IF THERE’S one thing that’s guaranteed to frustrate motoring journalists it’s when a car maker wheels out a stunning concept but fails to follow through with a production model.

You see it all the time at motor shows; crowds are wowed and column inches are generated then nothing. Dudes, seriously, where is my car?

Peugeot has decided to break with industry tradition, however. The French firm, on a roll with a slew of much improved products, decided to pull the trigger on a show car that stunned the critics - say hello to the RCZ.

Visually it’s unlike anything the company has produced. Keen to rekindle interest after a few lacklustre mainstream models and the perceived abandoning of the GTi sub-brand, Peugeot has played a blinder.

It’s rare for any of the fancy styling details of a concept car to reach the production version. The finger is usually pointed at the extra cost or complexity of such things. Peugeot though the RCZ’s ‘double-bubble’ roof, complex rear screen and associated metal roof rails were worth saving. The decision was the right one, as those features have rightly become a major talking point.

Regardless of what direction you approach the RCZ, there’s only one word to describe it: bold. Granted, head-on it’s unmistakably a Peugeot. Visually the car’s nose is an evolution of the corporate family face, but its squat stance and compact dimensions have predictably drawn comparisons with Audi’s TT.

The two cars are similar in terms of packaging but that’s where the similarities end. Price-wise the Peugeot undercuts the Audi by a significant margin and, well, it’s got that funky rear screen. Along with its flowing curves and clever pop-up rear wing, the RCZ is every inch a supermodel and puts the plain Jane TT in the shade. Who’d have thought it?

Looks will only get you so far, though. Along with rediscovering its style mojo, Peugeot has pulled out all the stops in the driving department. Once famed for its hot hatches, recent Peugeots have displayed a more mature approach to ride and handling. It’s fair to say the policy hasn’t pleased the grass roots fans, but with the RCZ Peugeot has made a big step back in the right direction.

A pleasant surprise in all the important areas - ride, comfort, refinement, driveability, performance - the RCZ points to a healthy future for the brand. With its accurate and weighty steering, good brakes and ride control, itself delivering an impressive balance between sporting firmness and urban-speed comfort, there’s much for the enthusiastic driver to like. In keeping with the car’s low-slung stance, the driving position offers a wealth of adjustment and the ability to sit low and relaxed inside the snug cabin.

Along with the strides made in the handling department, the car’s modest engine line-up also deserves a mention. It’s only modest in terms of numbers, with Peugeot obviously keen to keep its halo model a bit special.

From launch there’s a choice between two petrol motors and a diesel. The entry-level car gets a 1.6-litre 156 horsepower turbo petrol motor plus there’s a 200 horsepower flagship unit. On the diesel front there’s a 163 horsepower, 2.0-litre HDi engine. All come with a six-speed manual gearbox.

What’s abundantly clear from a drive in the two high power cars is that the diesel offers a more relaxed experience than the racy petrol unit. Anyone seeking out a compact, affordable mini-GT will love the HDi-powered RCZ. There’s no need for a constant flurry of gearchanges, and you can take full advantage of the engine’s ample torque reserves for effortless overtaking or trickling along in city traffic.

Switching to the flagship petrol-powered RCZ reveals a more racy character. If you like working an engine hard, you’ll soon warm to the 200 horsepower THP unit’s willingness to rev. Combined with the car’s short and snappy manual gearshift, the car’s playful nature allows you to push hard on challenging roads with the upmost confidence. It also sounds good, too.

Whichever engine you choose, Peugeot’s RCZ won’t disappoint. The driving experience is genuinely rewarding and it looks great - two things you need for success in the premium coupe market.

That the car is also good value is no accident. The two trim levels (Sport, GT) include a lengthy list of standard kit, running from alloy wheels, air-con, sports seats and a decent stereo in the Sport to bigger wheels, leather, parking sensors plus auto lights and wipers for the GT variant Good value, good looking and good to drive? It might sound too good to be true but with the RCZ Peugeot has managed to pull the rabbit out of the proverbial hat. Unlike the infamous magic trick, the result is down to hard work, dedication and creative bravery.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Peugeot RCZ GT HDi 163, from £24,550 on the road. Range from £20,450.

Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit developing 163bhp.

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels.

Performance: Maximum speed 137mph, 0-62mph 8.2 seconds.

Economy: 53.2mpg.

CO2 Rating: 139g/km.