Peugeot 308 CC 1.6 Turbo (A) Facelift Review
13 Dec 2011|22,697 views
German car manufacturers hog the limelight when it comes to those fancy hard-top convertibles. The recently launched Mercedes-Benz SLK and Volkswagen Eos are two good examples, having their roof components retracting into the boot like a mechanical ballet. Of course, there's also the Swede with its graceful offering of the Volvo C70 and the French with the Renault Megane CC (Coupe Cabriolet).
Indubitably, Peugeot has been around since the 1889 when the first Peugeot car, the Serpollet-Peugeot, was introduced by Armand Peugeot but it was only in 1934 when Peugeot introduced the first car in the world to have an electric folding roof - the Peugeot 401 eclipse. Bringing forward to 2000 then, as some of you may have recalled, the French produced the 206 CC with a steel roof that fits in the boot, followed by 307 CC in 2003. It wasn't until 2009 when the 308 CC was introduced, replacing the 307 CC.
Although there are an increasing number of rivals in this segment, the French marque remains to be competitive. The 308 CC that you see here is based on the 308 hatchback and has been recently facelifted.
Exterior
This four-seater convertible now sports a refreshed supersized beak nose, with reshaped headlamps and pair of inverted 'L' bling-bling LED daytime running lights below. The front grille is also smaller, giving the car a slightly more subtle but no less sleeker look its predecessor. Other than that, the car gets the same treatment, with the same diffuser on the big-butted rear that seems a touch excessive for what is a relaxed cruiser.
Indubitably, Peugeot has been around since the 1889 when the first Peugeot car, the Serpollet-Peugeot, was introduced by Armand Peugeot but it was only in 1934 when Peugeot introduced the first car in the world to have an electric folding roof - the Peugeot 401 eclipse. Bringing forward to 2000 then, as some of you may have recalled, the French produced the 206 CC with a steel roof that fits in the boot, followed by 307 CC in 2003. It wasn't until 2009 when the 308 CC was introduced, replacing the 307 CC.
Although there are an increasing number of rivals in this segment, the French marque remains to be competitive. The 308 CC that you see here is based on the 308 hatchback and has been recently facelifted.
Exterior
This four-seater convertible now sports a refreshed supersized beak nose, with reshaped headlamps and pair of inverted 'L' bling-bling LED daytime running lights below. The front grille is also smaller, giving the car a slightly more subtle but no less sleeker look its predecessor. Other than that, the car gets the same treatment, with the same diffuser on the big-butted rear that seems a touch excessive for what is a relaxed cruiser.
 |
The Coupe Cabriolet is flanked by contoured lines that send your eyes flowing through the entire side, nailing the twinkling optimism of a streamlined profile with the French's quick bursts of natural arty-farty while stretched-out taillights adds a whole new compelling layer to the facelifted 308 CC.
The 308 CC is a pretty pug and has an over-soft appeal from all angles. Better looking still, is the 20 seconds it takes to have the roof retracted, allowing the car to be simultaneously sunny, light-hearted and deeply earnest - a powerful mixture that gets amplified by the robustness and secured feeling of the heavy doors.
 |
Interior
Inside, the cabin remains to be the same - all tied together with a tight Peugeot-style pop sensibility. Sure it's easy to bring the car down with the favourite brands if we think hard about it - the 308 CC doesn't have the premium branding when compared to the Volkswagen Eos and features such as dual-zone air-conditioning and MP3 compatible CD player can be easily spruced out by any competitors in this segment.
Yet, somehow, the 308 CC feels nothing like its competitors in its class. Like many other pugs in its stable, the build quality is impressive in almost every detail and has an overall design and ambience that's short on unique but long on charm, with aluminium-topped gearlever, a piano black centre console and white instrument cluster.
Inside, the cabin remains to be the same - all tied together with a tight Peugeot-style pop sensibility. Sure it's easy to bring the car down with the favourite brands if we think hard about it - the 308 CC doesn't have the premium branding when compared to the Volkswagen Eos and features such as dual-zone air-conditioning and MP3 compatible CD player can be easily spruced out by any competitors in this segment.
Yet, somehow, the 308 CC feels nothing like its competitors in its class. Like many other pugs in its stable, the build quality is impressive in almost every detail and has an overall design and ambience that's short on unique but long on charm, with aluminium-topped gearlever, a piano black centre console and white instrument cluster.
The layout of the buttons and controls are straightforward, if a little idiot-proof. The new feature - Bluetooth connectivity - pairs your iPhone to make hands-free calls or stream music and it's such a delight to use.
