Peugeot has an impressive track record of building coupe-cabriolet models.

Its first was the 401 Eclipse of the 1930s; but the turn of the millennium saw the French car maker turn the motoring world upside down with the Peugeot 206 CC.

It brought affordable folding hardtop motoring to the masses – previously the only car to offer such a system was the Mercedes SLK.

Today there are 13 coupe-convertibles on the market, but Peugeot still leads the way. Stuart Milne put its latest, the Peugeot 308 CC, through its paces around Dorset.

Peugeot sold almost 50,000 coupe-convertibles in Europe during 2008 – more than a quarter of all models sold, so its reputation precedes it.

When we drove the standard Peugeot 308 hatchback, we were left feeling a little disappointed its driving manners weren’t up with the best in class, but coupe-convertibles aren’t about hard driving. The appeal is far more subtle.

And that’s a good thing, because virtually all of them suffer from less chassis stiffness once the roof has been chopped-off, but the Peugeot 308 CC feels to be one of the better models on the market.

The Peugeot 308 CC is likely to score in the hearts of buyers with its looks – it’s the best interpretation of Peugeot’s basking shark grille yet, and the curvy rump features a pair of cosmetic diffusers which would be used on supercars to suck the car onto the road.

Not that any such measures are required with this particular car – they’re purely there for visual impact.

Gutsy engines

The two engines we tested – the 150bhp 1.6 turbo and 136bhp 2-litre diesel – offer plenty of power, and the petrol in particular is capable of raising a smile. The diesel is free from excessive engine noise, particularly at speed. Neither is hugely fast, with the petrol clocking a 10.5 second 0-62mph time, and the diesel managing it in 12.3 seconds. Top speeds are 134 and 126mph respectively.

At launch an additional two engines will be available: a 120bhp 1.6 petrol and a 112bhp 1.6 diesel.

Peugeot are rightly proud of the quality improvements made in the cabin, something which is particularly evident when the optional £800 leather dashboard is specified.

World firsts

It has raised the bar when it comes to features too, with automatic climate control, which senses whether the roof is up or down and changes its performance accordingly, and a very effective neck-level heating system. This has been seen before, but Peugeot claims the Peugeot 308 CC is the first four-seater to offer it.

Good equipment levels are evident in the safety systems too. The car scored a maximum five stars in the EuroNCAP crash test programme, and offers a number of airbags, including a world first in the shape of a side head airbag.

The roof folds in 20 seconds, and can be operated at speeds less than 7.5mph. When folded, and the wind deflector clipped in place, the cabin is reasonably free from wind noise, but there’s little buffeting from the breeze. The trade-off for these wind-in-the-hair thrills is an unsettled feeling on bumpy roads, although it feels very solid when the tarmac smooths out.

Put the roof up, and the car feels instantly tauter; almost too stiff, and enables swift progress to be made without worry.

View our Peugeot 308 CC slide show

Easy around town

The steering is direct at speed, although it feels light especially at round-town pace. It does make parking and tight manoeuvres very easy, however.

Few coupe-cabriolets could be considered true four seaters, and rear legroom is limited for adults. Space in the front is very good however, and the boot still has a useful 266 litres of space with the roof folded. With it in place, space grows to a plentiful 465 litres. The glovebox is small, although there’s a good-sized box between the front seats, and both lock automatically, improving roof-down security.

With its chic looks – particularly from the rear – and Peugeot’s knowledge of coupe-cabriolets, we’d expect the 308 CC to fly out of showrooms, and Peugeot should have little problem selling the 5,000 a year they predict.

Key facts

Model tested: Peugeot 308 CC SE HDi 136 auto.
On the road price: £23,195.
Price range: £23,195, £23,595
Date tested: March 2009.
Road tester: Stuart Milne