Peugeot 308 CC S Road Test Review

Peugeot 308 CC S Road Test Review

THERE'S SOMETHING SPECIAL about getting connected to nature… feeling the rush of wind around your ears; blue sky above. That's what drop-top motoring is all about - being open to the elements.

But sometimes, depending upon how far south of the Tropic of Capricorn you've put the peg in the ground, being connected to nature can leave you out in the cold. Try Melbourne for instance… or Canberra or Hobart.

Thankfully the surge in popularity of the folding hard top, as featured on Peugeot's 308 CC, makes living with the drop-top that little bit easier and a whole lot more appealing.

For the summer months, just let the sunshine flood in and enjoy the fresh air. Come winter, there's the security, noise insulation and peace of mind that comes with what is - to all intents and purposes - a coupe roof.

Peugeot is no stranger to the Coupe/Cabriolet with folding hard top versions of the 207, 307 and 208 all preceding the 308 CC.

That's not to say they have the market cornered. The 308 CC runs up against fellow French contender the Renault Megane CC, Ford's Focus CC, and Volkswagen's Eos, which are all vying for a slice of the same market action.

With Australia's summer kicking into effect ahead of schedule, it was high time to stow the roof and hit the road to see what the 308 CC could bring to the topless fun-fest.

Styling

Arguably, among French manufacturers, Peugeot has traditionally been the most conservative. With the 308 range, and the CC in particular, that is fast changing.

The lines of the 308, dominated by that large chrome-filled air intake up front and squinting headlamps, are certainly "out there" but Peugeot manages to pull it off.

The 308 has been the style leader with this look. There is a subtle aggression that marries nicely with chic style and balance.

Roof up, the 308 CC can look a little abrupt – truncated - in profile. The flowing line the rises from the bonnet, into the A-pillars and then into the roof, ends a little sharply at the midway point. The end result is not entirely resolved.

Drop the top however and the proportions change entirely. Roof down, the CC's gently sloped boot lid not only hides the folding hard top beneath it but also adds balance to the rear.

Chrome trim lines the lower window line, and wraps around the rear pillars for a well resolved finish, enclosed or al fresco.

From behind the venturi-ish inserts, a chrome-trimmed number-plate surround and small lip-spoiler add an understated premium touch to the lines. Vertical 'cat-scratch' taillights provide a unique visual signature when illuminated.

To my thinking, it's a design that works. The CC's individuality may not be for everyone, but there is no denying the Gallic flair in those lines.

The interior

Interior décor adheres to the French notion that style is everything. The finish and refinement might not be entirely haute couture, but the interior of the CC an inviting place to be.

The 308 CC in standard form comes with black cloth and grey mesh seats, which moves up to optional (or standard on the 308 CC S) leather in a choice of black, off-white or cognac.

Our test car, trimmed with off-white leather certainly conveyed an appropriate sense of luxury. With nicely contoured well-bolstered seats front and rear, and electrically adjustable front seats, the CC provides the right balance of comfort and support.

Chrome trim abounds within, most noticeable around the gear lever and circular air-con vents. The instrument surrounds, front door-pulls and rear assist-grips also get a healthy dose of the chromium treatment.

In contrast, the centre stack wears high-gloss metallic-black and the dash and upper door trims wear a textured matte-black façade.

Storage spaces are certainly numerous, however none are particularly spacious. The lidded centre console offers room for a few CDs (if you still carry them) but the  door pockets are slim, centre stack cubby holes are narrow and the glovebox is ruled by the relay box within (and isn't large enough to house the owner's manual).

Another glitch with the glovebox was its inability to stay closed. On warm days the lid would fall open without warning as the plastics around it expanded. (Certainly not the kind of thing you'd expect of a car at this price point.)

Those who prefer to travel with a beverage are also advised to look elsewhere, with the interior bereft of cup holders or bottle recesses. It may not be a deal-breaker but is a curious omission.

Rear passengers will also find leg-room quite tight and with the roof up only the very short will fit comfortably under the roof-line.

Sitting directly beneath the rear windscreen will also put them at the mercy of harsh sunshine, although the inclusion of rear air conditioning vents will help take the pressure down.