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One of fleet's favourite folding hard-top cabriolets is back. This is the second generation of Peugeot's lower medium metal-roofed drop-top, following the 307 CC that accompanied the previous generation hatchback range.
The new 308 CC arrives just under two years after its hatchback relative was launched and is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, with the last point key to making it look sportier and more attractive. In fact, as folding hard-top convertibles go, it's among the prettiest of its breed, especially roof down.
Roof up, the 308 CC has a 465-litre boot, better than all its rivals bar the Ford Focus's 534 litres. But drop the top and the new Peugeot beats all its competitors with 266 litres, 18 better than the Ford and 61 ahead of the Vauxhall Astra Twintop and VW Eos. The roof disappears quicker, too, at 20 seconds beating the 23 for the Ford, 25 for the Eos and 26 for the Astra. Unlike the VW and Focus, the 308 CC's roof can also be dropped while on the move, up to 7.5mph, while the Astra can be operated at a more-useful-in-traffic 18mph.
Our test car was in top-spec GT trim, and for equipment none of the 308 CC's rivals can get near it. With the top trim level of each competitor, the Peugeot's P11D handicap (it's on average £1500 more expensive than its rivals) pays for leather interior, a standard wind deflector that only the Astra offers, the excellent Airwave Scarf system (which blows hot air onto the neck of all four passengers), 18-inch alloys that again only the Astra matches, tyre pressure sensors also standard only on the Eos, and front parking sensors offered by none of the others. There are also features such as standard climate control and rear sensors that aren't standard across all its rivals.
These cars are always slightly compromised as driving machines thanks to the extra weight of the roof mechanism and the 308 CC is no exception, but it's nothing offensive and buyers in this sector are looking for pose-ability rather than driving pleasure.
The 150PS 1.6-litre petrol engine is a good unit, but it will suffer in fleet terms from being above 160g/km. Of the range, just the two manual diesels get below 161g/km, and of the rivals only the Eos sneaks under the new capital allowance boundary despite it being the most powerful model, giving it a massive advantage. The residual value argument is also heavily in the Eos's favour according to Kwik Carcost, giving the VW the costs victory.
But the new Peugeot is certainly worthy of consideration. As an all-round proposition, it's better specced, better packaged and looks good, as well as having the appeal of being the newest model on the market, at least until the battle with French rival Renault resumes in around 12 months time when the new Megane CC arrives.
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VerdictAppealing and very well specced but loses out on costs |
6/10 |
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Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
