2004 Peugeot 206cc

Author: John Oxley

It might have been the Mercedes SLK that popularised the folding hardtop convertible, but it was the Peugeot 206 CC that made it possible for ordinary folk to own a car with one - and which coined "CC" - short for coupe/cabriolet.

With VERY spunky styling and enough room in the back for a couple of kids, the 206 CC took off from the word "go", and quickly established itself with those who want to see and BE seen.

What's more, it has attracted a wide cross-section of owners, ranging from yuppie leggy blondes to well, yuppie leggy blonds - the latter an allusion to its vote as Gay Car of the Year in trend-setting France.

The folding metal roof, which retracts SLK-style to turn the 206 swiftly from coupe into an open-top sports car, operates literally at the touch of a button, and removes the threat of vandalism that owners of soft-tops constantly face.

It offers the perfect solution for people who want a convertible but cannot face the hassle associated with having a car with a fabric roof - and aren't able to stretch to Mercedes prices.

Having a hardtop also makes people feel safer in this harrowing world we live in.

Never mind the "Gay Car" label - this is one car that you don't mind being seen in no matter what your personal preferences. It's smart, it's funky, and it's a lot faster than people give it credit for, especially when fitted with the 100 kW 2-litre motor as found on our test car.

Styling is attractive but getting somewhat dated, and we've seen reports that an upgrade, especially for the rear end, is on the cards, although probably not until next year.

The windscreen is enormous, plunging down to a bonnet that is out of sight of even the tallest driver - the view from behind the wheel is panoramic, marred only by the overly-thick (albeit distant) A-pillars.

The level of styling detail is impressive: the cabin ventilation air intake grilles on the bonnet, the heavily sculpted rear bumper incorporating a central fog light, those cat's eyes headlights, the hugely wrapped-around rear lights.

The front of the car is the same as the very attractive Peugeot 206 GTi right back to the rear edge of the doors.

And then it all changes. With the top down the 206 CC gets a stunted "bakkie" like appearance, with a flat bootlid that is ribbed and has side tie bars so loads of up to 20 kg can be strapped on top (VERY necessary if you want to take a big suitcase and want to use the rear seats as well).

Put the top up (it's electrically operated) and the character of the car changes. Now it's a streamlined coupe with a rounded roofline and a flat back - plus more boot space so you don't need to put your luggage on top of the bootlid.

On the 2-litre there are also attractive 15 inch alloy wheels shod with 195/55 rubber; there are big rubber inserts in the doors/body sides and in the bumpers to protect the paintwork from parking chips.

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