Road test - Peugeot 308CC

Author: Ian Strachan

The Peugeot 308 has always looked sleek and sporty. But the Peugot 308CC sets new standards in the good looks stakes. Top up or top down, this car is a head turner.

From the front you have the 308's yawning grille flanked by neatly recessed fog lights. From the side the 308 CC has smooth, flowing lines and from the back the car is nicely sculpted with a high rear end while still giving an impressive load space, although this is reduced with the balletically folding tin top down.

Whichever way you look at it, this car is a good looker. I test drove the SE specification which gets the added benefit of nice 17 inch alloy wheels. 

The inside is nice too.  The heated front seats are extremely comfortable with a good range of adjustment. My test car was fitted with Peugeot's "airwave scarf" - which is basically a hot air blower mounted in the head rest to cut out draughts when the top's down.

There are plenty of storage spaces around the interior including a large cubby box between the seats, and all instruments are clear and accessible. 

The 120 brake horsepower 308 CC I tested is powered by a new and very smooth 1.6 litre petrol engine. It's very quiet, even when worked hard, with excellent acceleration and flexibility throughout the range. Mated to a five speed manual box you also get respectable economy, returning more than 40 miles to the gallon in mixed driving.

Ride and handling are excellent thanks to a lightweight chassis and good suspension. Unlike some convertibles, the car still feels solid and stable with the roof down.

Specification on the SE trim level is generous. Standard equipment includes electrically folding door mirrors (they fold automatically when you lock the doors - clever) automatic windscreen wipers and headlights,  air conditioning, six-speaker CD/MP3 player, remote central locking, front fog lights, airbags all round and cruise control. On the road price for this spec is £21,495. My test car came with  metallic paintwork at £410. 

I found this to be a stylish and well-equipped French coupe cabriolet - pleasing in just about every way.