Peugeot 207 CC 1.6 VTI GT (2011) CAR review

The Peugeot 207 CC is the survivor of the supermini hardtop convertible class. Whilst the Daihatsu Copen, Nissan Micra C+C and Vauxhall Tigra have left new car price lists, the 207 has continued in production, selling almost 148,000 units worldwide between 2007 and 2010.

In the meantime the funsize convertible market has welcomed a pair of retro rivals (the Mini Convertible and the Fiat 500C) and the flip-top Renault Wind. Is the 207 CC still a viable competitor in the small convertible class? Read on for our first drive review of the Peugeot 207 CC to find out...

Peugeot 207 CC: prices and spec

The 207 CC comes in Sport or GT trim levels, with the choice of three engines. A 120bhp 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol, a 150bhp turbocharged version of the petrol engine, or a 110bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel. Our car matched the basic engine in five-speed manual form (a four-speed automatic is optional) with upscale GT trim. That meant 17-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather-covered wheel rim and shift knob, folding mirrors and parking sensors as standard on the 207 CC GT.

Driving the Peugeot 207 CC

With the 120bhp non-turbo 1.6-litre petrol engine it's fair to say the 207 CC lacked vigour. A Mini Cooper Convertible with similar powerplant carries around 200kg less weight and gets up to speed with greater urgency. It's best to ignore the sporty pretence of those drilled aluminium pedals and white-faced dials, relax and cruise.

Lightness pervades the Peugeot's steering, shift and pedals but the car handles accurately and has no shortage of roadholding on its 17-inch wheels and tyres. It rides well and beyond some mild wind-whistle around the frameless side windows roof-up, the main noise issue comes from a lack of a sixth gear for motorway work. There is little noticable deterioration in the car's handling ability while driving in open-air mode. 

How does the 207 CC compare to the Renault Wind?

Having the 207 CC allowed us to try it against our Renault Wind long-term test car. The 207 CC proved to have superior outward visibility in all directions when compared to the slightly claustrophobic Renault. That advantage improves in top-down mode, where the Renault is still stuck with its large B-pillar fairings in place. 

The interior of the 207 CC might be getting old but it still conveys a better sense of static quality than the Renault's comparatively cheap-feeling grey plastic trim. The 207 also offers more comfortable front seats, superior ventilation and a more spacious interior than the Wind. The Renault counters by being faster and more fun to drive quickly than the Peugeot, as well as providing superior boot space when the top is down. The dealbreaker may well be the vestigal rear seats of the 207 CC, which at least offer an emergency transport option for additional passengers that the resolutely two-seat Renault lacks.

Any downsides to the Peugeot 207CC?

Although the 207CC offers a useful 187 litres of load space with the roof down, accessing your luggage through the resulting small aperture is a chore. Our 207 CC GT came with extra-cost JBL-branded hi-fi and the Peugeot Connect Naviagtion sat-nav, but adding sat-nav removes the option of USB connectivity for iPods or other digital music media. The rear pews are more psychological comfort for two-seater averse buyers than humane seating for passengers.

Verdict

Whether it's the 'girls' car' stigma of supermini convertibles, the lack of performance and ultimate handling prowess, or the image of pursuing Mercedes SLK dreams on a Peugeot 207 budget, the 207 CC is unlikely to be a typical CAR reader's vehicle of choice. But 207 CC owners won't care on sunny days when the roof is down.