After a long period of design mediocrity that can best be described as Peugeot's 'gaping face era', the company seems to have got its design mojo back. The new SR1 concept roadster demonstrates an entirely new design language for the firm that loses the hang jaw of its current range and exhibits an altogether more pleasing look. The French company is claiming elegance, purity and dynamism with its smartly-styled concept; the SR1 concept's proportions are quite unlike anything we've seen from Peugeot before.

It's so different that the firm has redesigned its badge to match, the SR1 wearing a new lion on its sharper nose. With future-looking styling it's hardly surprising that the SR1 features an innovative drivetrain. The SR1 uses Peugeot's HYbrid4 technology, which utilises a combination of electric motors and a 218bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine, their combined output claimed to be 313bhp. Emissions with the conventional engine operating are just 119g/km, though in electric only mode the SR1 is effectively emissions free. Fuel economy is quoted as 57.7mpg.

All four wheels are driven via the hybrid system - though it's possible to run with only the front or rear wheels being powered - the SR1 also featuring four-wheel steering, double wishbone suspension and a lightweight tubular chassis. The interior exhibits usual concept car flair such as a removable clock - Peugeot going for a chunky solid aluminium detailed Bell&Ross timepiece - a squared off steering wheel and a driver-focussed console containing a combination of analogue and digital read outs.

Not ever likely to reach production, the SR1 does however signal something of a renaissance for Peugeot's styling. The concept has been released to coincide with the French firm's celebration of its 200th year as a company - Peugeot started business back in 1810 as a steel foundry.

Kyle Fortune - 8 Jan 2010