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New Peugeot 308 Coupe Cabriolet By Brian Foley

The new Peugeot 308 Coupe Cabriolet has been launched in Ireland in one trim level - a 308 CC Sport Pack powered with a new 1.6 HDi 112bhp diesel engine. The model retails from €33,790 plus dealer delivery related charges. 308 Coupe Cabriolet transforms from sleek Coupe to stylish Cabriolet in 20 seconds. Low-slung, with an aerodynamically positioned front windscreen, a deeply profiled lower front panel, generously sculpted sides, a newly styled boot lid with spectacular LED rear lights, the 308 CC is a most attractive car for all seasons.Compared to its predecessor Peugeot 307 CC, the 308 CC is lower, but longer and wider, with a larger front and rear track to improve the overall performance and increase internal passenger space.

The 308 Coupe Cabriolet Sport Pack is equipped with an intelligent air conditioning system, which adapts to the chosen mode of coupe or cabriolet. It also features a remarkable Airwave system built into the front seats, which acts like a scarf by diffusing warm air that can be adjusted for temperature, flow and direction.

Standard specification includes Bluetooth, electric front and rear windows, cruise control, leather trimmed steering wheel, aluminium gear lever and pedals, white dials, chrome door handles / centre console, electric folding and heated door mirrors, automatic headlamps and rain sensing wipers, front fog lamps, sports front seats, height adjustable driver / passenger seat with memory, aux input / MP3, 17” alloys, heated seats and rear spoiler.

Equipped with an exceptional level of standard safety features, the new 308 CC features a Bosch 8.1 ESP system comprised of ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and stability control. The new arrival also hosts the World’s first head airbag and has already been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test. Standard security equipment includes an ultrasonic alarm, deadlocks with twin plip keys, rolling code transponder immobiliser and locking wheel bolts for alloy wheels.

Particular attention has been paid to the rear of the 308 CC to combine elegance with a good boot capacity, regardless of the chosen configuration. In the Coupé configuration, the total boot volume is 403 dm3 VDA (465 litres), an addition of 53 dm3 compared to the 307 CC. In Cabriolet guise, the total boot volume is 226 dm3 VDA (266 litres), an increase of 22 dm3 compared to the 307 CC.

The new Peugeot 308 CC is the first model in the range to benefit from Peugeot’s new 1.6 litre 112 bhp diesel engine. This new engine is the result of Peugeot’s continual development of its diesel HDi FAP technology, widely acclaimed for its performance and efficiency. This new 1.6 litre HDi FAP diesel engine has been designed to meet the requirements of the new Euro 5 emission standards. It benefits from a number of improvements over the current 110 bhp unit with improved performance in terms of flexibility and responsiveness, as well as noise reduction, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Speaking at the launch, Mark Hayes, Marketing Manager at Peugeot in Ireland said, “The arrival of the new Peugeot 308 Coupe Cabriolet in Ireland marks the 76th anniversary of Peugeot’s CC know-how. The new model builds on the success of the 307 CC to offer even greater levels of comfort and safety equipment and sets a new benchmark in the segment in terms of quality.”

Peugeot pioneered the concept of ‘folding roof cars’ in the 1930s with its elegant 401, 601 and 402 ‘Eclipse’ models, and today continues this with the current 207 CC and now the new member to the family, the 308 CC. By 2009, Peugeot had produced over 650,000 Coupé Cabriolets for enthusiasts of this lifestyle motoring concept, making Peugeot the world leader of this body style design.