The car also provides drivers with supportive leather seats that will keep them comfortable whether they're in need for speed or taking a leisurely pace. However, we wouldn't recommend full-sized adults to be at the rear seats (kids preferred). But where the 308 CC stands out is its boot space. It's a surprisingly spacious 465 litres in the coupe form and 266 litres when the two-piece roof is retracted.
The car also provides drivers with supportive leather seats that will keep them comfortable whether they're in need for speed or taking a leisurely pace. However, we wouldn't recommend full-sized adults to be at the rear seats (kids preferred). But where the 308 CC stands out is its boot space. It's a surprisingly spacious 465 litres in the coupe form and 266 litres when the two-piece roof is retracted.
 |
The Drive
Out on the road, the car is surprisingly punchy, thanks to the 1.6-litre twin-scrolled turbo-charged powerplant that drives the front wheels. Mated to the six-speed automatic transmission, the 308 CC possesses the handling prowess that's acceptable for the lifestyle intention especially over ruts and bumps where it remains well-balanced with little or no vibration sent to occupants on board, thanks to the soft suspension set-up.
While the steering is adequately accurate, the supple and quiet ride is most noticeable when travelling at high speeds. Wind noise is pleasingly low and outside noises are kept well at bay while the car behaves in a refined and stylish manner.
Out on the road, the car is surprisingly punchy, thanks to the 1.6-litre twin-scrolled turbo-charged powerplant that drives the front wheels. Mated to the six-speed automatic transmission, the 308 CC possesses the handling prowess that's acceptable for the lifestyle intention especially over ruts and bumps where it remains well-balanced with little or no vibration sent to occupants on board, thanks to the soft suspension set-up.
While the steering is adequately accurate, the supple and quiet ride is most noticeable when travelling at high speeds. Wind noise is pleasingly low and outside noises are kept well at bay while the car behaves in a refined and stylish manner.
But there is no hiding its heft. Weighing over 1.5 tonnes, the 308 CC still feels cumbersome around bends (although it's less nose heavy than the predecessor) and is better behaved when eased into curves rather than thrown into them.
Conclusion
The Coupe Cabriolet is not tuned for sports car thrills but what it does on the road is get you stares of envy, especially with the top down. There's a sense of spontaneity, fun and sheer love for life, and the feeling is contagious.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The Coupe Cabriolet is not tuned for sports car thrills but what it does on the road is get you stares of envy, especially with the top down. There's a sense of spontaneity, fun and sheer love for life, and the feeling is contagious.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
German car manufacturers hog the limelight when it comes to those fancy hard-top convertibles. The recently launched Mercedes-Benz SLK and Volkswagen Eos are two good examples, having their roof components retracting into the boot like a mechanical ballet. Of course, there's also the Swede with its graceful offering of the Volvo C70 and the French with the Renault Megane CC (Coupe Cabriolet).
Indubitably, Peugeot has been around since the 1889 when the first Peugeot car, the Serpollet-Peugeot, was introduced by Armand Peugeot but it was only in 1934 when Peugeot introduced the first car in the world to have an electric folding roof - the Peugeot 401 eclipse. Bringing forward to 2000 then, as some of you may have recalled, the French produced the 206 CC with a steel roof that fits in the boot, followed by 307 CC in 2003. It wasn't until 2009 when the 308 CC was introduced, replacing the 307 CC.
Although there are an increasing number of rivals in this segment, the French marque remains to be competitive. The 308 CC that you see here is based on the 308 hatchback and has been recently facelifted.
Exterior
This four-seater convertible now sports a refreshed supersized beak nose, with reshaped headlamps and pair of inverted 'L' bling-bling LED daytime running lights below. The front grille is also smaller, giving the car a slightly more subtle but no less sleeker look its predecessor. Other than that, the car gets the same treatment, with the same diffuser on the big-butted rear that seems a touch excessive for what is a relaxed cruiser.
Indubitably, Peugeot has been around since the 1889 when the first Peugeot car, the Serpollet-Peugeot, was introduced by Armand Peugeot but it was only in 1934 when Peugeot introduced the first car in the world to have an electric folding roof - the Peugeot 401 eclipse. Bringing forward to 2000 then, as some of you may have recalled, the French produced the 206 CC with a steel roof that fits in the boot, followed by 307 CC in 2003. It wasn't until 2009 when the 308 CC was introduced, replacing the 307 CC.
Although there are an increasing number of rivals in this segment, the French marque remains to be competitive. The 308 CC that you see here is based on the 308 hatchback and has been recently facelifted.
Exterior
This four-seater convertible now sports a refreshed supersized beak nose, with reshaped headlamps and pair of inverted 'L' bling-bling LED daytime running lights below. The front grille is also smaller, giving the car a slightly more subtle but no less sleeker look its predecessor. Other than that, the car gets the same treatment, with the same diffuser on the big-butted rear that seems a touch excessive for what is a relaxed cruiser.
|
The Coupe Cabriolet is flanked by contoured lines that send your eyes flowing through the entire side, nailing the twinkling optimism of a streamlined profile with the French's quick bursts of natural arty-farty while stretched-out taillights adds a whole new compelling layer to the facelifted 308 CC.
