2010 Peugeot RCZ Sports Coupe orders almost exceed allocation

In the UK, almost as many orders have been made for the new coupe than Peugeot can handle to produce. Reports say that within the first two weeks of it going on sale, almost half of Peugeot's allocated production had been exceeded.

Possibly clogging up the orders is the sheer, almost infinite amount of options available with the car - there's even an iPhone app which allows customers to pick and choose between 15 different sets of alloys, carbon fibre roofs, Brembo brake packages and various interior colour schemes.

Although the car uses a relatively small-engined, front-wheel drive platform, Peugeot's efforts at this year's Nurburgring 24hr proved the pint-sized Pug can cope when it comes to carving corners and smearing the scenery down a straight. Two almost-production versions placed first and second in the D1T category - diesel cars between 1700cc and 2000cc.

The sleek and sexy RCZ will compete with the likes of Mini Cooper S, Audi TT and Volkswagen GTi when it goes on sale here later this year. Power will come from various engines, the most sporty being a 1.6-litre, turbocharged four cylinder (modified Mini S engine), producing 147kW.

Peugeot Australia say the RCZ should be in the showrooms by August, and they promise it will be available below the luxury tax bracket of $57,123.

Can't wait.