Peugeot 307 CC manual and auto 2004 Review

You're an upwardly mobile, young(ish) business/ professional/ person about to take friends/clients out to a long lunch at a ritzy restaurant in your convertible and it's looks like rain coupled with the fact that you have to park the car in a dodgy area, known for car theft or vandalism.

You want to suave them up by driving with the roof off to bask in unseasonably mild weather plus enjoy the envious glances of tin-top drivers.

But your convertible seats only two, has a manually operated a vinyl top and is one of thousands driving around the city streets.

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Could be a bummer if "Murphy's Law" comes into play.

Your competitor is in the same position but has recently updated into the new Peugeot 307CC, a four seater luxury cabriolet with an electrically operated roof that also forms the basis of Peugeot's World Rally Championship car.

It looks the business and offers safety, security and fast protection from inclement weather, right down to being able to deploy or retract the metal roof on the move up to 10kmh.

Next day you trade up to a 307CC and start to really enjoy life again especially when you win back that large contract that was up for grabs.

And your partner and kids really like the CC too because on the weekend, it's their turn to "chill" in the Cruisy Car. It actually stands for Coupe Cabriolet.

This is the second vehicle of this type from Peugeot following the smaller 206CC that's been around for a few years now. Peugeot made its first CC back in 1935.

There are four cylinder two models in 100kW and 130kW but if you want automatic, it's a four speeder in the 100kW version only. The manual is a five speeder. The entry model's engine is out of 307 sedan and hatch while the Sport derives from 206GTi 180.

Performance from both engines is adequate with the 130kW Sport obviously having an edge. Both models weigh close to 1500kg with the segmented retractable roof, the same system used by Mercedes-Benz, and chassis reinforcements significantly contribu- ting to this.

This car is above all else about lifestyle and style and it has plenty of it with stunning lines and an incredible rear end. Peugeot is certainly a trend setter rather than a follower of fashion.

It is luxuriously equipped and is fun to drive offering a comfortable ride and good dynamics. Both engines are frugal and smooth running.

Prices are $49,990 for the manual 307CC with auto adding $2200 and the Sport option selling for $56,990.