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 No1 producer of coupé cabriolets, with today more than 500,000 vehicles sold worldwide.
The car that changed the UK convertible car market forever was the Peugeot 206 CC. Launched in the UK in January 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 into the price range of everyone, not justthe preserve of the luxury car market segment. Its introduction saw it transform the UK market for convertible cars and become the best-selling convertible car in the UK for three consecutive years. Its success, however, is worldwide and with more than 360,000 units produced it is the world’s best selling small coupé cabriolet.
With the launch of the Peugeot 207 CC in March 2007, it will replace the legendary Peugeot 206 CC.
The Peugeot 207 CC will be available at launch with two petrol engines and one diesel engine combined with two trim levels – Sport and GT. Both of the petrol 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, and the one which is expected to be the most popular choice, is the 1.6 litre 120 bhp petrol engine. This engine has greater performance across the range than the previous 1.6 litre petrol engine fitted to the 206 CC and with a combined drive cycle fuel consumption figure of 43.5 mpg, reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 8% and 7% respectively.
The second petrol engine is the class leading 1.6 litre 150 bhp THP petrol turbo-charged engine first seen in the 207 GT THP 150 hatchback. This engine offers incredible engine flexibility due to its maximum torque of 180 lb ft available from an engine speed of only 1400 rpm and its maximum power of 150 bhp at 5800 rpm. The use of an innovative Twin-Scroll turbocharger, variable inlet valve timing and direct high-pressure fuel injection creates an engine with a remarkable balance between performance and low fuel consumption / emissions.
The final engine is Peugeot’s class leading 1.6 litre HDi diesel engine producing 110 bhp which is also fitted with a diesel particulate emission filter (DPFS) so ensures excellent performance and low fuel consumption with emissions of only 136 g/km.
The 1.6 litre 120 bhp petrol engine is available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox with “Porsche Tiptronic” sequential manual selection as well.
The new electric folding roof for the Peugeot 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 Peugeot 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.
Five airbags, three 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;
- A steering column airbag designed to protect the driver’s lower limbs.
For child safety, the front passenger Seat of the 207 CC is equipped with a 3-point Isofix mounting system and the passenger airbag can be switched off, when a rear facing child Seat is used.
As a true 2+2, the 207 CC also offers two rear seats, a feature which genuinely distinguishes it from a strict two seater.
The 207 CC is therefore able to appeal to young couples with a child, avoiding the need for multiple cars, by offering the possibility of carrying one or even two people in the back for a short journey. The space created by the rear seats can also be used for hand luggage and coats, or to keep fragile items such as a bouquet of flowers in easy reach.
Larger than the outgoing 206 CC and with standard safety equipment 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
| Model | CO2 g/km | On-the-road MRRP | Ins Group |
| Sport 1.6 16v 120 | 155 | £14,795.00 | 8E |
| Sport 1.6 16v 120 Automatic | 173 | £15,795.00 | 8E |
| Sport HDi 110 | 136 | £15,895.00 | 8E |
| GT 1.6 16v 120 | 155 | £15,995.00 | 9E |
| GT 1.6 16v 120 Automatic | 173 | £16,995.00 | 9E |
| GT THP 150 | 171 | £16,895.00 | 12E |
| GT HDi 110 | 136 | £17,095.00 | 9E |
Standard equipment on all models includes alloy wheels (16” or 17” depending on model), sports front seats, front fog lights, air conditioning (manual on Sport models, dual zone climate control with air conditioning on GT models), electrically operated / heated door mirrors, trip computer, sports front exterior styling, ESP (GT models, optional on Sport models), ABS with EBFD and EBA, body coloured door mirrors and handles, driver and passenger Seat height adjustment, steering
column adjustable for reach and rake, two active rear roll over protection bars, electric windows, remote control central locking with deadlocks, steering column airbag, side airbags, driver and passenger airbags, electric power steering…
A comprehensive range of options will be available for the 207 CC at launch.
With its generously proportioned air intake, feline-shaped lights and plunging muzzle-like bonnet, the front of the vehicle is strongly identified with the Lion. The rear is reserved for the tank and a telescopic ladder. At the bottom of the rear end panel, instead of the exhaust (no longer needed) there are two connections for the water feed or the branch pipe. Naturally, the colour is "fire engine red", reflected in the interior with nicely matching touches of metal.
Peugeot introduces two new petrol models into its successful 207 range, the 207 SPORT 1.6 16v 120 and the 207 SE 1.6 16v 120. 
Peugeot’s popular 107 range entry-model is, from February, to be available in a new 3-door ‘Sport XS’ trim level for young-minded individuals who like a more racy and personalised vehicle. Available from just £8,345, the 107 Sport XS is a combination of distinctive appearance with great value, and is available in four colour combinations.