Peugeot 308 CC Review

Peugeot 308 CC Review

A week of spring-like weather heralds the start to the cabriolet season and the right week to test the new Peugeot 308 CC, which goes on sale on June 1st 2009. That is with the exception of the exclusive GT100 version - a 100-unit run of the extra-specification Peugeot 308 CC available in black or white, which are available a month earlier.

Peugeot pioneered the folding roof concept in production cars in the 1930s and therefore has plenty of experience when it comes to modern coupe-cabriolets. However, knowing how to lower the roof is not the only concern when it comes to today's motoring demands and expectations.

The Peugeot 308 CC naturally follows on from the 307 CC but has improved enormously in terms of specification, comfort and ease of use. Of course, the benefits from a folding, hard roof over a 'soft-top', are security and all year round comfort. The time taken to get from open air to fully enclosed (and vice versa) has been reduced to 20 seconds, achievable at speeds of up to 7.5mph.

Based on the Peugeot 308, the Peugoet 308 CC version appears more dynamic with deeper profiling to the front end and contoured sides. Obviously the rear end is different as it has to accommodate the two-part folding roof while still allowing 226-litres (using the VDA method) of luggage space - an increase of 22-litres over the Peugeot 307 CC. With the roof in place there is 403-litres of space to be filled, including 15-litres under the floor.

The rear end also features new light clusters comprising diagonal rows of LED lights, following the edge of the boot lid. They are very bright, but unfortunately the indicator sections are sandwiched between and therefore difficult to distinguish from the two red LED bands when they are all illuminated or when braking. Apart from that, they work very well and certainly attract attention, as do the two rear diffusers that encroach into the lower bumper, making the Peugeot 308 CC look like a more expensive car.

Peugeot 308 CC