‘Opening’ time for Peugeot’s 207 CC

9:27am Friday 2nd February 2007

It was in the 1930s that Peugeot started the innovative concept of the coupé cabriolet, with the 601, 401 and 402 Eclipse.

This concept was to become one of Peugeot's trademark features and make the marque the No1 producer of coupé cabriolets, with today more than 500,000 vehicles sold worldwide.

The car that changed the UK convertible car market forever was the Peugeot 206 CC. Launched in the UK in January 2001, the 206 CC broke new ground with regards to technology, manufacturing and entry price.

It brought a coupé cabriolet with an electric folding roof into the price range of everyone, not just the preserve of the luxury car market segment.

Its introduction saw it transform the UK market for convertible cars and become the best-selling convertible car in the UK for three consecutive years. Its success, however, is worldwide and with more than 360,000 units produced it is the world's best selling small coupé cabriolet.

With the launch of the Peugeot 207 CC next month, it will replace the Peugeot 206 CC.

The 207 CC will be available at launch with two petrol engines and one diesel engine combined with two trim levels - Sport and GT. Both of the petrol engines have been developed as part of the co-operation between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group and introduce technology not normally found in this market segment.

The first engine, and the one which is expected to be the most popular choice, is the 1.6-litre 120 bhp petrol engine.

This engine has greater performance across the range than the previous 1.6 litre petrol engine fitted to the 206 CC and with a combined drive cycle fuel consumption figure of 43.5 mpg, reduces fuel consumption and emissions by eight per cent and seven per cent respectively.

The second petrol engine is the 1.6-litre 150 bhp THP petrol turbo-charged engine first seen in the 207 GT THP 150 hatchback.

The final engine is Peugeot's 1.6- litre HDi diesel engine, producing 110 bhp, which is also fitted with a diesel particulate emission filter to ensure low fuel consumption with emissions of only 136 g/km.

The 1.6 litre 120 bhp petrol engine is available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox with Porsche Tiptronic sequential manual selection as well.

The new electric folding roof for the 207 CC has been designed in-house and is the result of Peugeot's expertise in the design and manufacture of coupé cabriolets. It has been designed against a rigorous specification in terms of quality and operating durability.

With a similar operation to the 206 CC, the 207 CC roof, however, differs significantly in terms of convenience thanks to its entirely automatic operation - no more manual release handles. The only manual operation consists of pressing the control button for 25 seconds, during which time the opening or closing cycle is completed; after all four windows have been lowered automatically.

A roll-over protection system plus five airbags are fitted as standard on all models.

Standard equipment on all models includes alloy wheels (16-inch or 17-inch depending on model), sports front seats, front fog lights, air conditioning (manual on Sport models, dual zone climate control with air conditioning on GT models), electrically operated/heated door mirrors, trip computer, sports front exterior styling, ESP (GT models, optional on Sport models), ABS with EBFD and EBA, body-coloured door mirrors and handles, driver and passenger seat height adjustment, steering column adjustable for reach and rake, electric windows, remote control central locking with deadlocks and electric power steering.

Retail prices will range from £14,795 for the Sport 1.6 120 to £17,095 for the GT HDi 110.