Peugeot 308CC 2009-2014 verdict

No question, the Peugeot 308 CC is a major improvement on its predecessor, just as the 207 CC was over the 206. The improvements begin with a useful increase in body strength, benefiting its handling, ride and the impression of robustness, and continue with an interior of higher material quality and greater convenience than that of the last car.

It’s disappointing that, once again with a middle-sized Peugeot drop-top, there isn’t really enough rear cabin room for larger adults – particularly when smaller convertibles like the Golf package more occupant space into a smaller car. Passengers taller than 5’ 8” will either have to travel in the front, or not at all. Those small enough to fit in the back also have to put up with limited protection from the wind with the roof down, and seriously restricted headroom with the top in place.

Front occupants in the 308 CC are well protected from wind buffeting, even at motorway speeds

Matt Prior

Editor-at-large

The 308 CC’s choppy town ride is also a bit of a let down, even if, in outright terms, the Peugeot’s more settled medium- and high-speed ride entirely suit its ‘summer day cruiser’ character. Versions on smaller wheels suffer a less unsettled primary ride than those on larger rims, but even they can’t match the low speed refinement of a VW Eos, which remains our class-leading pick.

The 308 CC’s roof is effortlessly convenient, however, the seat-mounted curtain airbags boost its safety credentials and, in leather trim, the interior really lends class to this car. The Airwave neck heating system is effective too, allowing top down motoring even on more wintery occasions.