Peugeot RCZ R and facelift (2012): first pictures

Peugeot will show an RCZ R concept car at the 2012 Paris motor show - signalling its intention to turn its good-looking coupe into a more serious sporting drive. The show also marks the arrival of an RCZ facelift for the rest of the range, bringing the two-door into line with the new family face.

The RCZ R will go into production, later in 2013 according to Paris. The concept is powered by a heavily tuned version of the 1.6-litre THP turbo four-cylinder which powers numerous small Peugeots and Minis. Power is pegged to 256bhp.

The RCZ R is so brawny it's the most powerful roadgoing Peugeot of all time - and its specific output of more than 160bhp per litre is nearly an outright record too. A Torsen limited slip diff is designed to keep the power in check at the front axle.

Such a small capacity means that CO2 emissions aren't too high, however. Considering the performance on offer, 155g/km isn't too bad. You won't miss it from its matt black and copper paintwork.

Peugeot says it has sold more than 44,000 RCZ coupes since launch in spring 2010. Time, then, to spruce up the compact coupe to bring it in line with the aesthetic values of the rest of the Peugeot range.

The wheels are new and the front face is more aligned with the 208 family look. The interior is also spruced up with a variety of new colour choices and personalisation options.

Is this series of changes enough to make you fancy an RCZ over a TT or Scirocco? We've always loved the style of the RCZ but our triple test placed it behind its Germanic rivals (although we did test the diesels). Click 'Add your comments' to give your verdict on the new Peugeot RCZ family.

By Tim Pollard