207CC breezes in

THE new Peugeot 207 range has received a major boost with the arrival of the sleek convertible model variant, on sale in Australia priced from $34,990.

The three 207CC models on offer cost around $2000 more than the 206CC cars they replace, but Peugeot Automobiles Australia claims customers will appreciate the extra size, equipment and improved performance of the new generation drop-top.

Just like its predecessor, which arrived here in 2002, the new car uses a folding metal hard-top.

Two 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, already used in the 207 hatch range, will be available with the new 207CC. One is naturally aspirated and the other uses a turbocharger.

Both direct-injection units are the product of a joint-development program between BMW and Peugeot, with BMW using the engines for its Mini.

The base model 207CC uses the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine, which produces 88kW of power and 160Nm of torque. It allows the most affordable model in the range to achieve a fuel economy figure of just 6.5L/100km with a manual transmission, while the automatic model uses 7.2L/100km.

It is available with a five-speed manual transmission for $34,990, while an optional four-speed automatic with manual-shift mode costs an extra $2200.

The sportier model lifts maximum power to 110kW, and torque rises to 240Nm, thanks largely to a twin-scroll turbocharger.

Unlike the naturally aspirated model, the boosted 207CC is only available with a five-speed manual transmission and is priced from $39,990. It records a combined fuel economy figure of 7.2L/100km.

Peugeot sold 360,000 of the original 206CC after it went on sale in Europe in 2001. Australian sales of the 206CC peaked at 872 in 2002, but slipped to 532 last year.

Peugeot Australia is confident the new model will match or better the 206CC’s best result.

That car was the first affordable folding metal hard-top model, but has since been joined by rivals including the Holden Tigra and Mitsubishi Colt CC.

Design and production of the folding metal roof for the 206CC was outsourced to a third party, but the lid of the new model has been designed completely in-house. This may be part of a bid to avoid a repeat appearance of the gremlins that caused some early failures of the 206CC’s complex roof system.

The 206CC roof operation was not truly automatic as two roof latches had to be flicked back, but that is no longer the case. It now folds into the boot at the touch of a button, in a claimed 25 seconds.

Like the car it replaces, the 207CC is classified as a 2+2 seater. There should be more space for all four occupants given the car is now 202mm longer, 77mm wider and 14mm taller.

The cars are also between 166kg and 200kg heavier than the previous models, with kerb weight totals running from 1352kg to 1418kg depending on the model.

When the roof is up, the boot space of the 207CC measures an impressive 449 litres (139 litres more than the 207 hatch), but this shrinks to just 187 litres when the roof is retracted.

ABS brakes and front and side airbags are standard on the base 1.6-litre model, which misses out on electronic stability control. The potentially life-saving device is, however, standard on the turbo 207CC.

All models feature an active rollover protection system which uses two small hoops behind the rear headrests that shoot up if the vehicle begins to flip.

All models come standard with dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, cruise control, a glovebox-chilling function and a full-size spare wheel. The base model runs 16-inch steel wheels, while the turbo steps up to 17-inch alloy wheels.

Paying extra for a turbo model adds automatic headlights, which have extra bulbs that respond to steering input and illuminate the inside of corners, and aluminium pedals and trim inserts.

Both models are fitted with cloth seats, but leather trim can be ordered for $2750.

2007 Peugeot 207CC pricing:
1.6	$34,990
1.6 (a)	$37,190
1.6 Turbo	$39,990

Read more:

Pug 207 CC and GTi hit Oz

First drive: 207 GT spices up Pug offerings

First look: Peugeot 207 flips its lid

Read GoAuto's drive impressions of the Peugeot 207