashing through craggy roads.
The 0-62mph time of six seconds is only semi-blistering, but it’s quick enough to be engaging when holding on to the gears, without moving into serious sports car territory.
