The New Peugeot 308 CC
Published: 3rd October 2008
The New Peugeot 308 CC
Peugeot pioneered the concept of “folding roof cars” way back in the 1930s with its elegant 401, 601 and 402 “Eclipse” models, and today continues this with the 207 CC and now the new member to the family, the 308 CC.
Compared to the Peugeot 307 CC which it replaces, the 308 CC is longer, wider and has a larger front and rear track to improve its overall dynamic performance. The extra length and width also benefits the occupants by increasing the passenger space compared to the 307 CC.
While the style of the passenger compartment shares many similarities with the 308 hatchback, the CC has a number of unique styling features, such as the generously dimensioned wraparound front seats with their integral head restraints. They can also be equipped with an inbuilt “Airwave” system, which diffuses warm air around the front occupants’ necks and is adjustable for temperature, flow and direction.
Particular attention has also been paid to the rear seats which benefit from side armrests and deeply sculpted seat cushions matching the theme of those at the front. If leather trim is specified a rear folding central armrest is also included. On all models the integral rear head restraints also house the active extendable roll-over protection bars.
The 308 CC shares the same “roof concept” as the 307 CC. It consists of a two-part retractable roof with a small folding roof panel and a large rear athermic dark-tinted rear windscreen. The roof benefits from all of Peugeot’s expertise in Coupé Cabriolets and builds on a tried and tested concept.
The roof opens and closes in only 20 seconds even when driving at speeds of up to 7 mph. The system is controlled by a new electronic control unit which automatically lowers all four windows by around 50 mm before any roof operations commence.
The 308 CC has a very usable boot with a number of dedicated storage spaces (including one under the boot floor carpet to store the optional windstop). A lot of attention has also been paid to the boot area to optimise the space and gain valuable additional millimetres.
