- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
2.0DT, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
100kW, 320Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2011)
Peugeot 308 CC 2.0 HDi
Being a trendsetter isn't always a bed of roses. Take Peugeot, which a decade ago broke new ground by introducing an affordable hardtop convertible - the 206 CC - soon followed up by a CC version of its bigger 307 brother.
But the French manufacturer has since been under siege by a host of imitators, with even Ford and Holden getting in on the act with folding hardtop versions of their humble Focus and Astra models.
Now Peugeot has responded with its new 308 CC. Bigger, better specified, better to drive and safer than its predecessor, it can also come with a diesel engine - a first for a Pug convertible.
WHAT DO YOU GET?
The four-tier 308 CC range starts at $48,990 plus on-road and dealer costs for the 1.6-litre turbo petrol model but we tested the top-line S 2.0 HDi diesel. An auto-only proposition, it kicks off from $59,990.
The diesel S is expensive but it's noticeably plusher than base models. The seats pick up leather trim, power adjustment, memory, heating and a system called Airwave that directs heated air around the neck of front occupants. You also get bigger 18-inch wheels, directional xenon headlights and a wind blocker.
HOW SAFE?
All 308 CCs get a maximum five-star NCAP rating. Features include front, side and head airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, an auto rollover protection system and rear parking sensors. S models add front parking sensors.
WHAT'S INSIDE?
The 308 CC's roof folds into the boot at the touch of a button in about 20 seconds.
That's good for a folding hardtop but about double the time it takes in Audi's soft-top A3. The Pug's roof cannot be used on the move like that car, either.
Still, with the roof down, windows up and wind blocker in place, the 308 CC cabin is impressively calm, even at highway speeds.
Up front, occupants get ample space and the seats are supportive and comfortable. However, if the driver has long legs you'll struggle to accommodate more than one adult in the back.
There are other niggles. Rear vision is poor, there's just the one cupholder and the glovebox and centre console bin are quite small.
Thankfully they lock with the doors, so you can securely stash small items when the roof is down.
No such issues with the boot, which measures a hefty 465 litres with the roof up and a still-useful 266 litres with it retracted. You also get a full-sized spare wheel.
UNDER THE BONNET
The top-line 308 CC is powered by Peugeot's familiar 100kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four.
It's a handy engine, even for a convertible, delivering a good serve of power low in the rev range. It's elastically flexible, not too noisy and matches well to the smooth six-speed automatic.
Push hard, though, and you'll find the Peugeot is not quite state of the art. There's little to be gained revving beyond 4000rpm, unlike some sportier diesel engines now available, and by that stage it's starting to feel a little strained.
It is quite thrifty, though, returning a 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres average in combined urban/highway driving, close to Peugeot's 7.0L/100km official claim.
ON THE ROAD
The 308 CC is a confident handler. The steering is responsive (if a tad artificial in its off-centre feel), it has a nicely neutral balance and the 18-inch tyres on our test car delivered impressive roadholding.
Those 18s, however, impact on the ride. The 308 CC fidgets annoyingly over small bumps at low speeds and crashes awkwardly over bigger imperfections. It settles down a bit out on the open road but is never what you'd call supple. Our test car also had some nasty sounding creaks from the roof over bumps.
VERDICT
There's plenty to like about the 308 CC, as we found when we tested the base petrol model. It's stylish, nicely appointed, safe and not at all bad to drive.
However, I'm not sure the S diesel is worth the extra spend. While the long equipment list is welcome, the unyielding ride and body creaks mean it's simply not as sweet to drive as its cheaper siblings.
Sometimes less is more.
AT A GLANCE
HOW MUCH? From $59,990 plus on-road and dealer costs
ENGINE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel; 100kW/320Nm; 6-speed automatic; 7.0L/100km and 185g/km CO2; FWD
WHAT IT HAS 5-star safety; parking sensors; dual-zone climate control; cruise control; trip computer; leather trim; power, heated front seats; neck heater; auto headlights and wipers; directional xenon headlights, single-CD/MP3 audio with auxiliary input; 18-inch alloy wheels
FOR Up-market cabin, flexible diesel drivetrain, confident handling, big boot, loads of equipment.
AGAINST Roof can't be used on the move, hard to see out of, cramped back seat, lumpy ride.