THE FRENCH HAVE always been wonderful at packaging. You could put a couple of used bus tickets in a heavenly Hermes box and I'd be thrilled to receive it. After all, the French invented the phrase mettre en valeur, which means to display something to its best potential. The Peugeot 307 Coupe Cabriolet is the latest product from a country that knows all about image. The sleek metal roof fits perfectly with the body of the car. Whereas some convertible roofs seem an after-thought, the 307CC's top folds gently, and curvaceously, over the front of the car. With the roof up, you're in a proper, grown-up vehicle. Some car lovers might say that the shelf life of a convertible in Hong Kong is about as long as that of a pair of platform shoes. After the initial thrill, you realise that you're in danger of breaking your neck and relegate them to the back of the wardrobe, as a constant reminder of your gullibility. But I possess at least three pairs of platform shoes. I also drive a convertible every day. It's utterly impractical, but I love it. Few feelings beat the rush of wind through your hair, and the exhilaration of acceleration with the top down is hard to beat. I'll admit that driving through the Aberdeen Tunnel in a convertible results in you inhaling a cocktail of carbon monoxide and tyre rubber, and roadworks traffic light operators are so right to wear a hijab made of dishcloths, but the thrill of rounding the bend near Chung Hom Kok and having the glory of Hong Kong in front of you makes up for the cooked lungs and matted hair. The Peugeot brochure sweetly asks if I've a strong desire for freedom. Actually, I don't, but my urge to be as flash as possible is unrivalled and the electronic roof of the 307CC answers this need perfectly. Imagine you're cruising along Pedder Street, posing away, when rain threatens to dampen your image, and flatten your hair to the glee of passers-by. At the flick of a button, the boot opens, the metal roof emerges, and within 25 seconds, it's closed over you, keeping your head dry and your street cred intact. The roof action's so impressive, I repeat it several times, just for fun, and my admiration increases every time. But then, Peugeot perfected the art of two cars in one with the popular but snug 206CC, and Vario-roofed Mercedes-Benz SLK 200Ks are all over Hong Kong. With the roof up I can barely hear the 307CC's engine. Even at high speeds, there isn't a whistle, which is surprising, because conversation is impossible beyond 80km/h in my Audi TT. But then the TT isn't a family car and the 307CC most certainly is. The Peugeot's low windscreen curve might take a while for the tall to get used to, as in the 206CC, but the 307CC's rear seats are generous; with their curved cushions to encase you and the deployable rear roll cages. They have load-limiter seatbelts and Isofix points for attaching child seats. The 307CC scored four stars in the Euro New Car Assessment Programme safety tests. I'm given a pile of marketing literature but it doesn't mention the engine, and with good reason. The two-litre, 16-valve engine has 138 brake-horsepower (compared with the 1.8-litre turbo VW Beetle Convertible's 150bhp) which is underwhelming. The 307CC performs adequately, but doesn't provide any joy. The front-wheel drive is a bit tail happy around corners, too. Really, a car this pretty should have something a bit more exciting inside, but at least you aren't distracted from the scenery by the fun of driving. Indeed, there's something quite relaxing about an adequate car in Hong Kong. You don't have to show off, you just sit back and enjoy it. The 307CC is packed with Peugeot gadgets. The automatic front windscreen wipers scare the living daylights out of me when they're activated by a spray of water intended to irrigate the Happy Valley race track. The headlights are also automatic and save you the immense effort of flicking a switch. The glove box is refrigerated, too, and that's ideal for storing the emergency face cream you'll need to repair the sun damage from driving with the roof down. The leather interior is tacky in red and black, but the boot is roomy, and somehow Peugeot seems to have found a way to accommodate the roof without stealing storage space. So, if you're looking for a sensible family car with space for children, shopping and accompanying kit, but want to morph into the Cote d'Azur lifestyle on the Hong Kong Rivieras of Pokfulam, Sai Kung and Stanley, look no further than the glint of the Peugeot 307CC. At a glance THE PEUGEOT 307CC What drives it? A 138bhp two-litre engine with a four-speed Tiptronic box on 16-inch wheels. How fast is it? Fine for Hong Kong, with a 0-100km/h in 12 seconds. Tops at 203km/h. How safe is it? Four Euro stars' worth, with airbags, an electronic stability program, emergency braking assistance and more. How thirsty is it? Not bad at 7.65km/litre Available: For $319,800 at AutoFrance Hong Kong (tel: 3118 1828). We hear red and green models can be delivered next month; black and silver in September.