The 308 CC is a pretty pug and has an over-soft appeal from all angles. Better looking still, is the 20 seconds it takes to have the roof retracted, allowing the car to be simultaneously sunny, light-hearted and deeply earnest - a powerful mixture that gets amplified by the robustness and secured feeling of the heavy doors.
|
Interior
Inside, the cabin remains to be the same - all tied together with a tight Peugeot-style pop sensibility. Sure it's easy to bring the car down with the favourite brands if we think hard about it - the 308 CC doesn't have the premium branding when compared to the Volkswagen Eos and features such as dual-zone air-conditioning and MP3 compatible CD player can be easily spruced out by any competitors in this segment.
Yet, somehow, the 308 CC feels nothing like its competitors in its class. Like many other pugs in its stable, the build quality is impressive in almost every detail and has an overall design and ambience that's short on unique but long on charm, with aluminium-topped gearlever, a piano black centre console and white instrument cluster.
Inside, the cabin remains to be the same - all tied together with a tight Peugeot-style pop sensibility. Sure it's easy to bring the car down with the favourite brands if we think hard about it - the 308 CC doesn't have the premium branding when compared to the Volkswagen Eos and features such as dual-zone air-conditioning and MP3 compatible CD player can be easily spruced out by any competitors in this segment.
Yet, somehow, the 308 CC feels nothing like its competitors in its class. Like many other pugs in its stable, the build quality is impressive in almost every detail and has an overall design and ambience that's short on unique but long on charm, with aluminium-topped gearlever, a piano black centre console and white instrument cluster.
The layout of the buttons and controls are straightforward, if a little idiot-proof. The new feature - Bluetooth connectivity - pairs your iPhone to make hands-free calls or stream music and it's such a delight to use.
The car also provides drivers with supportive leather seats that will keep them comfortable whether they're in need for speed or taking a leisurely pace. However, we wouldn't recommend full-sized adults to be at the rear seats (kids preferred). But where the 308 CC stands out is its boot space. It's a surprisingly spacious 465 litres in the coupe form and 266 litres when the two-piece roof is retracted.
The car also provides drivers with supportive leather seats that will keep them comfortable whether they're in need for speed or taking a leisurely pace. However, we wouldn't recommend full-sized adults to be at the rear seats (kids preferred). But where the 308 CC stands out is its boot space. It's a surprisingly spacious 465 litres in the coupe form and 266 litres when the two-piece roof is retracted.
|
The Drive
Out on the road, the car is surprisingly punchy, thanks to the 1.6-litre twin-scrolled turbo-charged powerplant that drives the front wheels. Mated to the six-speed automatic transmission, the 308 CC possesses the handling prowess that's acceptable for the lifestyle intention especially over ruts and bumps where it remains well-balanced with little or no vibration sent to occupants on board, thanks to the soft suspension set-up.
While the steering is adequately accurate, the supple and quiet ride is most noticeable when travelling at high speeds. Wind noise is pleasingly low and outside noises are kept well at bay while the car behaves in a refined and stylish manner.
Out on the road, the car is surprisingly punchy, thanks to the 1.6-litre twin-scrolled turbo-charged powerplant that drives the front wheels. Mated to the six-speed automatic transmission, the 308 CC possesses the handling prowess that's acceptable for the lifestyle intention especially over ruts and bumps where it remains well-balanced with little or no vibration sent to occupants on board, thanks to the soft suspension set-up.
While the steering is adequately accurate, the supple and quiet ride is most noticeable when travelling at high speeds. Wind noise is pleasingly low and outside noises are kept well at bay while the car behaves in a refined and stylish manner.
But there is no hiding its heft. Weighing over 1.5 tonnes, the 308 CC still feels cumbersome around bends (although it's less nose heavy than the predecessor) and is better behaved when eased into curves rather than thrown into them.
Conclusion
The Coupe Cabriolet is not tuned for sports car thrills but what it does on the road is get you stares of envy, especially with the top down. There's a sense of spontaneity, fun and sheer love for life, and the feeling is contagious.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The Coupe Cabriolet is not tuned for sports car thrills but what it does on the road is get you stares of envy, especially with the top down. There's a sense of spontaneity, fun and sheer love for life, and the feeling is contagious.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Peugeot 308CC 1.6 Turbo Sport (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.9km/L
Horsepower
116kW (156 bhp)
Torque
240 Nm
Acceleration
9.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Peugeot 308CC
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