Peugeot is the world leader in coupe cabriolet sales, and recently it has launched the new Peugeot 308 coupe cabriolet to the European motoring press.
Due for sale in Ireland this autumn, the 308 CC builds on the many strengths of the popular 307 CC to satisfy the high standards customers expect of this type of vehicle: attractive styling, comprehensive specification, safety equipment and high levels of quality.
The new Peugeot 308 coupe cabriolet transforms from sleek coupe to stylish cabriolet in 20 seconds and is equipped with an intelligent air conditioning system, which adapts to the chosen body shape, heated seats, an optional wind-stop, and 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.
Benefitting from an exceptional level of active and passive safety, the new 308 CC features a Bosch 8.1 ESP system comprising ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and stability control as standard. The new arrival also hosts the World’s first head airbag and has already been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP adult occupancy test, scoring a total of 36 points out of a possible 37.
The 308 CC is strong in personality, both in coupé and cabriolet configurations. Low-slung, with an aerodynamically positioned front windscreen, a deeply profiled lower front panel, generously sculpted sides with chrome bead decorating the windows, an original boot lid and spectacular LED rear lights, the 308 CC stands out in the crowd.
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 dynamic performance and increase the internal passenger space.
Particular attention has been paid to the rear of the 308 CC to combine elegant and dynamic style with a reasonable boot capacity, regardless of the chosen configuration. In the coupé configuration, the total boot volume is improved by about 12 per cent compared to the 307 CC (including storage under the boot carpet ). The equivalent ‘liquid’ volume is 465 litres. In cabriolet guise, the total boot volume under the load space cover has increased by 34-litres compared to the 307 CC.
Peugeot pioneered the concept of folding roof cars way back 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 the beginning of 2009, Peugeot had produced more than 650,000 coupé cabriolets for enthusiasts of this lifestyle motoring concept, making Peugeot the world leader of this body style design.
Speaking at the launch, Mark Hayes, marketing manager at Peugeot in Ireland said, “The arrival of the new Peugeot 308 coupe cabriolet in Europe marks the 75th 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.”
Prices and final specifications for the Irish market will be announced closer to the launch here in the autumn.
