PEUGEOT 206CC: TWO CARS IN ONE

One minute it's a coupe; next minute it's a cabriolet. Peugeot has always had, as the basis of its tradition, a great desire to eliminate borders between dreams and reality. This October, Peugeot Automobiles Australia will launch its stunning, innovative and technologically advanced 206 Coupe Cabriolet.

Able to be converted in seconds from an elegant coupe to a sleek and sporty cabriolet, 206CC is essentially two cars in one. The driver has the freedom to choose his or her style of motoring without compromising accommodation, practicality or Peugeot's renown driving dynamics.

206CC shares the sedan's basic elements such as wheelbase and track, drivetrain and forward floorpan. The central and rear parts of the car are either heavily reinforced or completely new, ensuring optimum rigidity and Peugeot's legendary driving dynamics.

206CC's solid retractable roof is controlled by a single console-mounted switch, and takes approximately 20
seconds to open or close once the two front catches are manually unlocked. For added convenience, the roof can still be operated at speeds of less than 10km/h.

Peugeot is offering two versions of 206CC, an 80kW 1.6-litre with a four-speed auto-adaptive automatic, and a 100kW 2.0-litre five-speed manual. Both will boast comprehensive safety and equipment levels that include ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), automatic climate air conditioning, driver, passenger and side air bags, and a CD sound
system. Both models receive as standard alloy wheels, with the 1.6-litre running on 15" rims and the 2.0-litre on 16" rims.

Front suspension is triangulated pseudo McPherson strut with a 20mm "uncoupled" anti-roll bar. At the rear, specially designed torsion bars are used along with a 19mm anti-roll bar. Steering is rack and pinion, with engine-speed power assistance.

Four-wheel disk brakes are standard on both models, the front being 266mm ventilated, the rear 247mm.ABS is standard, along with electronic brake force distribution (EBD). EBD divides the force of braking between the front and rear, and also, in the case of the rear brakes, between the right and left sides.

Inside, the layout of the front seats, instrument panel and door panels are identical to that of 206 saloon, so the 206CC benefits from the same driving position and acknowledged ergonomics. Augmenting the sporty feel of the car is the 'rally style', drilled aluminium pedal assembly.

The sports-style front seats are trimmed in cloth, as are the rear seats, glovebox panel and door trims. For those wanting even more refinement, an option of leather trim is available.

The entire rear layout is exclusive to 206CC. There are two concave bucket-style seats that remain functional whether the roof is up or down. The backs of the seats, fitted against the rigid bulkhead, are separated by a stylised pillar that incorporates an innovative drink holder.

Automatic climate air conditioning regulates the recycling process in order to maintain a consistent level of comfort. Power windows are driver one-touch and the side mirrors are heated and power operated.

206CC's style is a pleasing mix of fashion, form and function. The bumpers (a sports front bumper is fitted to the 2.0-litre) incorporate fog lights, and are colour-coded - as are the rear view mirrors, number plate surround and door handles.

A stylised aluminium fuel filler cap evokes a sporting image, and is reminiscent of that of the 206 GTi. Impressive for a vehicle of the 206CC's size, in coupe mode the volume of the boot is 410 litres.

Both the 206CC 1.6-litre automatic and the 2.0-litre manual are priced at exceptionally competitive levels. The 1.6-litre retails for $37,990 plus on roads, and the 2.0-litre will retail for $39,990 plus on roads.