Peugeot 207 CC (07 on) - Review

The entry level engine is a 1.6-litre VTi petrol with 120bhp. It gets to 62mph in 10.7 seconds and has a top speed of 126mph, so feels lively enough, but can struggle when it comes to overtaking and needs to be revved quite hard. Above that is a turbocharged 1.6-litre with 150bhp. Badged THP, it’s eager, gets up to speed quickly and cruises well. It’s rev-happy, sporty, nature is well suited to the car and makes it fun to drive while a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds means it offers decent pace too. Unusually for a small convertible, there's also a diesel available - a 1.6-litre HDi with 110bhp. It's not as enjoyable as the THP petrol, but has good low down pulling power which means a quick get away from the lights, while the engine itself is refined. It’s the better option for drivers that are on the motorway as it cruises quietly while average economy is 56mpg. Unfortunately the 207 CC is let down by a slack five-speed manual gearbox which has an overly light change. The 1.6-litre with 120bhp is available with a four-speed auto. In 2010 Peugeot revised the 1.6 HDi engine boosting power to 112bhp, reducing emissions to 125g/km of CO2 and improving fuel consumption from a claimed average of 56mpg to 58mpg. The most significant improvement though is the addition of a six-speed manual gearbox that makes the most of the pulling power and almost feels like a petrol engnie in its behaviour.

It may not be a sports car, but the 207 CC is still good to drive. It never feels particularly fast – even with the most powerful engine – because of the weight of the roof mechanism, but it grips well, steers precisely and has little body roll. In fact it’s sharper, more composed and better to drive than the hatchback on which it’s based. The ride is also very good – soft enough to soak up the worst lumps and bumps while still firm enough to take corners quickly.