Peugeot Launches New 308CC Coupé Cabriolet

Jay Williams - 16/July/2009

Sydney, Australia – Peugeot has just launched the new 308CC in Australia, the four-seat convertible is not only functional, it also comes with Peugeot's award-winning 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, which rounds out an impressive  engine line-up on the new 308CC.

For the last three years in a row, Peugeot has won  the International Engine of the Year award in the 1.4 to 1.8- litre category.

The 1.6-litre petrol turbo models are available with two transmission types.

A six-speed manual and a four-speed automatic are available in the standard 308CC and  308CC S comes only in an automatic which features a  tiptronic manual mode.

Mated to the manual transmission the 1.6-litre turbo produces 110kW and 240Nm of torque at just 1,400rpm. While torque figures remain the same for both transmissions the maximum power output for the automatic is 103kW

Richard Grant, national marketing manager, Peugeot Automobiles Australia, had this to say, “The higher-revving nature of the turbo petrol model gives the 308CC a more  sports-car like feel – especially with the manual transmission. ”

“Certainly the credentials of the 1.6-litre unit cannot be questioned, given its  impressive run of awards. ”

The 308CC is also the first Peugeot convertible to offer a diesel engine in Australia. The 2.0-litre HDi FAP engine produces 100kW and 300Nm of torque at 2,000rpm and is mated to a 6-speed automatic.

With just a flick of a switch the new Peugeot 308CC can transform from a dynamic coupé to an elegant  cabriolet in just 20 seconds. The transformation can happen at speed of up to 12km/h, however I would recommend staying stationary.

The overall design of the roof and it's mechanisms have been optimised  for improved reliability, with a continuous diagnostic check of all sensors and  new anti-rattle locking cams for the roof locks.

The 308CC received the top rating of five stars from EuroNcap in the “adult  occupancy test”  with a total of 36 points (out of a possible maximum 37).

Safety features such as the side head airbag that is deployed from within the seat’s headrest and a chest/pelvis side airbag, both  built into the front seats , is the first ever to be installed in a production car.

The Peugeot 308CC will feature the Airwave system, which is built into the front seats. The system emits warm air around the neck and shoulders of the occupant and can be adjusted for temperature, flow and direction, which should take the chill out of open-top motoring in the colder months.

The Airwave system is fitted as standard to all 308CC S models, and is available on 308CC  as part of the leather option.

Peugeot Automobiles Australia general manager/ director Ken Thomas believes the new 308CC offers quite unique value and had this to say,

“We are confident that the affordability of the 308CC 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.”

Peugeot celebrates the 75th  anniversary of its invention of the retractable steel roof with
the launch of the new 308CC.  Peugeot's 401 Eclipse – the world’s first  electrically retractable steel roof. 

Related Links:
- Peugeot Hybrid Sports Car (2008)
- Peugeot 308 CC (2009)
- Peugeot 308 (Road Test)
- Peugeot 308 GT (2008)
- Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept (2007)
- Peugeot 207 GTi (Road Test)
- Peugeot Flux Concept (2007)
- Peugeot 308 Hybrid HDi & SW (2007)
- Peugeot 207 GT (Road Test)
- Peugeot 207 CC (2007)
- Peugeot 407 Coupe HDi (Road Test)
- Peugeot 307 HDi (Road Test)
- Peugeot 4007 SUV (2007)
- Peugeot Spider 207 (2007)