If you’re in the market for a cabriolet then your search has almost certainly included Peugeot’s sales brochures. The French company has a long history of producing cabriolets. It was they who introduced folding metal roof cabriolets, as opposed to the more traditional fabric, to affordable motoring. Previously they had been the preserve of premium brands like Mercedes Benz.

The 207, despite being the lead-in cabriolet, is a grown up model in every respect.
My test car, the GT version priced at £19,495, with 1.6 litre turbocharged diesel engine made good use of its  270 Nm of torque (or pulling power) from just 1750 rpm and mid-50s mpg in combined driving.

A busy week with the 207 saw a best of 50 mpg, so real-world driving still offers great economy. The diesel engine is a smooth and refined performer although I did find myself occasionally having to drop the gears down from 6th to 5th for a swift overtake. Top gear, 6th, offers relaxed motorway cruising but for B roads is of no real benefit.

A benchmark 62 mph is reached in 10.9 seconds, which is not overly quick, but then any of these cars always carry additional weight over their standard hatchback counterparts. That said the 207 is a perky performer and provides more than enough power for swift and safe motoring whatever the road.

The ride and handling is good at soaking up the worst of the rougher roads yet allowing enthusiastic driving with comfort. Don’t get me wrong, as I have already said,  the car is no ball of fire but still immense fun. Part of that fun is undoubtedly being able to drop the roof and it’s all remarkably easy by the mere press of a button. The one downside is that boot space is always compromised in these folding roof cabriolets.  It may also still seem strange to some having a diesel cabriolet but it works very well.

Standard fare on the GT version I was testing includes bluetooth phone connectivity, cruise control, power and heated door mirrors, auto dipping rear view mirrors, dual zone climate control, directional headlights linked to steering input and much more.

The car also looks the part too with a raked and sharply styled front and, for this type of car, a softer rear styling. Rear styling is always difficult on these cars bearing in mind the boot has to accommodate the folding roof. So many cabriolets with a solid folding roof have rather awkward, square rear styling that Peugeot has managed to avoid.

Overall you cannot but be impressed by the 207CC. The styling, especially the ‘mouth’ at the front of the car won’t be to everyone’s taste though. Also boot space is restricted when the roof is down so practicality might be an issue for some. These matters apart the 207CC is hard to fault. Stylish economics sums it up perfectly.

FOR:   Economy, style and fun

AGAINST: Style won’t suit everyone, restricted boot space when roof folded.