Peugeot 307 CC 2004 Review

And with the new generation of hard-roofed, electrically-operated models, there is just no downside to owning one of these fun machines.

We say fun because there are not too many people who do not enjoy the sensation of driving with the top down.

One of the better examples of this new breed is Peugeot's 307CC.

The French car maker has really nailed it with this one, a big sister to the tiny 206CC hard-topped convertible – because it's very, very good.

Pricing is very competitive too, with the 307CC priced from $49,990.

• The 307CC is all about style and it cuts an eye-catching figure, top up or down with its steeply raked windscreen.
• Inside the elegant brushed metal and chrome dash instrumentation is reminiscent of a ladies designer watch.
• Two engines are available, both versions of the same 2.0-litre DOHC power plant. The choice is 100kW/ 190Nm or 130kW/202Nm (same as the GTi 180).
• Our test vehicle was powered by the lower output 100kW engine and while it lacked torque at times, it is surely one of the sweetest, smoothest fours around.
• Bear in mind that this car is not designed as a performance model but rather as an elegant, cafe cruiser. That said it still has plenty of zip and like most Peugeots handles extremely well, with stability control standard in case things get out of hand.
• Transmission is a choice of a standard five-speed manual or optional, adaptive four-speed tipshift auto. Our test car was the manual – it should be noted that the auto is not available with the more powerful engine.
• It was only when tackling some rising hairpin bends that the engine's lack of torque became apparent. The car was travelling too slow for second gear but too quickly for first, with not enough torque to pull it out of the hole.
• Removing the roof is a snack and this is possibly the single most important factor when it comes to choosing a convertible.
• There is one centre console mounted button between the seats and no tie down clips to release. It takes a few seconds, with the proviso that there must be sufficient room in the boot for the roof to fit. To ensure this is the case, a luggage blind is fitted that must be in place before the roof will operate.
• Body flex is minimal with the roof down and interior noise is impressively quiet with it up. Vision is also quite good, even with the roof up.
• The car has seatbelts for four people and there is a reasonable amount of rear legroom.

   

• Rear seat access is reasonably easy with recessed release tabs mounted high on the seats. The front seats return to their normal position.
• Luggage space with the roof down is not terrific but there more there than some cars we have tested.

   

• hSafety features include ABS brakes (with brake force distribution and emergency brake assist) and electronic stability control, plus four airbags, active front seat head restraints and rear roll over bars that deploy in the event of an accident.
• Luxury featrues include climate air, with auto wipers, headlights and rear vision mirror.
• Trip computer is difficult to see in bright sunlight and invisible with polarised sunglasses.
• Could use some real cupholders instead of the moulded recesses located alongside the handbrake.