Leisure vehicles, as they are being referred to today, which include coupés, cabriolets and the all-new concept of coupé cabriolets have grown in popularity from 421,600 in 1995 to 530,000 units in 2002.

The figures for just the coupé cabriolet are staggering, multiplying threefold between 1997 and 2002, mainly thanks to Peugeot's innovative 206cc.

Now Peugeot have come up with the 307cc, launched in Europe a couple of months ago and which is now available in Malta. It can be seen at Peugeot's totally refurbished showroom in Psaila Street, St Venera, which is in line with the Blue Box concept of all Peugeot's showrooms in Europe.

The Peugeot 307cc is a genuine coupé and a true four-seater offering maximum driving pleasure for people with different lifestyles.

There are three basic models: a 1.6-litre, 16-valve 110 bhp petrol with a consumption ratio of 75l/100 km, and two 2.0-litre, 16-valve engines, one developing 138 bhp and the other a super 180 bhp. Consumption for the 2.0-litre engines is 8.5 litres/100 km.

Obviously, the 307cc's main attraction is in the design of the retractable rigid roof, which was made as compact as possible and is fully automatic, folding neatly into the rear boot in 25 seconds.

Features include front and lateral airbags, disc brakes, ABS, EBFD, emergency brake assist, CD tuner with remote steering control, six speakers, electric windows, remote central locking, heat reflective windscreen, tinted glass, power steering, air-conditioning, and engine immobiliser, besides other Peugeot innovations.

But that is not all. The design of the car did not affect in the least the safety Peugeot cars have become renowned for. The car has a rigid structure that brings ensuring protection for the car's occupants, earning it a four-star Euro NCap rating.

Prices start from Lm14,700 for the 110 bhp, Lm16,200 for the 138 bhp and Lm18,500 for the 180 bhp.