UPDATE: Live gallery from the launch added

The Peugeot RCZ has been launched at the Bangsar Shopping Centre in KL moments ago. This 2+2 coupe comes in two versions – a 156 hp/240 Nm variant paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a hotter 200 hp/275 Nm model with a 6-speed manual.

The latter is a pleasant surprise, and we wouldn’t have been surprised if Nasim decided against importing it, citing the usual “not enough buyers to justify” excuse. Good job!

Both are turbocharged and direct injected 1.6-litre engines from the Prince family, but the 200 hp unit adds on variable valve lift over the standard VVT.

The manual, which makes its 275 Nm of torque from just 1,700 rpm, does 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The 156 hp auto does the same in 8.4 seconds. Top speed is 237 km/h for the manual and 213 km/h for the auto.

Feature wise, the Austrian made RCZ comes with dynamic xenons (with washers), dynamic rear wing with two levels, 19-inch alloys, auto headlights and wipers, Nappa leather (dashboard is leather lined as well), electric seats (with memory for driver) and a six-speaker JBL audio system (with 240W amp).

The manual gets some added kit, which includes a smaller diameter steering wheel, larger cluster display and larger 340 mm brake discs (from 302 mm). It also has a lower anti collision bar and special hub carriers that are claimed to offer sharper handling. There’s also enhanced engine acoustics over the 156 hp engine.

For those of you who have read our test drive report of the RCZ from Spain one year ago and wondered what took them so long, well, JPJ weren’t too happy with the standard factory tint on the RCZ’s glasshouse (the double bubble glass roof is one of the car’s stylistic highlights), and Nasim had to specially order a clear version of the glass from the factory.

Two colours are available – Pearlescent White and Haria Grey. The RCZ is priced at RM218,888 for the 156 hp automatic and RM223,888 for the 200 hp manual (OTR prices with insurance). Both cars will be displayed at BSC throughout this weekend, so head here for some live viewing.

For more details, read our test drive report and view the pics here. Full gallery from the event after the jump.

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