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Peugeot 308 CC Released
Peugeot has just launched the new 308 CC in Australia, delivering a blend of form and function in a four-seat convertible. The introduction of Peugeot’s most evolved CC yet marks the 75th anniversary of the company’s invention of the Coupé Cabriolet when the 401 Eclipse was launched in 1934. Peugeot has refined this technology to the point where the new model’s steel roof opens or closes in just 20 seconds. The striking 308 CC certainly encompases head-turning style, but also arrives bearing a number of notable features and technologies. The 308 CC is the first Peugeot convertible to offer a diesel engine in Australia. The 2.0-litre HDi FAP engine achieves impressive torque and fuel economy figures, and is coupled with a state-of-the-art 6-speed automatic. Peugeot’s award-winning 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine is also available with either manual or automatic transmissions. The side head airbag deployed from within the seat’s head restraint is the first ever installed in a production car. The Airwave system built into the front seats emits warm air around the neck and shoulders of the occupant, making open-top motoring an option even in the colder months. Safety is paramount in the 308 CC, with numerous features combining to help the car attain a five-star European NCAP safety rating. The introduction of the 308 CC compliments the highly successful CC and 308 ranges. Peugeot Automobiles Australia general manager/director Ken Thomas believes that it is not just the sculpted exterior that will grab the attention of potential customers. “The car will certainly get people’s attention,” he said. “It is not only a remarkable car visually, but also to drive.” “The interior is a truly luxurious place to be; it is a place of elegance, efficiency and comfort all rolled into one – this will sway a lot of potential customers.” Mr Thomas believes the new 308 CC offers quite unique value. “We are confident that the affordability of the 308 CC may surprise many, given its style, quality and the level of standard equipment.” “It certainly offers a lot for the price in this market especially when you consider that it has a EuroNcap five-star safety rating – including side head airbags – ESP and self-deploying rollover bars, rear park assist, and numerous classic design touches standard across the entire range.”” Improved Road-Holding The 308 CC uses largely the same proven suspension arrangement found on other 308 body styles. It comprises an inverted McPherson-type front suspension with a drop link antiroll bar ensuring both accurate steering and excellent damping control. The rear suspension set-up features a rear torsion beam and integral welded hollow anti-roll bar ensuring good control, vibration suppression and strength. The control actuator diameter and control valve settings are adapted to the characteristics of this body shape to offer great precision, good feel and the absence of vibration. A number of changes have been made with respect to the hatchback to ensure that the suspension better suits the character of a Coupé Cabriolet. The 308 CC’s ride height has been lowered by 12 mm at the front and 8 mm at the rear. The diameter of the front damper connecting rod has been increased to 22 mm instead of 20 mm, as has the upper mounting bearing (25 mm instead of 20 mm). Both of these changes offer improved grip, and go a long way to making the Peugeot 308 CC better able to accommodate increased weight and dynamic forces. At the rear, the torsion beam has a thickness of 5 or 6 mm according to the particular engine version. Dual-material mountings, 20% more rigid than those of the hatchback are used to further enhance body stability and comfort. Pricing (All prices exclude statutory charges and dealer delivery fees) Peugeot has brought the refined new 308 CC to the Australian market with an entry Recommended Vehicle Price under $50,000. The new car has many features only found in much more expensive vehicles (or not at all in any other vehicles) and comes in two grades – the 308 CC and the 308 CC S. Both are available with the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, or the 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine.
The 308 CC comes standard with six airbags – including the world first side head airbags – ESP, self-deploying rollover bars, automatic locking glovebox and central storage compartment, electronic rear parking assistance, electric folding door mirrors with welcoming light, MP3 connectivity, 17” wheels, rear LED tail lights, and sports seats with cloth trim. The 308 CC range begins with the 1.6-litre turbo manual at $48,990, and extends to the 2.0-litre HDi FAP with 6-speed automatic transmission at $52,990. Options on the 308 CC include leather seats – complete with the innovative Airwave heating system, seat heating and a windstop ($4,100) and 18” alloy wheels ($900). The 308 CC S adds standard leather seats with electric operation, heating and memory, Airwave, windstop, 18” wheels, directional Xenon headlights with automatic height adjustment and headlight washers and electronic front parking assistance. The 308 CC S is only available with automatic transmissions with a Tiptronic manual mode. The premium model begins at $57,990 for the 1.6-litre petrol turbo, and is rounded out by the 2.0-litre HDi FAP at $59,990. Metallic, Pearlescent and Premium Paints incur price premiums of $950, $1,200 and $1,500 respectively.
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