Peugeot has been slowly introducing the world to its fuel cell research through a range of concept cars including the Quark quad and a bizarre H
2O fire-engine. In
Paris this year, the technology is applied to a very near production car, the 207 CC.
The concept version of the new folding hardtop is dubbed the epure, indicating that it has environmentally sound principles. That amounts to a new type of fuel cell system, using atmospheric oxygen and hydrogen stored on board combining to produce electricity. That is then used to power an electric motor, via a battery for energy storage. Performance of this particular car is hardly startling, with a 0-62mph time of 15 seconds, but then again, that is hardly the point; and anyway, the epure previews a technology that is still in its infancy.
Unlike the propulsion system, the shape of the 207 epure is due to hit your local Peugeot showroom within the year in our estimation. As with the hatch, the front view is dominated with the gaping grille and in our eyes bears too much of a resemblance to the larger 307 CC. The side profile of the 207 epure is a little front heavy with the roof raise, but the car is elegant with it stowed. There is no doubt that the new 207 CC's best angle will be the rear three quarters though, with a gently rising profile and a modest, integrated rear spoiler. It remains to be seen whether the production version will retain the polished roll hoops and distinctive chrome strip that surrounds the passenger compartment.
Shane O' Donoghue - 13 Sep 2006