Lid Lifted On Peugeot's New 207CC Stunner
Hold on to your hats! Auto Express magazine is first to reveal the new
Peugeot 207 CC to the world. Set to replace the 206 drop-top, the car
will take its styling and engineering inspiration from the recently revealed
307 CC.
Although still top-secret, an exclusive spy image in the current issue of Auto Express magazine reveals what the newcomer will look like, based on reports leaked from inside the French firm's headquarters.
The family influences
are clear to see; the headlamps mirror those developed for the RC concept
cars, while the short bonnet and curvaceous rear ape the 307 convertible.
The purposeful appearance is no accident, as the Coupé Cabriolet
edition is expected to build on the current machine's dramatic styling
and four-seat layout. To add extra appeal to the driving experience, a
glass centre panel is being developed for the folding roof, just like
that on the Mercedes SL. The 207 won't be much larger than the 206, although
a 10cm increase in the wheelbase should create much needed passenger space
and ease criticism of the current car's poor legroom. Short overhangs
front and rear mean it will remain as practical as ever for city drivers.
Underneath, the 207 CC will use the same platform as the Citroen C3 Pluriel and share a similar suspension set-up. The CC will have a choice of the 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines found in both the Citroen and current 206. Diesel power will come from a high-performance 2.0-litre HDi unit offering at least 130bhp.
Hatchback versions of the 207 will be built at Ryton, Coventry, where the 206 is currently made, while all other variants - including the CC - will be made in France. The car will debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2004, and be on sale in Britain the following spring.
Images are to follow shortly.
Thanks to AutoExpress
for the use of this article.
