Peugeot 207

New 207 CC is open for business

The chill hasn't stopped Peugeot from putting the finishing touches to its next baby drop-top

Auto Express Car Reviews

Front line
CC shares styling with 207 supermini, but additional strengthening has been built into the nose to compensate for the loss of the roof.

Roll with it
Chrome hoops rise to protect passengers in the event of a rollover.

By Chris Thorp

19th December 2006

These are the first official pictures of the new 207 CC, which the French company hopes will pick up where its successful 206 predecessor left off - fighting it out at the top of the folding metal roof class.


	Despite the sharp styling, Peugeot has resisted the current trend among other firms to call upon a glitzy Italian design studio to help create its new drop-top

As you can see, the new model cuts a more handsome profile than its 206-based forerunner. A neat chrome strip is added along the base of the rear window, while stylish tail-lights complement the 207 supermini's familiar oversized headlamps and gaping grille.

Despite the sharp styling, Peugeot has resisted the current trend among other firms to call upon a glitzy Italian design studio to help create its new drop-top. Instead, the CC's lines have been penned in-house.

Another big change comes with the folding roof mechanism, which is now fully electric, so drivers no longer need to operate manual levers or catches. The new top is constructed separately from the car, before being fitted as one piece to the 207 body at Peugeot's Spanish factory in Madrid. Converting from a closed coupé to open-air cabriolet takes 25 seconds.

To make sure the newcomer can trump rivals on the road, engineers have paid particular attention to making its structure as stiff as possible.

With the same suspension, steering and braking set-up as the hatchback, drivers can expect sharp handling and a smooth ride. Safety has also been of key importance, with strengthening around the nose compensating for the loss of the supermini's roof.

Peugeot has also fitted a new active roll protection system as standard. The smart chrome hoops situated behind the rear passenger seats rise by 200mm if the car detects an imminent rollover. That clever set-up, along with five airbags - including one in the steering column to protect the driver's legs - ensures the CC has class-leading safety.

When the new model goes on sale in the UK in March, buyers will have the choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. Drivers wanting to maximise refinement with a petrol unit get the option of a 120bhp 1.6-litre naturally aspirated unit, or a 150bhp 1.6-litre turbo. Both of these engines have been developed with the help of BMW to offer smooth performance and maximum efficiency.

Those who want fuel-sipping diesel economy can choose Peugeot's familiar 110bhp 1.6-litre oil-burner. All models come with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the turbocharged petrol unit is available with a new four-speed automatic. Prices will be announced nearer to the UK launch, but the 207 CC will be offered in either Sport or GT specification only.