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New price guide | From £16,010 | ||||
| Engine | 1598cc, 4-cylinders, petrol, 16-valves; Maximum power: 120 bhp at 6000 rpm. | |||||
| Transmission | Front wheel drive, 5-speed manual. | |||||
| Brakes | Front - Ventilated discs; Rear - Solid discs. ABS, EBA. | |||||
| Steering | Electrically power assisted. | Suspension | Electro mechanical. | |||
| Dimensions |
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| Fuel capacity | 50 litres (10.99 gallons) Range: approx. 425 miles. | |||||
Women fell in love with it, and sales, particularly in the fickle climate of the UK, were astoundingly successful. So why change a best-seller?
To a large extent I think the 206 CC sold on
the character and convenience of its cosy, metal, fold-away roof that
compensated
for a number of debatable blemishes, and the fact that even for two
occupants, the cabin was a bit on the tight side.
The 206’s tight space (in all its variants) has been a factor I have
highlighted on a number of occasions.
It is on this platform that the latest 207 CC has been created.
I found that it is not only a bit larger, but a lot more rigid.
It’s also clearly obvious that it has a much higher standard of finish,
particularly the fit and quality of the interior panels.
The concept remains the same. The rear seat space remains only suitable for
small children or luggage that cannot be placed in the boot when it is
mainly occupied by the roof and rear window panels.
Regardless of, or because of, this limitation, this car is set for seriously
big sales, despite the arrival of a number of new rivals on the market.
| Styling |
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First impressions mean a lot and when I first experienced the 207 CC prior to my full road test, I was taken by the high standard of the interior, especially the centre console and scuttle that I felt matched the quality of even bench-mark products from Germany.
That first drive, in a diesel powered version, showed almost uncanny levels of quietness and mechanical refinement
when driven either with the top open or closed.
| Performance |
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I was not disappointed when putting a top
specification GT 1.6-litre 120 bhp petrol powered version through its paces.
And though the car is considerably heavier than its predecessor as a result
of additional body stiffening, performance is sufficiently lively for the
purpose.
A 1.6 HDi turbo diesel and a 1.6 150 bhp turbo petrol are also available in
either Sport or GT specifications.
Peugeot claim a top speed of 119 mph, with 62 mph (100 kph) achieved in 10.9
seconds.
This is not sports car class but, thanks to the flexible nature of the
engine and a nippy changing five speed gearbox, there is much driver
entertainment to be had.
As with the 206 version, the driving performance is hard to fault.
It responds well to the steering wheel, brakes efficiently, rides in an
insulated manner without any serious scuttle shake in open mode, and grips
the road well enough to give any driver confidence.
| Interior |
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| Ride and Comfort |
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Certainly it is a good all year round car, cosy and quiet with the roof in place when the dual air conditioning and heated rear window can be appreciated, and not too blustery in open form.
This particularly if the optional foldaway wind-stop is deployed to counter the back lash of the slipstream.
Access is easier as a result of the windscreen edge not seeming to be as close as it was before.
Occupant protection includes twin and thorax airbags and a driver’s knee airbag.
Should one be unfortunate to experience an inversion, then Peugeot’s first in class active roll hoops will be deployed.
| Overall |
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