Stunning Peugeot RCZ unveiled

This is the car that marks Peugeot's stunning return to form. Once a maker renowned for sharp driving machines that were the choice of enthusiasts, Peugeot has lost its way of late in that respect, but it promises that the RCZ will have the dynamism to match its looks when it goes on sale in 2010.

The RCZ you see here is the production-ready derivative of the 308 RCZ concept first shown at the Frankfurt Show almost two years ago. The final on-sale version will get its debut at this year's Frankfurt show in September.

Little else is known about the coupé, though we can assume it will be based on 308 underpinnings given its concept name. But Peugeot will up the quality - and the price - significantly compared to the donor car, and only the most powerful engines from the Peugeot stable will be available at first. We expect the 175bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre engine found in the 308 GT THP (and also the MINI Cooper S) will feature, possibly tuned for more power, as well as a 2.0-litre HDi diesel unit. Lower powered engines will come too to broaden the RCZ's appeal as a cut-price Audi TT rival.

Of course, given the RCZ's styling it is the TT that immediately springs to mind, although the Peugeot has enough by way of distinguishing features to mark it out as more than a mere Audi clone. The twin-bubbled rear screen is one such feature, as are the deep air vents on the flanks. It's that attention to detail that means the RCZ will command a price of around £20,000 when it goes on sale.

Mark Nichol