French giant manufacturer Peugeot is the world leader in Cabriolet production and its new 308CC enhances that proud tradition.
Very much an evolution of the outgoing 307CC the new 308CC features a couple of interesting touches like the optional ‘Airwave’ feature. The ‘Airwave’ is a hot air scarf that is built in to the front seats and is similar to the one first seen in the Mercedes Benz SLK’s. With the roll of a dial you can send warm air through the neck-high mounted vent and around your head: perfect for our typical summer days! The novel heater is just one of two 308CC ‘world firsts’ in this sector, the second being a head air bag. 308CC is big on safety and has already scored the maximum five stars at Euro NCAP for crash safety.
Peugeot lays claim to being the worlds biggest seller of convertibles with over 650,000 built since it started way back in the 1930s. CC which stands for Coupe Cabriolet has been a very successful range with 207CC and earlier 206CC topping the sales charts while 307CC has been a massive seller in Europe.
The 308CC’s exterior has been slimmed down a little from the less than sleek and dare I say frumpy 307CC. The car is slightly longer, wider and lower than the 307CC and there is more interior space too. The rear end has got a decent bit of attention from the stylists with a new look under bumper diffuser that gives the rear a more sporty look. There are also new LED lights. The front end of the car is far more aggressive and sporty in appearance and this will make it easier for both sexes to enjoy the two-door car.
Inside, this four-seater car is well appointed. I test drove a high specified car recently at the European launch and was impressed by the sense of occasion behind the wheel. The standard 308 has always been a classy car but the 308CC goes even further and punches above its weight in terms of pride of ownership. The hard roof when in place makes the interior feel very secure and the boot remains massive of course though with the roof folded (it takes 20 seconds) the boot all but disappears, making soft luggage and small shopping bags the order of the day.
The 308CC doesn’t look like a sports car and doesn’t drive like one either. It is a very civilized machine that soaks up road imperfections well. Although the diesel version will be the best proposition in terms of running costs the petrol powered turbocharged 1.6 litre engine is the best combination as the car is whisper quiet with the top down in city traffic and yet there is a great kick available when you need it. The car handles well on the twisty bits thanks in some part to a wider track front and rear and suspension revisions.
The drop top market already has a host of nice four-seat affordable cabrios chasing your money like the Ford Focus, VW EOS, Renault Megane and of course the new MINI cabriolet, so we’ll have to wait and see what price the 308CC comes in at when it is launched later this year to see if it can be crowned the king of the class.
Michael Sheridan
