The Peugeot 307 CC bucked the trend in July 2003 when it was launched. Previous four-seater cabriolets, created from saloons or hatchbacks that had had their roofs removed, proved to be anything but a joy to drive. The 307 CC, however, was different having been designed as a four seater cabriolet from the ground up. It sold very well, being the best selling car in its sector, and Peugeot have now given the Range a corporate face-lift and added the torquey 2.0-litre HDi 136 diesel engine model that we look at here.

Peugeot claim that the new 307 CC is better looking than the previous model and having introduced the economical 2.0-litre HDi 136 diesel, it is also cheaper to run. The face of the 307 CC now features the corporate 'open-mouth' radiator borrowed from the 407. Chrome fog lights and high-tech elliptical headlamps complete the front make-over giving the car a more purposeful and aggressive look. With regard to the 307 CC being cheaper to run, the HDi 136 returns an impressive 47mpg on the combined cycle.

The 2.0-litre 16-valve HDi 136 common rail injection engine gives the 307 CC a significant amount of grunt developing a useful 136bhp at 4,000rpm. This makes for a pretty relaxing car to drive but when you need that extra shove, the 2.0-litre engine can perform the 0-60mph sprint in a fairly rapid 10.3 seconds. This isn't hot hatch performance by any stretch of the imagination but it is fairly brisk and the six-speed gearbox, which has been designed for dynamic performance, allows you to get the best out of the car on twisty country roads. With a top speed of 129mph, the 307 CC HDi 136 also has all the necessary credentials for long distance cruising. The engine is fitted with Peugeot's advanced particle emissions filter which captures and eliminates soot particles released by the exhaust system. The net result is that the 2.0-litre HDi 136 engine has very 'Green' credentials meeting the Euro 4 emissions standards.

The 307 CC HDi 136 is the only model in the CC Range to offer both S and SE trim levels. Modern multiplex wiring techniques mean that many sophisticated electronic functions have been included. Peugeot list a series of refinements as long as your arm, most of them concerned with safety. As well as the Borsch 8.0 anti- lock brakes with four sensors, traction control and twin front airbags, this 307 CC features Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and front side airbags.

"With a top speed of 129mph, the 307 CC HDi 136 also has all the necessary credentials for long distance cruising"

The interior continues to be a strong selling point for the 307 CC. There's a quality about the construction, fit and finish that it's hard not to like. The HDi 136 model comes as standard with various touches of aluminium around the cabin including a restyled centre console and a decent amount of storage.

Standard equipment on the S trim level includes a new dual-zone air conditioning system which uses an externally controlled compressor that takes into account the ambient temperature and compares it with the requested temperature to deliver just the right amount of hot or cold air to the cabin. Other standard features include aluminium interior detailing, a full body coloured exterior, 17-inch alloy wheels, remote central locking, one-touch electric front windows, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, headlamp delay security illumination as well as an RD4 stereo radio with an integrated single CD player. The SE, in addition, gives you rear parking aid, a five disc CD auto-changer, automatic rain sensing front wipers, an electrochrome rear view mirror, automatic head lamp operation, half leather trim and 17-inch Challenger alloy wheels. 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.

Like 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. The roof has a slick operation, folding back into the boot in only 25 seconds. It is then, however, that you become immediately aware of the protruding A-pillar that seems rather too close for comfort. It is quite intimidating initially, but after a few miles with the roof down you automatically adjust to its presence. I found it stRange that I was not so aware of the A-pillar's prominence when the roof was in the up position.

'Roof down' is definitely the 307CC's best look. With the hood up, the aesthetics of the car are interrupted by the sudden flat shelf of the boot jutting rearwards - a feature that most folding hard top cars seem to share. Once everything's stowed out of the way though, the wedge-shaped profile is very easy on the eye.

With the growing popularity of diesel powered cars, Peugeot needed to add an oil-burner to the CC Range. In the 2.0-litre HDi 136 they seem to have found a winner. This Coupe Cabriolet combines aggressive performance with low fuel consumption and Euro 4 standard emissions. The face-lift certainly makes the car look more purposeful and should ensure its popularity with Peugeot customers is maintained.