IN the few weeks of summer we have so far enjoyed car manufacturers have not wasted a second in preparing a few more topless models for the forecourts. They must know something we don't, because the new cars are not due here until next month. Perhaps an Indian summer is on the cards.

Anyway, as the thermometer has risen, so motorists have been quick to show their love of open-top motoring. The new models, however, are not just topless, they are coup-cabriolets, cars capable of shutting out the bad weather at the press of a button.

First out will be the coup-cabriolets from Peugeot. The new 307 comes with a choice of engines, either the 138bhp 2.0-litre petrol or the 180bhp 2.0-litre, the same unit that is fitted into the 206GTi 180 recently launched.

The 307 coup-cabrio offers some outstanding gear, including automatic rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic light sensing headlamps, reversing sensors and powered windows.

Safety gear includes anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and stability programme, traction control, front and side airbags, special roll-over protection hoops and door safety brackets to prevent doors flying open during an high speed collision.

Those unable to wait a couple more weeks can cast a glance at Peugeot's stylish 206 version of the coup-cabrio. It was a top seller last year and, like the 307 version, owners have only to press a button for the all-metal, electrically-operated roof to fold automatically into the boot.

Prices start at £14,700 for the 206 models, while the Peugeot 307 entry-level 2.0-litre, the 138bhp model, is priced at £18,300.

Meantime, more drop-top gorgeous motors are on the way from Renault, with the new Megane coup-cabriolet aimed at side-showing the Peugeot 307 version.

Renault is offering three engine choices with its coup-cabrio models, 115bhp 1.6-litre VVT and 136bhp 2.0-litre VVT, and also a diesel, the 120bhp 1.9-litre dCi which is also fitted into the Megane hatchback range.

The Renault models also offer three transmissions, five-speed manual with the 1.6-litre, six-speed manual with the 2.0-litre and diesel plus a four-speed automatic with manual flick-shift override on both 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre. And there is more to come, a 1655bhp 2.0-litre petrol turbo will be available next year.

Renault's coup-cabrios come in three trim levels, Extreme, Dynamique and Privilege, with the Extreme the entry-level model at £16,500 on the road, £1,800 less than Peugeot's entry level 2.0-litre model. The Dynamique also undercuts the Peugeot model, by £100 with its price of £18,200 on the road. Privilege models start at £18,000 on the road riding to £20,000.

Main feature of the Renault models is the folding glass roof, fully automatic, which opens in 22 seconds at the touch of a button. The roof disappears into the boot, but still leaves 190-litre of luggage space. The glass roof is also capable of filtering out harmful infra-red rays from the sun, and comes with a sunblind for extra shade.

Equipment levels, like the Peugeot cars, are high.

Updated: 10:25 Friday, August 22, 2003