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 No. 1 producer of coupé cabriolets, with more than 500,000 “CC” vehicles sold worldwide.

The car that changed the convertible car market forever was the Peugeot 206 CC. Launched in 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 within the price range of most, not just the preserve of the luxury car market segment. Its introduction saw it transform the market for convertible cars and become one of the best-selling convertibles in Australia. Its success, however, was worldwide and with more than 360,000 units produced, it is the world’s best selling small coupé cabriolet.

The 207 CC is a worthy successor to the 206 CC and will be available at launch with two petrol engines. Both of the 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 is a 1.6 litre 88 kW unit, which has greater performance across the range than the previous 1.6 litre petrol engine fitted to the 206 CC. With a combined fuel consumption figure of only 6.5 l/100km, it reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 8% and 7% respectively.

Topping out the range is a class leading 1.6 litre 110kW ‘THP’ turbo-charged engine, first seen in the 207 GT hatchback. This engine offers incredible engine flexibility due to its maximum torque of 240 Nm available from an engine speed of only 1,400 rpm and recently was voted best in its category at the International Engine of the Year Awards.

The use of an innovative Twin-Scroll turbocharger, variable inlet valve timing and direct high-pressure fuel injection provides an engine with a remarkable balance between performance and low fuel consumption/emissions.

The 1.6 litre 88 kW engine is available as a 5-speed manual or with an optional four-speed automatic gearbox with “Porsche Tiptronic” sequential manual selection. The 1.6 Turbo is a five speed manual only.

The new electric folding roof for the 207 CC has been designed 100% 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.

Class Leading Safety

The 207 CC offers its occupants a level of passive safety that is as comprehensive as possible. To limit injury as a result of a front or side impact, the structure of the 207 CC has been specially strengthened to compensate for the absence of a “roof” superstructure.

To protect occupants when the 207 CC is in the cabriolet configuration an active roll-over protection system is a standard feature on all 207 CC models.

Four airbags, two of which have been designed specially for the 207 CC, are fitted as standard on all models to provide further protection for the occupants:

• Two adaptive front airbags
• Two ‘head-chest’ side airbags located in the side of the front seats

The 207CC also is equipped with ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist and on the 1.6 Turbo model, ESP including traction control.

As a 2+2, the 207 CC also offers two rear seats, a feature which distinguishes it from a strict two seater. It allows the possibility of carrying one or even two people in the back for a short journey and when not in use, the space provided by the rear seats can also be used for hand luggage and coats.

Larger than the outgoing 206 CC and with standard safety equipment and features normally only found on vehicles in a much more expensive market segment, the 207 CC like its predecessor, will once again write a new chapter in the history of small coupé cabriolets.

Manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Prices