MOTORNETNEWS  ROAD  TEST  -  OCTOBER  2007

PEUGEOT  207CC TURBO  HARDTOP  CONVERTIBLE

Peugeot was the first company to make a hardtop foldaway convertible in 1932 and they re-invented the design again some years ago with the 206CC. Now comes the upgraded 207CC with similar cute styling and the now traditional wide mouthed grille common to all the Peugeot models. With very good ride quality and road manners, an economic engine and smooth drivetrain provides look-at-me convertible flair with the comfort and convenience of a smart hardtop coupe. 

OUTSIDE:

The styling is exaggerated wedge with a very high boot to accommodate the top and very cab-forward with the windscreen starting at the front wheels and ending almost over the occupant's heads.  It looks good with the top up but much better with it down. 

The flared guards are filled with the 17" multi-spoke alloy wheels and there are rubbing strips in the bumpers and along the sides, teardrop headlights and fog/driving lights. The short rear deck does make it look a bit chunky when to top is in place but this is a matter of opinion.  Body-coloured side mirrors, roof mounted aerial and large wraparound taillights complete the exterior picture.

Because of the built-in rubbing strips the bumpers provide very good protection to body panels and lights. The bonnet doesn't have gas struts but is fully insulated and all maintenance points are readily accessible.  The engine layout is OK but a bit messy when compared with other new models.

INSIDE:

The interior is designed for two people and, even though there are token seats in the back, they would be suitable only for very small children or for storing extra luggage. The front seats are generous, comfortable and very supportive. The optional leather upholstery ($2,750) was very nice but pushed the price well above $40,000.

The interior of the roof is covered in a suede-like material  and the plastics used on the dash and surrounds are high quality grained type. The severe darkness of the interior is relieved by silver highlights on the dashboard, console and air vents while the gear knob, door handles and instrument rims are chromed. 

The hooded binnacle for the speedo, tacho and smaller dials doesn't stop reflections from the sides making it difficult to read them - especially the speedo! Apart from this, the dials have white backgrounds and black lettering and are normally easily read.  The three-spoke, leather-wrapped wheel has full adjustment. Cruise control is on a separate stalk beside the wheel and the information for it is displayed in the dashboard instrument cluster. It's a very good system and easy to use and shows you the actual speed you have selected. 

Controls for the audio and air-conditioning systems are simple to use and located in the lower section of the dash console. Both visors have a covered and illuminated vanity mirror. The drilled metal clutch and brake pedal are a bit close to each other and those with big feet could have a problem. 

LUGGAGE AREA:

If you want to carry a reasonable amount of luggage then it's a case of top up. There is still some space when it is down but very little.  The rear seats don't have a split fold capacity but, as they are really not suitable for passengers they become handy as extra storage space.  There is a steel wheel with a temporary spare tyre under the floor. A cargo net is provided and there are four tie-down lugs fitted into the sides.  The underside of the boot lid is fully trimmed.

The picture at left shows the space available when the top is raised. The one below is with the top down.

ON THE ROAD:

The turbo four-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine puts out a healthy 110kW and gives this small car flashing performance if you keep your foot into it and the revs up. The clutch is light and quite positive and the five-speed gearbox is pleasant to use and fairly slick for fast changes. Urban driving rarely sees 5th gear so economy suffers a bit around town. The average for the week with mostly urban driving recorded 9.00 litres per 100km. 

PRICE:            $39,990 plus on road costs - manual only available.

STANDARD:   Twin front & side airbags; ABS brakes with Brake Assist & Electronic Brake Distribution; air-conditioning; 17" alloy wheels; cruise control; central remote locking; fog/driving lights; engine immobiliser; power mirrors, steering & windows; 6-speaker radio/CD; Traction Control; Trip computer.

OPTIONS:        Alarm system $450; 5-stack CD $590; leather trim & upholstery $4,500; metallic paint $680, Parking Distance Sensors $450.

Luggage boot with cover in place for storing the convertible roof. The only space for luggage is then under the cover.

At right and below - the 207CC looks great with the top down.

Bottom right - The rear seats are not designed for passengers.