Having an electrically folding steel roof that turns a cabrio into a de facto coupe is hardly big news, but a system that’s no less impressive for its familiarity.
And the newly arrived Peugeot 307 CC’s ability to contort its metal roof into the boot is precisely what’s going to make it such an enticing prospect.
Metal roof in place the Pug’s coupe pretentions aren’t too far wide of the mark either. Edging into illegal speeds some wind noise creeps into the cabin but at licence-friendly pace you’re well isolated from the outside world.
After waiting 25 seconds for the hood to cantilever into the boot things aren’t altered a great deal either. You’ll feel slightly more shimmying through the wheel and a corresponding corruption in ride quality, but even in fresh air form it’s commendably refined.
What you don’t get though is what is always welcome with wind in your hair motoring – a bit of pizzazz. While the 307CC’s softish gait means a good ride and it spears through corners competently – sluggish steering and ordinary agility means it’s never going to be responsible for upping coronary activity.
Part of the problem too is a lack of urge. The base 2.0-litre 136bhp version we tested sounds promising until you learn that there’s 1457kgs to haul around, 238kgs more lard than the hatchback version matched to an already rev-greedy engine. So making inspired progress means hanging onto gears, ruining the hushed demeanour in the process.
But you get high levels of kit for your £18,300, there’s room for four, a pleasant and comfortable cabin and a decent boot – even if it’s halved when the roof’s down.
In fact, the only block to buying one could be that the prettier Renault Megane CC, also with a folding metal roof, arrives in a matter of weeks.
Chas Hallett
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Taking a look in the past
Sometimes it feels good to see the difference beetween years and models. That was my first car and i wont forget the time there.