Peugeot 308 CC vs VW Eos

Folding metal roofs have overtaken traditional fabric soft-tops in the popularity stakes – and Peugeot has led the coupé-convertible charge from the front.

The original 206 CC was the first supermini to get the folding hard-top treatment, and it was a smash hit. A larger 307 CC followed, while the 206’s replacement, the 207 CC, debuted in 2007. The 308 family hatch arrived last year, but sun lovers have been forced to wait for the convertible version.

Their patience is being rewarded by the arrival of the new 308 CC on 1 June, just in time for the summer. Here we try the flagship GT model in 2.0-litre HDi guise. With luxuries such as leather upholstery and Peugeot’s new Airwave neck heating system fitted as standard, it comes bristling with kit.

The 308 CC promises to give our current favourite, the Volkswagen Eos, a run for its money. The German model uses a mixture of Golf and Passat underpinnings, but has a look all of its own. It doesn’t come with a clever air scarf system, yet its unique folding top does include a large sliding glass sunroof.

Can the latest 2.0-litre TDI Sport model see off the more expensive Peugeot?