Peugeot 307 Reviews

And with the new generation of hard-roofed, electrically-operated models, there is just no downside to owning one of these fun machines.We say fun because there are not too many people who do not enjoy the sensation of driving with the top down.One of the better examples of this new breed is Peugeot's 307CC.The French car maker has really nailed it with this one, a big sister to the tiny 206CC hard-topped convertible – because it's very, very good.Pricing is very competitive too, with the 307CC priced from $49,990. The 307CC is all about style and it cuts an eye-catching figure, top up or down with its steeply raked windscreen.Inside the elegant brushed metal and chrome dash instrumentation is reminiscent of a ladies designer watch.Two engines are available, both versions of the same 2.0-litre DOHC power plant. The choice is 100kW/ 190Nm or 130kW/202Nm (same as the GTi 180).Our test vehicle was powered by the lower output 100kW engine and while it lacked torque at times, it is surely one of the sweetest, smoothest fours around.Bear in mind that this car is not designed as a performance model but rather as an elegant, cafe cruiser. That said it still has plenty of zip and like most Peugeots handles extremely well, with stability control standard in case things get out of hand.Transmission is a choice of a standard five-speed manual or optional, adaptive four-speed tipshift auto. Our test car was the manual – it should be noted that the auto is not available with the more powerful engine.It was only when tackling some rising hairpin bends that the engine's lack of torque became apparent. The car was travelling too slow for second gear but too quickly for first, with not enough torque to pull it out of the hole.Removing the roof is a snack and this is possibly the single most important factor when it comes to choosing a convertible.There is one centre console mounted button between the seats and no tie down clips to release. It takes a few seconds, with the proviso that there must be sufficient room in the boot for the roof to fit. To ensure this is the case, a luggage blind is fitted that must be in place before the roof will operate.Body flex is minimal with the roof down and interior noise is impressively quiet with it up. Vision is also quite good, even with the roof up.The car has seatbelts for four people and there is a reasonable amount of rear legroom. Rear seat access is reasonably easy with recessed release tabs mounted high on the seats. The front seats return to their normal position.Luggage space with the roof down is not terrific but there more there than some cars we have tested. hSafety features include ABS brakes (with brake force distribution and emergency brake assist) and electronic stability control, plus four airbags, active front seat head restraints and rear roll over bars that deploy in the event of an accident.Luxury featrues include climate air, with auto wipers, headlights and rear vision mirror.Trip computer is difficult to see in bright sunlight and invisible with polarised sunglasses.Could use some real cupholders instead of the moulded recesses located alongside the handbrake.

Now, hold it together. Take a deep breath. You might just be being offered a Peugeot 307CC.That being the case, the hard-top that can turn into a soft-top at the press of a button is not such a silly idea – any time of the year.After all, it is one of the slinkiest, most stylish cars likely to be seen in the sports car park. It is rewarding to drive – even though it is not developed as a fireball performer.The sticker price is on the money for what it is and what it has to offer. And you do get two cars for the price of one.For CC stands for coupe cabriolet – a clever model name which describes its two guises depending on the position of the retractable hard-top.The test week was a handy combination of sunny and rainy days. Just perfect to rug up in a rally jacket, buzz the roof down and enjoy the fresh open air one day and raise the roof and stay warm and dry in the wet.The retractable hard-top is an engineering work of art.Peugeot bought the mechanicals in from a German joint-venture company set up by Mercedes-Benz and Porsche to design fold-down roofs. Not a cheap component – but a lot cheaper than developing your own that may or not be as good as the off-the-shelf item.It takes just 25 seconds for the rigid roof, with its large, curved glass rear windscreen, to retract and disappear under the boot-trap.You can raise or lower the roof at speeds up to 10km/h – we'll leave for another day discussion on why anyone would want to raise or lower the roof on the move.In either coupe or cabriolet forms, the 307CC is a stunning looking two-door, four seater.The heavy rake of the windscreen looks just as racy with or without the roof in position.What has become Peugeot's trademark feline headlights give the car the usual slinky, ultra-chic look.The car comes with a choice of two engines, a 100kW two-litre four, with five-speed manual transmission, or four-speed tiptronic automatic in the Dynamic equipment grade or a 130kW two-litre version with five-speed manual in the Sport.Prices for the Dynamic start from $49,990 and the Sport from $56,990.Neither are particularly quick. The entry engine takes 10.9 seconds to dash from zero to 100km/h (12.7 seconds with automatic) and the more powerful engine does the trip in 10 seconds. But even though it is no racer off the line, the 307CC responds to high revs in the mid ranges, although it tends to be a bit short-winded up top.However, the compact dimensions make the car seem like it is going faster than its actual speed.So one can get the impression of fast driving without racking up demerit points.The Dynamic on test proved really enjoyable to push around a favourite loop through the Adelaide Hills.The five-speed manual is one of the highlights of the CC and the tiptronic auto should be just as enjoyable.The car sits on really well developed suspension which keeps body movement to a minimum, yet offers good ride comfort.Both models come with electronic stability program, anti-lock brakes and emergency brake force assistance so the car has a high degree of handling integrity.The interior is particularly sporty and ergonomic with all the switches, dials and things in the right places, and good use is made of metallic finishes.Seating is comfortable and fully adjustable to allow the driver to get in a desired position. The car is built on a rigid structure to ensure the safety of passengers in a major collision. The evidence of the success of this fabrication can be found in its four-star independent crash-test classification.Protection in a rollover is always a concern to owners of cabriolets. To provide the protection, the rear bulkhead is equipped with an electronic rollover bar. This is supplemented by reinforcements bars in the windscreen pillars. Front occupants also benefit from reactive front airbags, head/chest side airbags, and three-point seat belts with force limiters.Standard equipment is particularly generous. The entry grade car comes with remote central locking, fully-adjustable steering wheel, six speaker Clarion sound system, climate control airconditioning which cools the glove box, a pollen filter, leather trimmed steering wheel, aluminium finish to the centre console, an array of storage areas, electric steel roof, alloy wheels, rain sensing wipers, sports seats, and rear headrests.The 307CC is not a true point-and-fire sports cars with power to burn.But it is a highly sophisticated, beautifully styled, highly versatile four-seater car which looks good with the metal roof up or down.It drives nicely and handles and steers precisely.And do not forget it is a car for all seasons – an open-topper for the good weather and a fixed-head coupe to keep the rain and cold out.Pricing is right and Peugeot appears to have such a growing following that retained values should not be a problem to those who leave with fairly high residuals.In sum, I liked it – I recommend it.

