Peugeot 308 CC 2.0 HDi 140 CV, test drive (Part III)

Finally, in the test drive of the Peugeot 308 CC equipped with the 140 CV 2.0 HDi engine and the Sport Pack trim, we turn to the standard equipment of the 308 CC, the prices and our overall verdict. In the first part of the test we discussed the handling of the 308 CC and its 140 CV HDi engine, then we talked about interior space and design, undoubtedly important aspects of the Peugeot 308 CC.

As for equipment, the Peugeot 308 CC comes very well equipped, both in safety and comfort. Even if you add a few options the price does not rise much, and our test unit, with practically everything (xenon, GPS, leather…), had a price of 36,950 euros. However, the Peugeot 308 CC 2.0 HDi Sport Pack is available from 32,950 euros (without xenon, parking sensors and GPS).

Equipment

Within the equipment of the 308 CC, safety provision is complete, with ABS + EBD, front, side and head airbags, and stability control, which, let us remember, only activates above 50 km/h, plus tyre under-inflation detection. It holds five stars in Euro NCAP, so we are talking about a new and safe vehicle, with multiple airbags and the anti-rollover protection bars (typical of any convertible) that hide beneath the rear headrests.

Continuing with the equipment, we must mention the parking sensors (rear ones standard on the Sport Pack trim), both front and rear. These sensors, together with the central screen, let us monitor the width of the car at all times. If you are going to pass through a narrow area, the sensors activate at low speed and the screen shows the car with stripes in front and behind that indicate the distance very clearly. Parking sensors become necessary not only for parking, but for driving through narrow spots since you cannot see the nose of the car.

Another recommended element is the xenon headlights (not bixenon, as it does not fit them), which feature headlight washers and swivelling headlights, undoubtedly a plus for safety and visibility and highly recommended. Unlike the electric seats, which are easily dispensable, in this case they are part of a pack that also included the wing mirrors that tilt down when reversing to see the kerb and the corners of the car, a practical but also dispensable detail (See detail).

Within the optional equipment fitted to our Peugeot 308 CC was the navigation system signed by Harman/Kardon, which used a practical SD card to store all the mapping (rather than a CD like most, which leaves the CD reader free). The mapping was fairly complete, but it takes some time to get used to the navigation and the multimedia system.

The hands-free kit also comes as standard — it is optional on this Sport Pack trim — and of all the Bluetooth systems I have tested it was one of the best, because it accessed the phone’s call list and, once you switched off the car and turned it back on, it still accessed it. In many Bluetooth systems the communication with the phone is incomplete, and the number appears without a name (even if it is saved in the phone’s contacts) or it does not let you access the recent calls list. Without doubt I liked the one in the 308 CC very much.

And if I am reviewing the equipment of the Peugeot 308 CC, I cannot forget to mention the famous AirWave (see detail), that invention which delivers a jet of warm air at the neck, creating a scarf effect, so that you can drive with the roof down on cold days. The invention undoubtedly works: I tried it a couple of times at night, and without even setting it to maximum it already created a pleasant temperature. This system is fitted on some high-end convertibles, and it was about time the mid-segment coupé-convertibles followed suit.

Overall verdict

The Peugeot 308 CC plays in the same league as the VW Eos, Renault Mégane CC, Opel Astra TwinTop and Ford Focus CC, but it is undoubtedly the most recent newcomer. As for prices, the 308 CC sits within the normal price range for the segment, unless you go for the Renault Mégane CC, which has interesting offers due to its well-established age.

At its price of 32,950 euros, you will find little difference with the other coupé-convertibles on the market, and it must be taken into account that you can get a Peugeot 308 CC from 26,600 euros (equipped with the 120 CV petrol engine). It is also a practical car for the whole year, with the HDi engine you can lead a normal life with it: city journeys or the daily commute to work, with always a frugal consumption and decent performance, without expecting a sports car, as that is not its vocation.

If we opt for novelty or design, these are two assets in its favour: it has a very elaborate design and the interior comfort is notable, especially if two people travel. Broadly speaking I liked the handling, the ride comfort and a fairly complete equipment list, so it is a good choice, and if its predecessor, the 307 CC, was quite successful, the 308 CC will possibly follow the same path.

Versions

• 308 CC 1.6 VTi 120 CV 26,600 euros
• 308 CC 1.6 THP 150 CV 28,300 euros
• 308 CC 1.6 THP 150 CV Sport Pack 31,150 euros
• 308 CC 1.6 THP 140 CV Sport Pack Auto. 32,200 euros
• 308 CC 2.0 HDI 140 CV 30,100 euros
• 308 CC 2.0 HDI 140 CV Sport Pack 32,950 euros
• 308 CC 2.0 HDI 136 CV Sport Pack Auto. 35,000 euros

Extra equipment on the test unit: Vision Pack with xenon headlights + headlight washers + swivelling headlights, Electric Pack with electric driver’s seat with memory + 2 keys with profile management + mirror indexing with reverse gear, front and rear parking sensors, and WIP-Nav navigation system with colour screen + European mapping + hands-free kit. Final price of the test unit: 36,950 euros.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira