One really beautiful spring day gave me the chance to try out the folding roof of the 307 CC for more than just the photographs.

Sure, there are quite a number of these coupe-cabriolets around now, from Peugeot's own diminutive 206 CC right up to top-end Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and the technology is far from new.

But doing the roof trick still gets a fair deal of interested attention.

The review car was the in-between model, with a 138bhp 2-litre engine. You can also have it with a 1.6-litre and a 180bhp 2-litre, and there's also an automatic option. Quite a lot of choice for a niche car in this market.

Stylewise it is quite beautiful, in either of its formats. The elements of the basic 307 are all there in the front end, which has always been that model's strongest perspective. And from the back, the 307 CC is pure distinction.

Inside, the front occupants' area is straight out of the hatch and SW versions of the 307, except for some more expensive trim material on the dashboard and in the seats. The instruments are also more distinctive, black figures on white background and very clear too.

The gearshift also had a metal knob, something I dislike intensely because they are very uncomfortable on a cold morning.

At first I had the windows down, which was OK inside the urban limits but beyond that there was some air buffeting and a peculiar noise from behind which turned out to be the wind flapping the rear seat belts.

Putting the windows up made an immediate difference, and as a cabrio it seemed to me to be one of the quietest of its kind.

The engine under this particular bonnet was a smooth and elegant performer, not rubber-burning but able to pull a respectable 10 seconds or so to the 100 km/h mark.

With all the folding gear, and the extra strengthening required for a cabrio, the 307 CC and its likes are heavy enough cars, and aren't really for throwing about.

Any roofless car will flex in the bends and on oddly-cambered roads, and the 307 CC is no exception. But it isn't a major issue in normal driving.

Boot space is reasonable with the roof up, somewhat less so with it folded away. But it IS a practical car, and there's always that space on the rear seats. A scenario for two people going on tour is perfectly feasible without too much editing of the luggage.

Prices start around the €31,000 mark. Sunshine is a variable no cost option.