Peugeot 206CC 2005 Review

The cute little Pug completely negates any high performance aspirations by having a drop top.

It all boils down to what you want to do.

Fang around in your turbo high performance sporty car and you'll lose your licence or adopt cruise mode in your Peugeot 206CC with the roof off and bathe in the warm temperatures and the style of the car.

At holiday time, there is no question – basking wins hands down.

There is always a race to see who drives the Pug and the roof hasn't really been on, day or night for about a month – unless it starts to rain.

Then, the fast operating metal roof slots into place and it's like a hard top coupe.

Thankfully, there's adequate boot space even with the roof folded. The CC is a small car but available space has been optimised except in the rear seats which are kiddie-size. At a pinch, they can be pressed into service as large leather clad storage bins.

There's a full array of luxury and safety equipment plus the security of having a metal roof and not vinyl.

Though there is some "romance" attached to a vinyl soft top, they are somewhat lacking in security and strength terms.

The 206CC has tidy manners and is not averse to cornering fast, even on rough roads. Peugeot sorted out suspensions decades ago and the 206CC is a beneficiary. It's comeptent and comfy.

This is a 1.6-litre model with a four speed automatic behind it – a great combo for city driving and pretty good out on the highway especially if you use the sequential shift mode.

While not as frugal as the Peugeot 1.6-litre turbo diesel, the petrol engine in the CC is impressive. You won't be contributing hugely to government or oil company coffers. It looks great, roof up or down with a cheeky face and pert rear end.