Pug’s folding roof on the hoof

As if the GTi was not enough for one day, Peugeot treated the gathered press to a glimpse at the eagerly awaited successor to the 206 CC. CAR Magazine’s Peter Palm was on hand to sample this CC sensation.

Peugeot sprang a surprise on us during the 207 Gti launch. After experiencing the car at the Wesbank raceway and driving out to the cradle of mankind, we assumed that we would be driving the same cars back again the next day. Not so. That night a spotlight outside suddenly shifted to a platform where we saw a 207 CC with its roof being opened. This was the day that it snowed in Gauteng, but fortunately the next day was not quite so freezing cold, so we braved the chilly breeze and indulged in some top-down motoring.

Peugeot pioneered the retractable roof in the 1930s with a number of such models being offered. But when the 206 CC was launched in 2000, the success of this cute little model took even Peugeot by surprise, with sales exceeding 360 000 units. The successor is bigger all round, but still manages to look good, much better then the 307 CC and should be judged by most as having an improved appearance over the 206. Only that massive grille takes some getting used to. I haven’t yet! As before, two versions are available:- the 88 kW 1,6 and the 110 kW turbocharged (also1,6).

Both EP6 engines come courtesy of the joint venture between Peugeot and BMW. The 110 kW engine is the same basic architecture of the GTi but without the overboost facility on the twin-scroll turbocharger. Interestingly, the 88 kW engine makes use of variable valve lift, from 0,2 to 9,5 mm in addition to variable valve timing, a la BMW valvotronic. The two models are simply dubbed Sport 1 and Sport 2. Gearboxes for both are five-speed shifters as on the GTi. To compare the 207 CC with it’s predecessor, the 206 CC, we find that both versions have power increases of 10 per cent and luggage capacity should also be up by a decent percentage, although not the 20 to 30 per cent claimed. Not using our eight-litre block method, anyway. An added bonus is a space saver spare wheel whereas the 206 CC came only with a puncture sealant kit.

Apart from the engines, other differences are that the Sport 2 has leather seats, auto lights and windscreen wipers, parking distances sensors, a six-CD shuttle, colour coded bumpers, slightly bigger wheels and wider tyres (205/45R17 as opposed to 195/55R16), leather upholstery, oh then there’s that fragrance diffuser on the facia. The one on our test car had a peachy aroma, but due to a cold, I had to remove it and take a deep sniff to recognize it.

We were only able to drive the Sport 2 version, first on a gravel stretch with speed bumps, where an absence of squeaks was surprising. This is because, with so many large moving parts, it is almost impossible to guarantee silent operation for any length of time. The suspension handled the bumps very well too. Then it was onto the tar with the roof down. Now some scuttle shake was evident over undulations that disappeared when the roof was raised.

The seats are very spacious and cosseting but, as before, forget about trying to use the rear ones. They are more for show. We did manage to put our luggage there, however, as we were worried about leaving bags under the flexible boot screen that leaves room for the folded roof. If luggage slides around, it could dislodge the screen and upset the applecart! While the GTi dispensed with the white background instrumentation, the CC has retained these, but only on the Sport 2 that we tested. Aluminium coloured trim and chrome bezels around the dials. Dual climate control gives both pilot and co-pilot their desired temperature while the sound system is on the small side, somewhere in-between an aftermarket pop-in and a fully integrated item The smallish buttons are not a serous problem, though, as a satellite stalk hidden behind the steering wheel soon allows mastery of the controls. The gearshift, sporting an ally knob, felt more precise than the GTi , strangely enough.

A five-star EuroNCAP safety rating provides some peace of mind, especially when you realise that those chromed roll-over bars extend quicker than you can blink in the unlikely event of a accident in which the car flips. Cross bracing struts underneath and a strengthened A pillar and surrounding areas takes care of rigidity up-front. As with the 206 CC, a boot-mounted luggage rack can be added as an option to carry 30 kg of luggage. Also available is a wind limiter that cuts down on buffeting at speed.

A three-year/100 000 km warranty is standard but a service plan is optional. The best news of all is that the prices are increased by only two per cent over those of the previous model’s versions. And for that you get a whole lot more car!

Prices are R220 000 for the Sport 1 and R250 000 for the Sport 2.