Peugeot 207 CC

The supermini cabrio class has been swollen with the arrival of the new MINI Convertible and Fiat 500C. So now, Peugeot is looking to regain its crown
as king of the drop-top with an updated 207 CC.

On the outside are fresh head and tail-lights, while the interior benefits from an extra splash of chrome for a more upmarket look.

We tried the flagship GT car, which features a turbocharged 1.6-litre THP engine delivering 150bhp and 244Nm of torque. It’s an impressive performer, with a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds and a 129mph top speed. At the same time, it returns 39mpg economy and emits 171g/km of CO2.

On the move the turbo feels lively, but it’s held back by the weight of the strengthening needed to cope with the loss of the roof. All 244Nm of torque is available from only 1,400rpm, though, so the engine is very flexible and power delivery is smooth across the rev range.

The chassis is supple enough to absorb bumps while staying sufficiently stiff to give precise and exciting cornering. We just wish the steering was sharper. On motorways, the hard-top keeps the cabin relatively quiet, but there is a certain amount of body shake and wind noise.

Space inside is tight – the rear seats are for squashy bags only, and while there’s a 449-litre boot with the roof in place, when it’s folded the load area is restricted and hard to access. Yet the metal roof remains a star feature, and the 207 CC can still hold its own against newer rivals.