CARMAKERS are keen to get some symmetry flowing across their product line-ups, and that can mean what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. While large light units, wide grilles and prominent features often suit larger models, dropping the same characteristics onto a smaller vehicle may result in ‘puppy effect’. Big ears, puppy-dog eyes and paws yet to be grown into are undoubtedly cute, but there’s nothing clumsier than a baby dog.
Cars don’t benefit from the same limitless appeal of a puppy either. As soon as a car is identified as cute, the majority of the male population switches off, instantly halving the vehicle’s potential market.
For a lesson in how to do it properly, look no further than Peugeot’s 207 CC. Unlike its predecessor the 206CC, the 207 CC employs all of the current Peugeot styling traits without suffering from a cartoonishly cute appearance. Its sleeker profile is far less divisive, but is instantly recognisable as a product from the French manufacturer.
The fact that there’s little sacrifice to be made in opting for the entry level specification in the 207 CC range also bodes well for the model. Sport trim level is superseded only by GT, and sitting in the Sport interior there’s little to make you feel hard done by. Quality is high, with a solid feel to the materials and a design that makes the most of the space and equipment available. A busy feel is complemented by plenty of space for mobiles, wallets and other pocket-hugging trinkets, something that can be lacking from cars in this segment.
It’s comfortable too, with supportive, bolstered seats as standard and sculpted doors with perfectly positioned armrests. Where the 207 variant has made little progress compared with the 206CC is in terms of rear space. In its defence, Peugeot doesn’t call the 207 CC a four-seater, preferring the term two-plus-two.
That has historically been the motor industry’s way of confirming that the rear seats are for decorative purposes more than anything. Adults will struggle to the point of admitting defeat to make use of them, although small children will fit.
As a bonus for parents with children keen to feel the wind in their hair, the 207 CC has an impressive record with Euro NCAP and in rollover crash testing.
In the less catastrophic event of a downpour, it also has quite a speedy roof. Folding ‘tin-tops’ have really raised the appeal of compact convertibles like the 207 CC, and the neat and speedy system present on the Peugeot is a great example why.
With the roof in place the model is as refined as the hatchback but with roof and windows lowered at the push of a button it’s transformed into a tidy looking and thoroughly enjoyable open-air pseudo-sports car. Even without a diffuser the buffeting is tolerable at motorway speeds, although there’s naturally some additional movement in the body with the roof stowed in the boot.
The 207 CC’s impressive platform does a good job of limiting the scuttle shake thanks, in part, to its compact size. With the roof in place the chassis boasts a very competent ride, able to cope with rougher road surfaces and large potholes without drama.
There’s a lot to be said for model’s roadholding and handling, too. The steering is light but the chassis responds well to changes of direction and body roll is limited in a sporty, but not overly firm, manner.
Performance does feel a little stunted with the additional weight of the motorised tin-top on board. The 1.6-litre petrol unit feels less sprightly than in some other models and needs to be pushed fairly hard to find the performance.
That said, it’s a very pleasant engine for more sedate cruising, and puts in a respectable zero to 62mph performance when required.
A five-speed manual gearbox with a short throw is a livelier choice than the four-speed automatic.
It can be a little vague for really exuberant driving, but is geared ideally for use around town.
Getting the styling appeal right meant half the battle was already won for Peugeot, but in the 207 CC it’s followed up on it with a car that delivers from the base specification up.
Article posted on 30th July, 2009 - 10.00am
