Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 77%

The Peugeot 308 CC uses the underpinnings of the successful Peugeot 307 CC and improves on the tried and tested recipe.

Since the original model launched in 2003 the folding tin-top has been joined by a whole host of competitors in the shape of the Ford Focus CC, Renault Megane Cabriolet, Vauxhall Astra TwinTop and Volkswagen Eos. 

Senior web journalist Andy Goodwin took the 308 CC on a weekend to the coast to find out if the new model can still compete.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks

Peugeot has made the gaping front grille bigger, rendering it even more of an acquired taste. The rest of the car is more conventional, and we particularly like the swooping curve of the folding roof when it’s up, and the clean shoulder line when it’s stowed.

The rear bumper now has a diffuser-style lower lip, with air-channelling fins, as found on racing cars. We’re not sure if they gave us more grip at high speed, but they certainly look cool.

8/10

2. Looks inside

With the CC starting at £19,995 and our test car coming in at £24,795, you expect an interior with some added flair over the hatchback. The CC doesn’t disappoint - most of the hardware is the same as the 308 hatch, but it has been repackaged with added soft touch plastics, chrome circular air vents, upmarket switches and white dials. The range-topping GT trim gets leather trim, which really lifts the cabin’s atmosphere.

Even at motorway cruising speeds the cabin is relatively free from wind buffeting with the side windows up. A wind deflector and Airwave neck heating is optional on Sport and SE models and standard with the GT.

8/10

3. Practicality

With the roof up the 308 CC has a bigger boot than the hatch, thanks to its extra width. If you want to enjoy the sun, pop open the boot and extend a net partition which ensures your luggage is in the correct position, and then the roof folds down into this space. The roof can be operated at speeds up to 7.5mph and takes around 20 seconds to transform the car from coupe to cabriolet.

8/10

4. Ride and Handling

This is a cool-looking car for those who still want the driving ease of a hatchback. The steering is very light, which assists manoeuvring but robs the car of feel and takes some confidence away in the corners. Choose the GT model, with 18-inch wheels and high performance tyres and there is plenty of grip, but it doesn’t make the CC a sporty car to drive.

7/10

5. Performance

Thanks to its mainstream roots, the CC has a wide range of engines to choose from:

• 1.6 VTi 120
• 1.6 THP 150
• 1.6 THP 140 Auto
• HDI 110 FAP
• HDI 140 FAP
• HDI 140 FAP Auto

We drove the manual 2-litre HDI 140 FAP and found it to be a competent engine. For a diesel it produces quite a pleasant growl when you accelerate, and stays respectably quiet the rest of the time. Acceleration from 0-62mph in 11.1 seconds is hardly exciting though, and leads us on to one grumble about the CC. According to Peugeot our GT model weighs a massive 1674kg – around 200kg more than the hatchback.

7/10

6. Running Costs

The HDI 140 FAP can return 47.8mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 155g/km. The cleanest engine is the 1.6-litre HDI 110 FAP, emitting 138g/km. The petrol engines seem to struggle with the weight of the 308 CC and return less than 40mpg.

7/10

7. Reliability

The 307 CC has proved reasonably reliable, so the 308 CC should continue, and hopefully improve on, this trend. When taking one for a test drive ensure that the roof operates perfectly.

7/10

8. Safety

Not much to fault here. The 308 CC has already been awarded a five-star score in EuroNCAP crash testing, with three stars for child occupant protection. All variants come with six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts and passenger airbag deactivation. Pop-up roll bars are activated if the car senses it is flipping over during a crash.

9/10

9. Equipment

Three trim levels are available: Sport, SE and GT. All models are well equipped, and include the following:

Sport:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Radio/CD player
• Air conditioning
• Leather steering wheel
• Glovebox and central locker with automatic locking

SE:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic wipers, headlamps and dimming mirror
• Ambient lighting
• Rear parking sensors
• Cruiser control with speed limiter
• Climate control
• Alarm
• White instrument dials

GT:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Luxury leather trim
• Windstop
• Airwave scarf
• Tyre pressure sensor
• Upgraded JBL stereo
• Front parking sensors

8/10

10. X-Factor

The Peugeot 308 CC is an attractive car which makes journeys a bit special, without actually being that great to drive. The engines and handling are competent, but it’s the folding roof and classy interior which will put a smile on your face.

8/10

Check out this New Car Net video review of the 308 HDI 136 hatchback: