We have to convey our thanks to Peugeot for the current plethora of affordable cabrio convertible-type vehicles.
It was back in 2001 that Peugeot launched the 206 CC and the start of the new love affair with wind in the air driving.
The 206 hatchback had already proved to be an extremely successful vehicle and Peugeot were applauded for their stylish vehicle.
Then in 2001 the revolutionary cabriolet with electric folding roof - previously the preserve of executive German brands - was introduced on a vehicle affordable to the masses.
In the UK alone more than 46,000 have been sold with more than 80 per cent bought by women, my wife and daughter being two of them.
The 207 CC has similar dimensions to the hatchback sibling but it has a more sporty exterior design. I think that the rear of the vehicle is its best point.
Gone is the bulbous raised boot line and it now looks a very stylish vehicle. Check it out for yourself when you happen to follow the new 207 CC.
Let me make one thing clear, while the 207 CC is longer, wider, taller, with a longer wheelbase and increased front and rear track than its replacement the 206 CC, the vehicle should be considered to be a two-seater.
There are two small seats at the back but these are suitable only for small children, because with my six-foot frame in the driving seat the rear legroom, even for children, was virtually non-existent.
The changes that have occurred with these extra dimensions have translated into more interior space and more headroom.
However, with a passenger on a long lengthy test route I can’t say that I found a huge difference on interior space.
The boot capacity on the previous model was always wonderful, in fact people were amazed to see the amount of luggage that could be consumed and the new 207 CC has surpassed that carrying capacity.
It is now able to carry, when it is in a roof-up situation, 449 litres, which is an increase of 39 litres, and even with the roof down it still can swallow 187 litres.
Let me put that into context, my wife used to own a 206 CC so I suppose I am a little biased, but I am also in a good position to do a comparison and to give a fair assessment on the new vehicle.
My wife’s 206 CC would take a full-size professional golf bag and a Powakaddy electric trolley and the various paraphernalia needed to play golf.
And on the odd occasion she allowed me to accompany her my normal carry bag could also be fitted in to the boot. The 207 CC’s boot is even bigger.
The electric folding roof mechanism is the result of Peugeot’s expertise in the manufacturing of this particular vehicle. It has been doing it for some time now and have just about got it right.
The roof mechanism differs dramatically from the previous, it is now entirely automatic with no need to meddle with awkward clips - just one press of a button and a somewhat lengthy 25 seconds allows for the opening or closing of windows and the roof to be lowered or raised.
Another bonus is that the roof can be operated while driving at no more than six mph. So if you are caught out by the rain you may just be able to raise the roof while waiting at traffic lights.
The 207 CC is available with two petrol engines; both 1.6 litre producing either 120 bhp or 150 bhp in the turbo version. In addition there is a 1.6 HDi diesel that produces 110 bhp.
The two petrol engines have performance figures of 126 mph for the 120 bhp version and 129 mph for the more powerful 150 bhp. 0-60s are 10.7 and 8.6 seconds respectively and the all-important combined drive fuel figures are 43.5 and 39.2 mpg.
The diesel is no slouch, as I found, with a top speed of 119 mph, a 0-60 of 10.9 seconds, and a fuel figure of 54.3 mpg; it would certainly be towards the top of my shopping list.
When you take the roof off a vehicle it obviously affects the stability and handling. Peugeot engineers have worked hard at ensuring the vehicle is an improvement on its predecessor and I have to admit the change is dramatic.
My wife’s 206 CC used to shake, rattle and roll, the dreaded scuttle shuttle at the front was at times atrocious but I commend the engineers on the new 207 CC.
There was no discernable shake rattle or roll on an extremely twisty, difficult road and it really is a superb piece of equipment.
The rigidity has improved dramatically. Underneath tie rods brace the front and centre sections, and this has added to the over all rigidity.
This improvement to the structure has also helped to improve noise suppression and to a certain extent it has improved the interior comfort levels quite noticeably.
There are to be two models in the range badged as Sport and GT - the Sport being the entry model will include the automatic electric roof, an active roll-over protection system, four electric windows, fog lamps, electric mirrors, sports seats, radio with a single CD player, together with manual air conditioning.
Remote control central locking and an in-car trip computer are part of the package with this entry-level vehicle.
Five air bags are incorporated, ABS with an electronic brake force distribution system, an emergency brake EBA system is involved.
The GT version is easily distinguished by the aluminium finish to the intake grille, a tinted rear screen, and 17-inch alloy wheels. There are aluminium door sill panels and aluminium pedals.
The GT also incorporates automatic dual zone air conditioning, electrically folding rear view mirrors, in addition the instrumentation becomes white-faced and quite an attractive option this brings to the dashboard.
An MP3 compatible radio CD player is now a standard feature together with rear parking aids.
A Thatcham class 1 alarm together with carpets completes the GT package. The GT is available with both of the 1.6 litre petrols or the diesel engine whereas the entry level is only available with the 120 bhp petrol and 110 bhp diesel engine.
My driving impression of the 207 CC is one of amazement, the transformation from the 206cc is incredible. It will be a huge success for Peugeot, on looks and styling it continues the wonderful path trod by the 206 CC.
It is a nice car to aspire to, it will be a nice car to own and more importantly it will be a nice car to drive.
I found the gear ratios on both the diesel and more powerful petrol engine to be superb, the gearbox was positive and notchy.
It turned in to corners and held a line and the only criticism that I could level is the width and size of the front windscreen A pillars.
Certainly on twisty roads where you are looking across to gain an extra view the width of these pillars was a little disconcerting.
In the rainy conditions of “sunny Spain” where the launch took place it was a revelation to drive for mile after mile with the roof down in the rain.
We remained dry and warm, thanks to the excellent heater. It was only when we stopped that the rain bothered us.
Prices for the 207CC range from £14,795 on the road for the Sport 1.6 litre 120 bhp and top out at £17,095 for the GT with the HDi 110 bhp diesel.
The 207 CC will benefit from a two-year unlimited mileage warranty. Servicing intervals interestingly are two years or 20,000 miles for petrol; the diesel is also two years but the mileage drops to 12,000 miles.
The insurance groups are quite low, Sports is 8E, the GT model, which excludes the turbo, is 9E and the GT with the benefit of the turbo engine is categorised as a 12E.
If the 207 CC were on your accredited company car list then you will obviously be interested in the CO2 figures - the diesel is 136, the 1.6 litre 120 bhp is 155 and the 1.6 litre turbo 150 bhp is 171.
By Bob Hickman.
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