Peugeot and Renault are in a race to get their new convertibles out before the full chill of autumn, but they needn’t worry too much. Both the Peugeot 307CC and the Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet have electrically operated folding hard tops, as pioneered by the Mercedes SLK. They are the first full four-seaters to combine the cosiness and security of a closed coupé with the open-air pleasures of a convertible.
Even including soft tops, there are remarkably few four-seat convertibles available for less than £20,000 — currently only the Vauxhall Astra (from £17,390) and the recently introduced Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet (from £14,175). Peugeot has just announced prices for the 307CC, which will go on sale on October 1, starting at £18,300.
The 307CC’s roof folds up or down in 25 seconds at the touch of button, and there are no latches or covers to be fastened. Safety features include front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, rollover protection bars that pop up behind the rear seats in an accident, and electronic stability control.
The standard 2 litre engine develops 138bhp but the 180bhp power unit of the 206 GTi 180 will be available at the end of the year, taking the price to £20,900.
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The rival from Renault is the same size and layout (in both, the retracted hard tops take up a lot of boot space) but has the novelty of a roof made of tinted glass, so that it gives a light and airy feel even when driven as a coupé. Renault will offer a wider range than Peugeot, starting with a 1.6 litre at £16,500 and even including a 1.9 dCi diesel (£19,000), but do not expect the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet to be available before November.