Alternative review of Peugeot 207 CC

On the face of things, the Peugeot 207 CC has everything necessary to attract today's modern woman (whoever she is). Cute looks, sporting appeal and a roof that instantly converts a hardtop coupe into an alfresco cabriolet are all ingredients that ought to attract discerning female buyers in their droves. Men may like it too of course - but the sales figures for cars like this suggest that this model will have a particular appeal for the fairer sex. Affordable Cabriolets have always been this way, with men traditionally preferring the more sporting roadster approach. The problem with most hatchback-based cabriolets is that they've always had an inescapable pram-like quality about them. The stubby proportions, untidy hood mechanisms and inelegant rollover bars made them look about as graceful as an industrial dumpster. This car's predecessor, the 206CC, changed all that and its 207 replacement continues the tradition. Even with the roof up, it has a cheeky coupe appeal and with the hood down, the long rear deck ensures the little Peugeot is svelte enough to avoid any pram-like connotations. The recipe for the 207 CC is otherwise reasonably familiar. Offered at surprisingly reasonable prices, the 207 CC offers performance and panache in a carefully targeted package.

Operating the roof is simplicity itself. With a similar operation as the 206 CC, the 207 CC roof differs significantly in terms of convenience thanks to its entirely automatic operation. In other words, no more of the manual release handles that ladies used to break their fingernails on. The only manual operation consists of pressing the control button for around 25 seconds, during which time the opening or closing cycle is completed; after all four windows have been lowered automatically. To ensure optimal roof sealing and to assist the opening of the doors, the electric front windows are equipped with an "automatic window drop" system. The rear seats are moulded into the back, and whilst they're attractively styled, leg and headroom isn't the greatest. Best to use them for the kids or as additional luggage space. You'll probably end up using it as well, because with the roof folded down, it eats into boot space quite disastrously. There's still room for a couple of soft bags, but anything more than that will emerge from the boot looking like it's been in a junkyard crusher. Still, you don't buy a car like the 207 CC for load carrying - you'll want to ditch the excess baggage, travel light and get a little bit closer to the elements.

The entry-level petrol unit is the 120bhp normally-aspirated 1.6-litre that I tried. This is the engine that will rack up most sales and it's a variant of the next powerplant in the line-up, the 150bhp turbo 1.6, albeit shorn of the turbocharger. Nevertheless it still feels quite punchy. If economy is your priority, there's also a very creditable 110bhp diesel offered. None of the three engines available are going to cost the earth to run, although the diesel stands out courtesy of its 54.3mpg combined figure. The petrol engines aren't exactly fuel hogs either, the normally-aspirated 120bhp unit returning an average of 43mpg (or 39mpg if you mate it to the optional automatic gearbox). Alternatively, the zippy 150bhp turbo installation manages 39 miles per gallon. Likewise, emissions figures are good right across the board, as you'd expect from engines that are virtually state of the art. On the road, the French company have tried to make most of the attributes that have made the 207 GTi such a success - slick gearchange, supple suspension, entertaining handling and deft steering - attributable to the 207 CC. Have they succeeded? Arguably, yes, although in truth the CC will no doubt appeal to those who put appearances before outright ability. Still, like owning a diver's watch capable of descending to 200 metres, even if you don't actually need it, it's reassuring to know you have the capability. Just in case.

Happily - though as an only car, I might find it a little small. It's still the most stylish car in its sector, yet also dynamically up there with the best. Most will be happy with that.

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Peugeot 207 1.4 Access 3dr Hatchback
Price £7,909 Read 207 Reviews	Save £2,081
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Peugeot 207 1.6 VTi Allure 2dr Coupe Cabriolet
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Peugeot 207 1.6 VTi Active 2dr Coupe Cabriolet
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Price £9,882 Read 207 Reviews	Save £2,763
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