The roof can slide back in sunroof mode, fully back for a convertible or configured as a roadster with the roof bars removed.
Driving and performance
With the roof bars in place, it’s an adequate drive, nothing more. Once removed, there’s considerable body flexing and Pluriel lacks composure at speed.
It rides well over smooth surfaces but is a bit rough on A and B roads, and rolls a lot through corners. The light steering makes parking easy.
Comfort
Rear two seats are roomy enough for a couple of kids only. Getting the roof down is easy: twist a knob and the canvas rolls back.
The bars remain in place, however, and, although removable, they are cumbersome and can’t be stowed in the car.
Engines
Powered by 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines and a 1.4-litre HDI diesel. The 1.4 isn’t quick, but it is peppy and nippy around town.
The diesel is slow to get going, but is a strong performer when it does, making it well suited to motorway work and great for cruising.
The 1.6, with a 0-60mph time of 12.2sec and a top speed of 117mph, is the quickest engine in the line-up, but is available only with a SensoDrive semi-automatic gearbox.
Safety
One of the safest supermini on the road – a four-star Euro NCAP rating.
It gets a better score than the C3 with a metal roof (and Pluriel was tested with the roof off, too). Fabric roof is lined with metal strips to keep razor-toting thieves at bay.
On the forecourt
Price guide
2003
Trade £4,400-4,775
Retail £5,175-6,000
2005
Trade £5,750-6,370
Retail £6,750-8,000
In the workshop
Plenty of reports from owners of roof and window leaks, especially with early cars.
Issues with the performance and reliability of SensoDrive gearbox. Recalls: defectively assembled brake linkage lever, incorrect tyre pressure labelling on early cars and a slow returning accelerator pedal.
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