The new Peugeot 308 CC shows early signs of being a top open-top choice for business users.
The stylish newcomer offers four individual seats and rear accommodation that is, says Peugeot, “surprisingly generous”.
The boot is certainly a good size – 465 litres with the hard-top roof up, 266 litres with it folded. Going from coupe to convertible takes 20 seconds.
Business drivers are likely to be drawn to the new 2.0-litre HDi turbodiesel. This 140bhp engine meets Euro 5 emission standards and is fitted with a diesel particulate filter.
Official mpg and CO2 figures have not been released, but they should be competitive.
There will also be a 150bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine when the car goes on sale in early 2009.
The 308 CC will be the first Peugeot convertible to offer seat vents that blow warm air on to the necks of occupants. Similar to a system employed by Mercedes, the Peugeot set-up is called ‘Airwave’.
Peugeot claims that the 308 CC has “excellent structural rigidity” and that the cabin remains very quiet on the move. That would bode well for refined motorway cruising.
Good safety credentials should also endear it to business users. Highlights include ESP stability control, a full suite of airbags (including side chest airbags) and active rear rollover bars.
An MP3 CD sound system, USB connection for a MP3 player, Bluetooth connection, satellite navigation with 30GB music hard disc and, for real hi-fi buffs, a JBL 10-speaker audio set-up will be available.
Prices have not been set but £18,000 seems a likely starting point.
The 308 CC will be unveiled at the Paris motor show in September.
The coupe-convertible 308 is shaping up to be an open-and-shut case for stylish business motoring
