Peugeot 207 CC

When Peugeot released the 206 CC in 2001, it went on to become the best-selling coupe-cabriolet for three years in a row. Even the 307 CC - despite weighing more than a small meteor - has been a popular little number during the past couple of years.

With this track record in shifting fashionable - if somewhat uninspired - coupe-cabriolets, it's no surprise Peugeot has announced that a folding-top version of the 207 will reach the UK next March.

The 207 CC has typical Peugeot coupe-cabriolet styling, with a low, sloped windscreen and high haunches. In fact, the CC sits 8cm lower than its fixed-roof cousin, giving it an even squatter and more feline appearance.

Believe it or not, the two-piece folding roof is brand new. Peugeot has done away with the irksome manual release of the 206 CC, making the operation fully automatic.

Peugeot says it has improved rigidity and safety, with strengthened upper panel and tubular reinforcement bars providing greater torsion and crash protection. The 207 CC also gets five airbags, including the modish driver's knee 'bag.

Trim levels are high, with aircon and sports seats as standard. There's the option of leather trim, a fragrance diffuser - seriously - and GPS satnav.

With the choice of one diesel and two petrol engines, the 207 CC's performance looks to be sedate rather than startling. Top of the range is the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit with 150bhp, which Peugeot reckons will crack 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds.

A 120bhp version of the same block and a 1.6-litre HDi diesel with 110bhp bring up the rear.

A five-speed manual 'box comes as standard with all the engines, but the less powerful petrol model has the option of a four-speed auto 'box with Tiptronic control.

No word on prices from Peugeot at the moment, but expect the 207 CC to sell like, erm, the 206 CC when it goes on sale in March 2007.

© Source: original article on topgear