Peugeot drops the top on the 308

Peugeot's coupé-cabriolet models - denoted by the CC name - have been a massive success, with the 207 CC currently sitting at the top of UK open-topped car sales and from next year the 308 CC will join the line-up.

Ahead of the Paris Motor Show debut, Peugeot has released early details of the new car, including photographs of a high specification model.

It's thought that all versions will receive a decent amount of equipment as standard, including a leather-lined interior and sports seats with integral headrests.

In some models, the seats will feature the 'Airwave' system, which blows warm air around the shoulders and neck of the occupant to keep them cosy when the roof is lowered.

The hard top itself folds out of sight in just 20 seconds, reducing the spacious 465-litre boot to 266-litres of storage space. However, there is a new area under the boot carpet to hide the wind deflector and both the glove box and the centre console storage cubby are automatically locked when the central locking is activated.

A long list of airbags and other safety equipment comes as standard, including active rear roll-over protection bars.

Buyers will also be interested in the wide range of new infotainment options, including a retractable 7-inch colour screen and 30GB hard disc 'juke box'.

Peugeot will display the 308 CC for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in October and sales are expected to begin in the UK early in 2009.

Shane O' Donoghue