Peugeot 307 CC RANGE
Peugeot Now Have Another Coupe Cabriolet Amongst The Ranks. Andy Enright Takes A Look At The 307 CC
Its depressing but true. Most four
seat convertibles arent much fun to drive. Blame it on the fact that theyre usually just a hatchback or a compact saloon with the roof rashered off, thus creating wobbly handling thats usually paired with blancmange suspension in an attempt to prevent chassis flex. It used to be a rarity when cars were designed from the outset as a convertible but thats changing thanks to cars like Peugeots 307 Coupe Cabriolet.
Mediocrity just met its maker.
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It seems virtually compulsory for each subsequent cabriolet release to one-up its predecessors in the sheer complexity and ingenuity of its roof mechanism. Although the folding metal roof isnt the newest idea on the block (
Peugeot were in fact at it in 1934 with its 401 model), it can still surprise bystanders, largely due to the fact that with the hood up, the 307 CC just doesnt look like a convertible car. The roofline is sleek and low slung in proper coupe tradition and Peugeot gave the cars credibility a major boost by announcing that the 2004 World Rally Car will be based on the 307 CC body. This gave the shape some major exposure.
Three engines are available and neither of the range-topping 2.0-litre units is short on zip. Less impressive is the performance offered by the 110bhp 1.6-litre engine which labours a little under the weight of that roof mechanism but is affordable and reasonably refined.
The 138bhp 2.0-litre engine that powers the 206GTi will be the choice for most but you can also order a powerful 180bhp unit borrowed from the 206 GTi 180. The 1.6-litre engine can perform the 0-60mph sprint in a fairly lethargic 13.
5 seconds but the 2.0-litre cars are better, both posting similar times around the 10s mark. This isnt hot hatch performance by any stretch of the imagination but it is fairly brisk and the 180 model in particular offers useful in-gear flexibility. Theres not too much hats old fashioned about the 307 CC.
Modern multiplex wiring techniques mean that many sophisticated electronic functions have been included. Peugeot list a series of refinements as long as your arm, most of them concerned with safety. As well as the standard anti- lock brakes, traction control and twin front airbags, the 307 CC features Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), side airbags, automatic rain sensing wipers and automatic light sensing headlamps, seatbelt pretensioners and pyrotechnically operated rear rollover hoops that automatically deploy if the car thinks that, despite all the electronic safety systems, things are going to go dirty side up. A Thatcham category 1 alarm, electric windows and door safety brackets that prevent the doors opening in the event of a high-speed incident complete the ensemble.
You certainly cant accuse Peugeot of ignoring the detail.
"Peugeot have picked a pair of engines that serve up hefty portions of good old fashioned fun."
Standard equipment on all cars includes cruise control, digital air conditioning, aluminium interior detailing and a full body coloured exterior. The 180bhp version features a comprehensive equipment list that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, half- leather trim sports seats, rear parking sensors, electrically folding door mirrors and a five-disc CD autochanger integrated into the fascia to prevent theft. The multiplex wiring system means that optional extras such as satellite navigation and the hands-free phone system can be integrated easily and cost effectively when specifying the car. Other features youll need to fork out extra for include pearlescent paint and a full leather interior trim.
With this emphasis on the upper reaches of the affordable market, does the 307CC run the risk of interloping into the lower end of the premium
Audi/
BMW bracket? Not a bit of it. With the 1.6-litre model priced at £16,995 and the range-topping 180bhp version pitched at £20,940 on the road, the Peugeot is still a good few thousand pounds shy of cars like the somewhat flaccid BMW 318Ci convertible which would need additional and expensive optioning to approach the Peugeots trim levels. Only Renaults Megane Coupe-Cabriolet is in any way comparable.
Like many cars of its type, the Peugeot 307CC offers a decent sized boot, the capacity of which is decimated when the hood is folded down but its a price many are willing to pay for the additional refinement, safety and security that the metal roof affords. Both cars feature a manual gearbox but the 138bhp also offers the option of a four-speed automatic which is a boon for those who want to sup on some particulates in the city. Its difficult to see how Peugeot can fail with the 307CC. Although the range isnt the widest and
Renault may well mop up bigger sales with their cheaper glass-roofed Megane CC, the 307 remains the aspirational choice.
Given the success of its smaller sibling, the 206CC (which accounts for nearly 10% of all UK 206 sales) it will doubtless be a car that many 206CC owners will want to trade up to. This represents the best sort of business for Peugeot, bringing into relief the clever market positioning of the 307CC. With sleek styling, a massive equipment list, solid build quality and a pair of proven engines, the 307CC is a formidable contender and one which may well have premium brands like Audi and BMW re-evaluating their value propositions.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Peugeot 307 CC range
PRICES: £16,995-£20,940 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-14
CO2 EMISSIONS: 178-210g/km
PERFORMANCE: [180bhp] 0-60mph 10.0s/ Max Speed 140mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [180bhp] (combined) 32mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Dual Front and Side Airbags / ABS / brake assist, brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, electronic rollover detection
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 4349/1759/1423mm
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