Sales of cute coupes are down in 2004. Even the mighty Holden Monaro isn't doing as well as it was in the early days.But don't think that fashion-conscious shoppers have given up on their treats, because a newcomer with look-at-me attitude is always going to do well.Drum roll, then, for the Peugeot 307CC. It has all the right stuff for a successful sales campaign in Australia, starting with a good-looking two-plus-two body and a starting price below $50,000.The 307 is the second CC model from the French firm, which means it is a coupe and a convertible, complete with the same style of folding metal roof that's been a winner for Mercedes with its SL and SLK drop-tops.The new 307 is a long way better than the baby 206, which suffered from oddball looks and a cramped and creaky cabin.The first few boatloads of 307CCs already have deposit-paid owners waiting for the cars to be unloaded in Australia.What they all want is a practical coupe-convertible car that is smartly priced and looks good.Some shoppers might run the 307 up against the Mazda MX-5 SE on the convertible side of the business, or a funky Alfa 147 or affordable Hyundai Tiburon on the sports coupe side. But it is just as likely to be seen as a better-value alternative to a Saab 9-3 or Audi Cabriolet with the advantage of the metal roof.There are two models in the 307CC range, the Dynamic and Sport, and the differences run to more than just the leather seats, alloy wheels and the rest of the finery in the Sport. There are two engine choices, the Dynamic with 100kW and the Sport with 130kW.The CC is based on the mechanical package of the 307 hatchback, complete with a boot that runs as big as 350 litres before you fold the electro-hydraulically operated roof into it. There is even space for a full-sized spare tyre.The body makes it a good-looking mid-sized coupe that sits in the same size class as the Holden Astra convertible, but the Peugeot is a little bigger and looks a whole lot roomier.The roof goes up and down in less than 25 seconds.The mechanical package is straightforward stuff, with fully independent suspension and anti-skid brakes, a choice of manual and automatic, and the 130kW four-cylinder coming with variable-valve timing.Peugeot says the only major tuning change is re-calibration of the electro-hydraulic variable power steering.Equipment is impressive. Even the Sport comes with twin airbags, electronic stability control, a trip computer, cruise control, electric windows and alloy wheels.It's a good deal for a $49,990 starter price and, even if the Sport starts at $56,990, Peugeot is allowing buyers to mix-and-match from a long list of optional equipment.We love the look of the 307CC. The design is very classy, right down to the cheese-grater effect over the tail-lights and a boot-release switch inside the zero in the 307 badge.The car turns heads, always the best measure of a new coupe, and even more necks swivel when you fold the roof away.But we had questions and doubts after the press preview of the CC. It felt pretty dozy, there were squeaks and rattles, and we wondered if the car was suffering from the same sort of problems as the earlier 206CC.It is definitely not a zinger, but it was never intended to be a sports car. The 100kW engine is built for cruising, not sprinting, and will never make the car a rival for an MX-5 SE. Given the 1400kg-plus, even the 130kW motor won't be a standout.But the 307CC is nice to drive, with a light gearbox and good steering, reasonable grip in corners – it's best to glide, not attack a turn – and a smooth ride.It feels tight as a coupe and folding the roof away doesn't kill the enjoyment. You can feel the difference, with vibrations coming through your feet and wobbling the sunvisors, but it's not as if it has a hinge in the middle.The coupe-to-convertible conversion also brings a change in suspension and cornering feel because the weight of the steel roof moves to the tail. It takes some adjustment, but it's not nasty. The only nasty noise in the test car was a flapping sound with the top down, which was corrected by clipping the seat belt.The front seats are terrific, particularly with the partial leather trim, part of a deal that added parking radar and metallic paint to the test car for a price of $54,440.The back seats are cramped, but you'd expect that.The CC is hard to park, even with the top down, because the body falls away dramatically at each end. We would definitely invest in radar.We'd also have liked more go, even for cruiser use, because the CC takes too long to wind up for overtaking and needs encouragement on the five-speed lever to get up hills and through corners.We enjoyed our time with the 307CC and expect it to do well in Australia. It will put some sizzle back into the coupe scene and give more people the chance to enjoy a practical convertible at a relatively affordable price.A sweet newcomer with the right combination of sunshine fun and good looks at a nice price. 

