Following on from the epure concept displayed at the Paris Show, Peugeot has released details of the showroom-ready 207 CC, ahead of first deliveries to customers in March.

Now that every car maker has jumped on the bandwagon, we'll resist calling the folding hardtop a 'Mercedes-like' roof. Peugeot arguably started the trend for cheaper coupé-convertibles with the car the 207 CC replaces, the best-selling 206 CC.

At launch, the new 207 CC will be offered only in Sport and GT trim levels, with a choice of two petrol engines, alongside the 110bhp HDi unit we tested in the hatch. The range is topped by the 150bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine found in the 207 GT, though the best-seller is likely to be a new 120bhp, naturally-aspirated version of the same engine developed in association with BMW.

Peugeot has redesigned the folding hardtop itself. The new roof folds without any manual release of clips (in 25 seconds) and the front windows drop automatically when the doors are opened in a bid to improve sealing.

Ostensibly, the 207 CC is a 2+2, but rear legroom is severely limited, though useful to have in emergencies or for small children.

We believe that the new Peugeot 207 CC will get its debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, by which time we should have pricing information too.

Shane O' Donoghue - 7 Dec 2006