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Our subject vehicle is the delightful Peugeot 307 CC. This model is available in two versions, Dynamic and Sport. We drive the base model, the 307 CC Dynamic. It is fitted with the standard 5-speed manual transmission. The price for this model is $49,990. The Dynamic is also available with an optional automatic transmission. The Sport comes with a more powerful version of the same 2-litre engine with manual transmission. The standard retractable roof system is a highlight. It's a cosy 4-seater coupe or a wonderful 4-seater convertible. It has plenty of room for 2 people and let us say upfront that it is quite suitable for 4 adults. Back seat passengers do not have an immense amount of room but they are treated to a good compromise. This was an aspect we wanted to explore, so the Next Car team loaded up 4 adults for a trip from Newcastle to Dungog and onto the Barrington Guest House for afternoon tea, travelling in both directions via the scenic route. In total over 200 kms in one day with 4 adults on board. It was a tight fit but there was not one complaint about discomfort. Clearly, the designers provided just enough space. The most surprising aspect of the 307 CC was the boot space. With the top up, the boot is huge. With the top down, the boot space is surprisingly adequate for 2 with a reasonable amount of luggage for a week away. On the road the 307 CC accounts for itself quite well. Although not blessed with excessive power, the 2-litre 100 kW engine is quite suitable for all but 'performance' driving. Even with four on board it got along rather well. Being a Peugeot, you would expect superb handling. And that's the way it is. The on-road feel is very good. The steering, the braking and the suspension all added up to a very pleasant driving experience. Style is what the 307 CC is all about. And it has a lot of style, too! But that's obvious.  2004 Peugeot 307 CC Location: near Dungog NSW |
 2004 Peugeot 307 CC Location: near Dungog NSW With the top up the CC is a stylish coupe offering a very cozy environment for four. The top down effect can be obtained by simply operating an electronic switch. In less than half a minute the collapsible roof is neatly stowed away in the boot. The stylish coupe is then transformed into an excessively stylish convertible. It really is two cars in one. The designers have done an excellent job in packaging this car. This car does force you into making decisions, though. You do need to decide whether you're going "top up" or "top down". If our experience is any guide, it'll be top down. This car is a natural delight when getting around with the top down. It's a physiological plus to have the top down, as it sure is a great feeling with the wind in the hair. But the aforementioned points are all on the good side of the ledger. You may be interested in the negative aspects of the 307 CC. Look at the angle and the size of the windscreen. You could imagine how this car would slice through the air. But the windscreen does present one problem. You need to be aware of it when getting in and out as the top edge protrudes a long way into the passenger compartment. But this styling effect is not detrimental to the character of this delightful machine. It's simply an aspect to acknowledge. When you cover over 500 kms in a week, you can safely say you enjoyed a car. We covered 1,083 kms in a week around Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. Clearly, we enjoyed the 307 CC. And that was before summer arrived! The concept of a coupe and convertible combined into one package is an outstanding proposition. Peugeot have succeeded in putting together an excellent package ..... and it's only $50,000 (approximately)! The way I see it, that's two cars for the price of one! Stephen Walker | |
