Jerez della Frontera (Spain) - Infomotori.co.uk this time flied onto Jerez della Frontera to see and touch the last creature of the French car manufacturer, the new Peugeot 207 Coupé Cabriolet. The weather is ont so good, unfortunately, but we still managed to drive this car and test its behaviour on the road. It was in the 1930s that Peugeot started the innovative concept of the coupé cabriolet, with the 601, 401 and 402 “Eclipse”. This concept was to become one of Peugeot’s trademark features. The car that changed the UK convertible car market forever was the Peugeot 206 CC. Launched in the UK in January 2001, the 206 CC broke new ground with regards to technology, manufacturing and entry price. It brought a coupé cabriolet with an electric folding roof into the price range of everyone, not just the preserve of the luxury car market segment. Its introduction saw it transform the UK market for convertible cars and become the best-selling convertible car in the UK for three consecutive years. With the launch of the Peugeot 207 CC in March 2007, it will replace the legendary Peugeot 206 CC.
Engine The 207 CC will be available at launch with two petrol engines and one diesel engine combined with two trim levels – Sport and GT. Both of the petrol engines have been developed as part of the co-operation between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group and introduce technology not normally found in this market segment. The first engine, and the one which is expected to be the most popular choice, is the 1.6 litre 120 bhp petrol engine. This engine has greater performance across the range than the previous 1.6 litre petrol engine fitted to the 206 CC and with a combined drive cycle fuel consumption figure of 43.5 mpg, reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 8% and 7% respectively. The second petrol engine is the class leading 1.6 litre 150 bhp THP petrol turbo-charged engine first seen in the 207 GT THP 150 hatchback. This engine offers incredible engine flexibility due to its maximum torque of 180 lb ft available from an engine speed of only 1400 rpm and its maximum power of 150 bhp at 5800 rpm. The use of an innovative Twin-Scroll turbocharger, variable inlet valve timing and direct high-pressure fuel injection creates an engine with a remarkable balance between performance and low fuel consumption / emissions. The final engine is Peugeot’s class leading 1.6 litre HDi diesel engine producing 110 bhp which is also fitted with a diesel particulate emission filter (DPFS) so ensures excellent performance and low fuel consumption with emissions of only 136 g/km. The 1.6 litre 120 bhp petrol engine is available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox with “Porsche Tiptronic” sequential manual selection as well.
A magic roof Larger than the outgoing 206 CC and with standard safety equipment normally only found on vehicles in a much more expensive market segment the 207 CC, like its predecessor, will once again write a new chapter in the history of small coupé cabriolets. The new electric folding roof for the 207 CC has been designed 100% in-house and is the result of Peugeot’s expertise in the design and manufacture of coupé cabriolets. It has been designed against a rigorous specification in terms of quality and operating durability. With a similar operation to the 206 CC, the 207 CC roof, however, differs significantly in terms of convenience thanks to its entirely automatic operation – no more manual release handles. The only manual operation consists of pressing the control button for 25 seconds, during which time the opening or closing cycle is completed; after all four windows have been lowered automatically.
Class Leading Safety The 207 CC offers its occupants a level of passive safety that is as comprehensive as possible. To limit injury as a result of a front or side impact, the structure of the 207 CC has been specially strengthened to compensate for the absence of a “roof” superstructure. To protect occupants when the 207 CC is in the cabriolet configuration an active roll-over protection system is a standard feature on all 207 CC models. Five airbags, three of which have been designed specially for the 207 CC, are fitted as standard on all models to provide further protection for the occupants: Two adaptive front airbags; Two “head-chest” side airbags located in the side of the front seats; A steering column airbag designed to protect the driver’s lower limbs. For child safety, the front passenger seat of the 207 CC is equipped with a 3-point Isofix mounting system and the passenger airbag can be switched off, when a rear facing child seat is used. As a true 2+2, the 207 CC also offers two rear seats, a feature which genuinely distinguishes it from a strict two seater.
On the road Standard equipment on all models includes alloy wheels (16” or 17” depending on model), sports front seats, front fog lights, air conditioning (manual on Sport models, dual zone climate control with air conditioning on GT models), electrically operated / heated door mirrors, trip computer, sports front exterior styling, ESP (GT models, optional on Sport models), ABS with EBFD and EBA, body coloured door mirrors and handles, driver and passenger seat height adjustment, steering column adjustable for reach and rake, two active rear roll over protection bars, electric windows, remote control central locking with deadlocks, steering column airbag, side airbags, driver and passenger airbags, electric power steering… Therefore, at words this car is said to be very appreciated, but how is it on the road? During our trip we tested the two most interesting engines, both fuel 1600 THP unit of 150 hp and the Hdi of 110 hp. The first one, is really pleasant, and it allows an outstanding driving pleasure both at low and high speed. Dynamics is definately excellent: the new Peugeot 207 CC is a proper sports car, particularly good at moving up and down Spanish country roads.
Diesel We tested also the diesel version, which offers a horsepower output of 110 hp: another protagonist among 207 family. The enigine is silent and powerful, maybe a little less aggressive at high and low speed, but definately great in terms of consumptions: the dashing Hdi can do 100 Km with only 8 litres.

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