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Full Review: Peugeot 308CC

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
28 July 2010
In the summer time, a car roof can be a hindrance... Occasionally. Most of the time, though, it’s of vital importance because it serves to keep you sheltered from the chronic, torrential downpours that blight the UK. When Peugeot sent a 308CC for me to test I was hoping for blazing sunshine, so I could celebrate the very purpose of cabriolets. Alas, it rained a lot; there were only two or three days when the roof could be open at all.

With the roof in place, the 308CC is very much ‘a car.’ The 140hp diesel engine in the model tested allows for a 0-60 time of just over 11 seconds, which is pretty slow. 140hp sounds a lot, but the mechanism for folding the roof and the extra reinforcement to keep the chassis stiff make the 308cc a very heavy car.


If the sun is out, the 308CC is a whole lot better than average


Cornering is neutral and stable, but unexciting, as is the feedback from the steering. The gearbox allows you to select the gear you’d like in a tactile, but simple way... indeed, it works very much like you’d expect a car to, had you learnt to drive by reading a book. It’s so simple to operate that it’s foolproof. It’s pleasant, though, rather than annoying; you can waft along without anything but your choice of radio station to concern you.

However, with the roof up, it looks odd. The proportions are a bit funny, the rear looks too long with such a flat, stubby rear screen, and the front looks a little too short. The Peugeot ‘face,’ love it or hate it, is present and correct. Inside, though, everything is absolutely beautiful. The dash is covered in a firm but squishy material that you find yourself poking at all the time. Chrome detailing sets the black leather off, too. Seats are well bolstered, endlessly adjustable and comfortable, all the controls are placed just right, and materials are generally of high quality.


Chrome detailing sets the black leather off


So with the roof up, the 308CC will get you where you need to be with ease and in comfort. If the sun is out, though, it’s a whole lot better than average. Folding the roof into the boot is as simple as pressing a button and when it’s nicely hidden, everything looks a bit prettier, especially from the rear.

When underway, that slow 0-60 time is unoffensive, because there’s enough torque to overtake anyone annoying you, and you probably won’t need to change down a gear either. The comfortable interior, lazy handling and absorbent suspension make this car an ideal machine for cruising down A-roads to the beach. If the wind is getting annoying, then put the windows up and everything calms down.

You can even take the children, too, because the rear seats are actually useable, though adults will find themselves a little squished if the people up front are tall. Also, don’t bet on having the roof down if you’ve got a lot of luggage, it takes most of the space.

In conclusion, the 308CC is a competent but unexciting cruiser. It’s ideal for big lazy road trips, with blue skies and sunglasses. So hope for sunshine, and it will all make sense...


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First Impressions: Peugeot 308CC

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
22 July 2010
With red-orange reflecting off the clouds as the sun ducks behind the horizon, an open road and good music, it all suddenly makes sense... I’ve been driving a cabriolet.

Peugeot have been making hard-top convertibles for a while now, and they sell well, particularly the 207CC, much like its predecessor the 206CC. The jewel in Peugeot’s Coupe Cabriolet crown though, is the 308CC.


The quality of fit and finish is absolutely impeccable


Get in, sit down in the well trimmed, well proportioned seats, and everything feels upmarket. The quality of fit and finish is absolutely impeccable; everything is placed well, and looks high quality. The dash is trimmed in a soft, tactile material that begs to be stroked, and chrome surrounds the vents, doors and dials. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable place to be.

The model I have on test for the week is an HDi FAP diesel with 140hp. It’s quiet, refined, and has plenty of torque. It needs it; the 308CC weighs a lot thanks to its roof mechanism. Looks are always something of a sore point with folding hard tops, and the 308cc is no exception, from some angles it does look a little bit strange, particularly the front three quarters. It’s rear, though, is a thing of beauty. The light clusters look great, whether glowing or otherwise, and the black diffuser contrasts well against the white paint.

Road manners are good. Lumps, bumps and potholes are soaked up with aplomb, and the 140hp engine has enough power for overtakes. There’s not a huge amount of feel from the steering, and it’s not the most nimble of machines, but for lazy cruising it works well. Particularly with the roof down, the music loud, and the sky emblazoned red with setting sunlight.

Full review next week...


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