I've always had something of a love/hate relationship with open-topped cars. While I love sporty roadsters, I've often felt that the inconvenience factor of a soft top makes more sedate four seat cabriolets a bit of a pointless exercise. Couple that with the fact that any four-seater car with its roof chopped off is rarely a sparkling drive and you'll understand my reticence. When the Peugeot 307CC arrived at the office, I was mildly intrigued but certainly in no rush to grab the keys and take it for a spin. It looked the part, especially from the front end with its gaping air-intake below the badge and enormous headlamps, although the rear displays that elongated rear deck that betrays many convertibles with folding hard tops. I liked the surprisingly classy interior and after a while I felt that despite my initial reservations the 307CC could grow on me.

Peugeot list a series of features as long as your arm, most of them concerned with safety. As well as the standard anti- lock brakes, traction control and twin front airbags, the 307 CC features Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), side airbags, automatic rain sensing wipers and automatic light sensing headlamps, seatbelt pretensioners and pyrotechnically operated rear rollover hoops that automatically deploy if the car thinks that, despite all the electronic safety systems, things are going to go dirty side up. A Thatcham category 1 alarm, electric windows and door safety brackets that prevent the doors opening in the event of a high-speed incident complete the ensemble. You certainly can't accuse Peugeot of ignoring the detail. Standard equipment includes cruise control, digital air conditioning, aluminium interior detailing and a full body coloured exterior. The 180bhp version we tried comes only in Sport trim and features a comprehensive equipment list that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, leather trim sports seats, rear parking sensors, a speed limiter, electrically folding door mirrors and a five-disc CD autochanger integrated into the fascia to prevent theft. The multiplex wiring system means that optional extras such as satellite navigation and the hands-free phone system can be integrated easily and cost effectively when specifying the car. Other features you'll need to fork out extra for include pearlescent paint and a full leather interior trim. Unlike many cars of its type, the Peugeot 307CC offers a decent sized boot, the capacity of which is decimated when the hood is folded down but it's a price many are willing to pay for the additional refinement, safety and security that the metal roof affords. Both cars feature a manual gearbox but the mid-range 140bhp petrol engine also offers the option of a four-speed automatic which is a boon for those who want to sup on some particulates in the city.

Four engines are available and neither of the range-topping 2.0-litre units is short on zip. Less impressive is the performance offered by the 110bhp 1.6-litre engine which labours a little under the weight of that roof mechanism but is affordable and reasonably refined. The 140bhp 2.0-litre engine that that we first saw in the 206GTi will be the choice for most but you can also order a powerful 180bhp unit borrowed from the 206 GTi 180. The final, and most intriguing option is the 136bhp 2.0-litre HDi engine that tops the range alongside the 180. Its ample torque helps it cope better with the CC's bulk. The 1.6-litre engine can perform the 0-60mph sprint in a fairly lethargic 13.5 seconds but the 2.0-litre petrol cars are better, the 140bhp model posting a time around the 10s mark and the 180 turning in a 9.4s performance. This isn't hot hatch pace by any stretch of the imagination but it is fairly brisk and the 180 model in particular offers useful in-gear flexibility. The HDi is more flexible still because, although its 10.3s 0-60mph time isn't immediately impressive, 320Nm of torque at 2,000rpm is far in excess of the other units. It feels the quickest off the line and through the mid-range.

The Peugeot 307CC leaves me with rather mixed feelings. The styling will turn heads and the car feels a class act, but it's not a car that will interest the keen driver. Still, those in the market for a four seater convertible rarely feel the need to push the car to the limit, preferring instead to roll around soaking up the sun and the admiring glances. In this regard, the 307CC is beyond reproach, but the more powerful 180bhp version therefore seems a tad redundant, the 140bhp model performing these duties quite adequately and the 136bhp HDi being a great choice if you prioritise fuel economy.