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Peugeot 308 CC e-HDi

Peugeot slots its efficient new e-HDi micro-hybrid technology into the freshly styled 308 CC - can it compete with VW's Bluemotion Eos?

Peugeot 308 CC e-HDi

By Graeme Lambert

May 2011

  • Rating:

Peugeot has sold over 3.2million 307 models, so it's no surprise that the French brand has high hopes for its refreshed successor, the 308. Yet the coupé-cabriolet version tested here has always been a niche choice, so can the changes boost its appeal?  

 

The visual tweaks to the front are particularly striking on the drop-top, and the slim new grille, redesigned headlights and the now obligatory LEDs all help smarten things up.

Inside it's much the same as before, but the real news is to be found under the bonnet, with the introduction of the firm's e-HDi micro-hybrid technology. Using a 110bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine and a super efficient stop & start system, the drop-top 308 CC can achieve 60.1mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting only 123g/km of C02.

The system has two super capacitors to give the main battery a helping hand when firing up the engine after a stop, and the net result is an incredibly smooth restart that's noticeably quicker and quieter than any other diesel we've tried.

Unlike some rivals, the e-HDi tech on-board can operate in temperatures as low as minus five degrees centigrade and isn't affected by extra load placed on the main battery from the air-conditioning unit or other electrical items, and consequently works much more consistently.

On the move, the new engine is relatively smooth and refined, and provides reasonable pace thanks to its healthy 285Nm peak torque figure, but is better suited to relaxed cruising than enthusiastic cornering. The useful low-down thrust is let down by the gearbox, which doesn't like to be hurried, while the over-assisted electric power steering fails to inspire much confidence in the bends.

The suspension is relatively firm too, and the larger wheels fitted to high-spec models exacerbate the problem, without providing any extra body-control. Still, the folding metal roof completes its operation in around 25 seconds, making it quick and easy to enjoy open-topped motoring at the touch of a button.

Plus, Peugeot has taken around £850 off the price tag, depending which model you go for, so the 308 CC is shaping up to be much more of a bargain than it ever before.

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6 Comments

The ugly grill just keeps getting uglier.

By toycollector on 17 May, 2011, 9:46am

Why

Why have a cabriolet diesel? Crusing with the top down and a diesel rattle? How much of a turn-off that is. Peugeots have never been especially good. Diesel engines in Peugeots are brill in the right car but in this model, definately no. Brings me on to the first point, why?

By lucasworld on 17 May, 2011, 10:48pm

Why not?

The current Peugeot HDi diesels are pretty impressive, a load of tourqe and like AE say, smooth and refined. I wouldn't choose a petrol over this, especially with it's low C02 and high mpg, I very much doubt that anyone on-board that it's a diesel with the roof down. Thought that arguement died long ago.
As for the facelift? It is a definate improvement, and Peugeot seems like it's getting it's act together after a decade of dross.

By JFalck on 23 May, 2011, 9:36am

Ugly Indeed

Finally someone who agrees with me, Peugeot grills are very ugly and tacky. But women usually seem to like them. Diesel engines are sounding more petrol like every year, more to the point is the Snail pace 0 - 62 time of 12.2 seconds. Can't see it being fun to drive. Putting a decent petrol engine in it will improve things slightly, what you really need to do is trade it in for an VW EOS. Or you could lose the rear seats and get an MX5 for less cash.

By gaffer1986 on 23 May, 2011, 9:44am

I'd usually agree with the negative points raised above but.....

...I don't think this is as bad as the previous model. I agree that the stupid smiley face corporate grill that adorns Peugeots is rubbish, but this one isn't so bad and the back-end isn't horrendous either, as with so many folding hard tops.

I also don't regard having loads of power and performance as essential in a car like this - some people can enjoy open top motoring without blasting around at break neck speed - just look at the performance figures of the MGB!

What would put me off is Peugeot's reputation for reliability. But that said, I bought an MX5 cabriolet coupe because of it's reputation, but it was the worst car I've ever owned. The car, dealerships and manufacturer all letting me down badly. Maybe I should have bought a Peugeot......

By gavsmit on 24 May, 2011, 9:24pm

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By johnrombers on 27 May, 2011, 2:02pm

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Peugeot 308 CC e-HDi interior
Peugeot 308 CC e-HDi dash

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FIRST OPINION

    Anyone expecting the new 308 CC to be a radical departure from the current model will be disappointed, but the revisions are generally pleasing and for the best. The CC looks better, and costs less than ever before, and although not the quickest, the e-HDi micro-hybrid engine offers impressive economy and efficiency savings. It also suits the 308's relaxed set-up, which is starting to feel a little dated compared to its rivals.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £22,615
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    Power/torque: 112bhp/285Nm
    0-62mph: 12.2 seconds
    Top speed: 118mph
    Econ/CO2: 60.1mpg/123g/km
    Equipment: Air-conditioning, two part electric folding retractable steel roof, leather steering wheel, 16-inch Cirrus Alloy wheels, Peugeot Connect USB, Bluetooth
    On sale: Now
     
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