The subject of concept cars is always good for debate. Well, if you're a bit weird and a car-nerd like me it is, anyway. But every time there's a motor show you can guarantee at least one vehicle to stoke the argument: are concept cars a bit pointless?

A really good concept nigh-on always leads to a disappointing production car. Think Jaguar XF. The preview car (search Jaguar C-XF in Google images if you’re unfamiliar) was a svelte and striking thing, and while the end result is a great car (and still a good looker, I reckon), it’s been cursed by a concept that set up unfulfilled expectations.

The new SEAT Ibiza treads similar ground, too. It was previewed by the Bocanegra concept in 2008 (back to Google if you’re unsure) before the production three-door arrived six months later, to groans of disappointment. Take the new Ibiza on its own and it’s a stylish supermini; compare it to what it could have been, and it’s a letdown.

Or is it? Today SEAT turned tradition on its head and announced a production Bocanegra (pictured). Essentially it sounds like a styling back for the warm Ibiza FR and hot Ibiza Cupra. That’s no bad thing, as both cars pack potent engines and wads of technology. But it does mean we get a car that’s very, very close to the one that attracted all the initial excitement.

So a round of applause for the Spaniards. And a wake-up call to other manufacturers who tease us with cars that will never be…