Peugeot 307 CC Review
Published: 14th January 2005
Peugeot 307 CC
How It Drove - Performance
The Peugeot 307 CC 2.0 180 Sport is powered by a 2.0 litre 16v engine which produces 180 bhp @ 7000 rpm and a torque figure of 202 Nm @ 4,750 rpm enabling it to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 10 seconds and continue to a top speed of 140 mph. The 180 bhp engine is derived from the 138 bhp version but is characterised by its unique cylinder head, air intake system, exhaust system and engine management system. The 2.0 litre (180 bhp) engine is the same unit that we have seen in the Peugeot 206 GTi.
You could not really describe the performance as earth shattering with a 0-62 mph time of 10 seconds, but acceleration is brisk and you can have fun if you work the 5-speed gearbox. The roof is heavy and of course this does affect the 307 CC's performance. Anyway convertibles aren’t all about speed; it is about enjoying yourself (smiles per mile).
As you would expect of Peugeot the engine is quiet and refined returning around the manufacturers quoted combined figure of 32.1 mpg. The standard 5-speed gearbox is superb offering precise and fluid gear changes.
How It Drove - Ride/Handling
The Peugeot 307 CC is derived from the 307 hatchback platform and retains the latter's wheelbase. The 307 CC differs only in that its rear overhang is 14 cm longer extending the overall length to 4.34 m.
As on the hatchback and SW models careful attention has been paid to the wheels and suspension which features a reversed MacPherson front suspension and a rear suspension with a semi-deformable cross member and electro-hydraulic variable power steering. We liked the steering which was superb. Only the calibration of the electro-hydraulic power steering has been adapted to the 307 CC, to match the weight and specification of the different engines. The steering features engine speed variable rate power assistance.
The 307 CC is relatively agile - although it does not have the manners of a hot hatchback. It is all about going for a drive and enjoying the environment around you.
Most fixed head cars rely on the roof to give the car extra rigidity, obviously the 307 CC does not have a rigid roof, even though is it steel. As with most Cabriolets built from a fixed head platform there is some 'scuttle shake', it isn’t that bad but it is noticeable. With the roof in place and windows up the vibration is reduced and it does not really present a problem.
The 307 CC is equipped with ESP (electronic stability programme) and Traction Control as standard which are designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during acceleration, cornering and avoidance manoeuvres.
All-round disc brakes (ventilated front and non-ventilated rear) with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), EBFD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) are standard ensuring that the Peugeot 307 CC brakes reassuringly well.
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