Magna builds Peugeot RCZ convertible

Aside from the big launches from major carm akers, Magna Steyr, the Austria-based firm which builds cars like the MINI Paceman and Countryman under contract, will use the Geneva Motor Show to debut its View Top convertible roof system.

The firm has been building the RCZ for Peugeot – so far more than 50,000 examples have been built at its factory in Graz, Austria – and elected to fit its View Top sliding folding roof to the Peugeot RCZ coupe to demonstrate how the system works.

The Peugeot RCZ Convertible isn’t a true drop-drop, as the roof pillars remain in place, just as they do on a Fiat 500C or Citroen DS3 Cabrio.

However, the View Top roof is worth a mention, as it includes transparent glass segments integrated into the canvas roof. The glass sections are different shapes, giving a unique look when the roof is closed. What’s more, they are shaped to preserve the RCZ coupe’s striking double-bubble roof design.

The View Top roof rolls back from the top of the windscreen and stacks above the bootlid like a venetian blind. The roof takes 12 seconds to close, and the stack of glass sections measures 200mm, ensuring that rear visibility isn’t too badly compromised. Magna also claims that the folding system doesn’t compromise the rear-seat headroom, although that’s always been a tight squeeze in the RCZ coupe anyway.

“The inspiration for this concept car stems from Magna Steyr’s MILA concept series, which demonstrates the unique product design and engineering capabilities that we can deliver to customers,” said Günther Apfalter, President of Magna Steyr. “We are excited to take our original View Top design concept and bring it closer to reality by showcasing it as a concept on a sports car production vehicle.”

Magna hasn’t confirmed whether the View Top roof will be put into production, but is showing the concept at Geneva in front of major car makers with a view to attracting future investment.