Peugeot has high hopes that the arrival of its latest generation coupe convertible, the 308 CC, will continue the firm’s ten years of success in the hard top convertible market.
Due to go on sale in Ireland before the end of the year, the 308 CC replaces the 307 CC which sold over 174,000 units in five years. Using the same two-part retractable roof that opens or closes in 22 seconds, Peugeot says there is reduced turbulence compared to the old car thanks to improved aerodynamics.
Safety is very much to the fore and includes a world first, a head airbag incorporated into the front seat. There are also chest and pelvis side airbags, while the roll-over protection bars are extended in less than 20 milliseconds in the event of the vehicle overturning. The windscreen pillars are also strengthened compared to the outgoing car. The 308 CC has received a five star NCAP rating.
Another innovation is the optional Airwave system, an intelligent air conditioning unit that recognises whether the roof is up or down and adjusts airflow accordingly, including directing warm air around the occupants’ necks when the roof is down.
Engine options include 1.6 litre petrol engines with 120 bhp and 150 bhp and 1.6 and 2.0 litre diesels developing 110 bhp and 140 bhp in both manual and automatic gearbox versions. Final Irish specifications have yet to be established but the 110 bhp 1.6 HDi engine is expected to be the most popular option.
Cathal Doyle