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The curvaceous Peugeot RCZ 2+2-seat coupe is now available with diesel power.

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Diesel engine and sexy coupe are not two words you'd expect to find in the same sentence but Peugeot believes it has a niche to exploit here with the new 2-litre HDI version of its RCZ.

Coming in at a rather steep R366 500, it costs R10 000 less than the potent 147kW 1.6 THP manual model and in exchange for the performance deficit, offers economy, ample low-down torque and good cruising ability.

This engine also benefits from a more powerful version of Peugeot's familiar 1997cc turbodiesel, offering 120kW at 3750rpm and 340Nm between 2000 and 3000rpm (standard engine makes 110kW). The engine boasts a low-intertia, variable-geometry turbocharger for minimal lag and a high-pressure injector pump that allows a maximum pressure of 2000 bar in the common fuel rail.

It's no slow poke. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, this RCZ will dart from 0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 220km/h, according to Peugeot. Driven with a lighter foot, the 2.0 HDI is said to sip just 5.3 litres per 100km/h on the EU combined cycle. That translates into a CO2 emissions figure of 139g/km.

The features list is generous, as you'd expect at the price, with dual-zone climate control, cruise control, leather seats with electric adjustment and heating up front as well as parking sensors at each end and automatic headlights and wipers. Better watch out on long journeys though, as there is no spare tyre - Peugeot deeming a tyre sealant kit as sufficient.

Good news is that the RCZ coupe is also now more easily available in South Africa. Peugeot SA's MD Jean Francois Bacos said "Our allowance was extremely limited initially, but the good news is that global demand for the RCZ has now stabilised, allowing us to secure sufficient stock for our SA customers for the first time."

The RCZ turned heads from the word go with its low-slung profile and distinctive 'double-bubble' roof, features that helped it win the 'Most Beautiful Car of the Year' at the 25th International Automobile Festival among other accolades, mainly from international motoring publications.

Yet back to the diesel topic, would you choose the 2.0 HDi over the more potent 1.6 THP?