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.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.

It is not often that you hear the saying "two for the price of one" in relation to a car, but that's what will be coming out of the mouths of Peugeot dealers across the country with the new 307 CC.At the press of a button, and in 25 seconds, you can be driving either a hardtop or a convertible, depending on your mood and the weather.The 307 CC Pug offers a range of unique features, but the steel roof, the only one in its class, is the thing (along with being a four-seater) that Peugeot Automobiles Australia says justifies the $50,000 price tag.There have been rumours that the roof, which was designed by German manufacturer CTS, supplier to the Mercedes SL and SLK models, had had problems overseas. Peugeot's Australian arm, however, says it had not heard of any problems, and that if there had been any, they would have been ironed out before the car made it to our shores.The 307 CC has two engine choices; the Dynamic has a 100kW 2.0-litre variant with 190Nm of torque and the Sport gets a 130kW engine with 202Nm.The gearbox is limited to a five-speed manual and four-speed tiptronic automatic.The Peugeot comes packed with equipment including anti-lock brakes with brake assist, climate-control airconditioning, dual front and side airbags, rain-sensing wipers and rollover bars concealed in the passenger headrests.Novelties include the boot-opening button hidden in the "0" of the 307 badge, and the fancy rear headlights consisting of 80 diodes.The Sport, which costs an extra $7000, has leather upholstery, 17-inch wheels, parking distance assistance and an alarm.Inside, the car screams style and features clever inventions, such as the airconditioned glovebox. The weight of the car – close to 1500kg – hampers its performance, though not its handling. The 2.0-litre engine struggles off the mark, but when up to speed it is a comfortable ride. The car is smooth and quiet on the highway.Both engines struggled to pull the weight up hills and first gear had to be used on a few occasions when second should have sufficed. Steering felt remote in the Dynamic but noticeably firmer in the Sport – along with a stiffer ride and slightly better handling.The increased power of the Sport is only noticed at higher speeds. The car tested stalled a few times on the way back after an hour on the freeway, something that was stopped only by increasing the revs when not moving.While overall sales of Peugeot have slumped by more than 60,000 units in France, due to the release of the Renault Megane and Golf V, sales in Australia were up 10 per cent in 2003 at 7300 vehicles. Peugeot is looking to sell about 950 307 CCs this year and 1000 in 2005. It expects only slight sales cannibalisation from the 206 CC.The company hopes the new "Blue Billboard" design of the dealerships will help bring people through the doors, customers it thinks will be in the 35-to-45 age group.Peugeot Automobiles Australia marketing manager Richard Grant says the 307 CC is aimed at what the company calls the "masstige" market."These people are looking for products that are priced at a premium above conventional products but which sit at a price well below super premium products," he says.Next will be the 407, which will take over the 406 and be on sale in the final quarter of the year.There is no new 206 in the works, but PAA says models have a six to seven-year cycle. The 206 was released in 1998.The 307 CC Dynamic manual costs $49,990, the auto $52,190 and the Sport manual $56,990.