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Peugeot's Trump Card

In a shock move, Peugeot has produced a pair of cars that bear no resemblance to an MPV whatsoever. Admittedly the mid-engined RC Spades and RC Diamonds are only concepts but if reaction is positive Peugeot may look at a limited production run. However, the more immediate interest lies in the RC duo's engine bays.

06th March 2002

The RC Spades is powered by a 180bhp 16-valve 2-litre engine that will appear in a hot 206 in early 2003. It's been a long time coming but hopefully a re-think on the chassis settings for the 180bhp 206 will capture some of the old Peugeot GTI magic.

The increasing importance of diesel is demonstrated by the RC Diamond's 175bhp 2.2-litre oil-burner. It delivers 57mpg and yet - crucially - matches the petrol car's 0-62mph time of 6sec dead thanks to its rippling 295lb ft torque figure. Lotus and Peugeot are both touting diesel sports car ideas at Geneva, anticipating a potentially crucial new market.

Peugeot also launched a couple of more conventional cars - the 206 and 307 'SW' estates. Mechanically identical to their hatchback siblings, neither car is particularly evo focussed. The 206 is the neater design and much less MPV-like than the almost monobox 307 SW.