IF YOU'RE a stereotypical bloke, the Peugeot 206 cabriolet might leave you feeling a little self-conscious.
While undoubtedly it's great looking and fun to drive, in truth it doesn't do anything for your masculinity.
It has, after all, long been recognised as a girly car - Peugeot itself describes the 206 shape as "feline".
Add to this the recent 'gay car of the year' accolade handed to it by an automobile club and you become more convinced than ever that this motor is one for the hairdressers.
There were a number of times I found myself slightly embarrassed at being behind the wheel of the 206 Coupé Cabriolet SE 2.0.
The best example of this happened when I was spotted queuing at traffic lights by a mate who then proceeded, at the top of his voice, to ask what I was doing in a tart's car!
Being an enlightened, modern man (I won't admit to being in touch with my feminine side), I eventually got over the mickey-taking and pretty much enjoyed the 206CC experience.
A big plus-point is the electrically-operated metal roof which folds into the boot at the touch of a button.
It's very clever and takes just a matter of seconds to transform your car from a coupé to a cabriolet and vice-versa.
On the downside, the operation is very noisy and the electronics weigh down the car, but it's not enough to spoil what is a fun little package.
In my only previous experience of the 206CC a couple of years ago, I found it annoying that when the button was pressed to close the roof, the driver's side rear window got stuck and would only shut when someone gave it a helping hand.
During my latest road test of the model everything worked very smoothly.
What hasn't changed, however, is that the driving position is somewhat awkward. No matter how much I moved the driving seat, I couldn't get really comfortable.
With 138 bhp beneath the bonnet and a 0-62 mph time of less than nine seconds, the 206CC may not be not lightning quick but is no slouch either.
Unfortunately, it doesn't go about its business quietly and the engine makes a lot of noise when you accelerate.
Handling is good though, steering responsive, and gear-changing slick.
I wasn't keen, however, on the front-end juddering which I noticed when crawling, clutch down, along the M6.
The 206CC interior is well-designed and, if you get the leather option, luxurious. It is, though, only a two-seater because there's no way of fitting anyone into the tiny rear seats provided.
For less than £17,000 the car is, in the main, good value for money. If you're a bloke though, whether you can get over the girly car thing is another matter.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot 206 Coupe Cabriolet SE 2.0 16V
Price: £16,200
Mechanical: 138bhp, 1,997cc 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 8.9secs
Combined mpg: 35.3
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 191g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint