IT may not be well-known, but Peugeot is the brand that leads Singapore sales
of rigid-roof convertibles. And now there's a new model.
The 207 Coupe Cabriolet is less stubby than the 206 CC it replaces. And as a
result, it looks much sharper.
It's bigger than the timorous 206 CC. And it has a wider stance and handsome
front end that make it appear much more confident.
It also has a new 1.6 litre engine with 120 hp - the same basic unit as in the
207 GTI but without the turbocharger.
And despite being normally aspirated, it manages to move the 207 CC rather
credibly unless your right foot makes unreasonable demands.
Optimum progress is achieved by allowing the four-speed automatic transmission
to change itself. There's a nice chrome knob with chrome gates for shifting
manually. But with only four gears to swap, it's more useful to engage this
only when engine braking is required.
With the steel roof up, body rigidity is good and the car drives like a
veritable coupe. The handling pleasure is enhanced by the steering, which is
more communicative than that in the more overtly sporty 207 GTI.
For that pleasurable wind-in-the-hair experience, the 207 CC's roof
electrically folds in 25 seconds to be stowed away neatly in the boot - fast
enough to avoid getting drenched during a sudden downpour.
With the top down and all four side windows up, the level of wind buffeting is
surprisingly acceptable. Another nice thing about driving topless is that the
two small chromed rollover hoops become a more visible feature of the rear
deck.
The 207 CC may have a diminutive 1,600cc engine and two back seats that will
only fit small children or obedient pets, but it has more than enough charisma
to make up for these drawbacks.
Part of its appeal is the styling, and part of it is the neat handling. It may
not be a high-end convertible but it's still high on fun.
Peugeot 207 CC
Engine: 1,598cc Gearbox: 4-speed tiptronic transmission Max power: 120 hp @ 6,000 rpm Max torque: 160 Nm @ 4,250 rpm 0-100 kmh: 12.6 secs
