Cool, classy cabriolet; The Peugeot 308 CC is another fine example from the French experts in drop-top motoring, finds MALCOLM ROBERTSHAW.

Byline: MALCOLM ROBERTSHAW

RIGHTLY dubbed the cabriolet for all seasons, the 308CC is actually two cars in one.

It looks every inch the coupe with the folding roof in situ while, for open top driving, the car shapes up as a cabriolet in decidedly head-turning fashion.

Following on from the 307CC, which proved hugely popular with buyers throughout Europe, the 308CC has been placed on a new, stiffer chassis with slightly lowered suspension.

Featuring three trim levels, Sport, SE - driven here - and range-topping GT, the 308CC also offers a pair of Peugeot's familiar HDi diesel engines paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, pulling 110bhp and 140bhp or 136bhp with automatic gearbox.

Petrol urge comes courtesy of a 1.6 litre VTi 120bhp, 1.6 THP pulling 150bhp or 1.6 140bhp with automatic gearbox.

In the fixtures and fittings department, the entry-level Sport model includes the likes of air con, 16in alloys, six-speaker sound system with CD and driver safety aids including electronic stability program and ABS braking with electronic brake force distribution and electronic brake assist.

The SE model in focus here adds automatic rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, rear parking aid, cruise control and climate control air con.

Longer and wider than its predecessor, the 308CC also has larger front and rear tracking designed to boost performance while increasing passenger space.

However, while the cab forward effect of the 307CC has been toned down a little and boot space has risen by 15 per cent - delivering a surprisingly generous 465 litres with the roof in coupe position and a usable 266 litres with the electric folding roof stowed in the boot - this four-seater may still be considered by some to be more of a two plus two.

The transition to cabriolet from coupe and back again comes at the press of a switch which allows the top to be raised or lowered in about 20 seconds at speeds up to 7.5mph.

Build quality is of a high order with top notch materials being much in evidence in a well put together cabin.

The stylish slope of the centre console, attractive dashboard and gadgets galore complement a fine driving position in comfortable and supportive leather seating from which only the thick screen pillars may spoil the view for some.

Much thought has gone into a number of fine touches for occupants, which include a so-called Airwave Scarf heater that blows air on to the back of the heads of front seat occupants plus a programmable remote key that allows you to lock up the glovebox and centre console, should you leave valuables behind when the top is down.

Powered by the 1.6-litre 150bhp petrol engine paired with a six-speed manual gear change, roadway progress for the 308CC is good and, with top down, there is a businesslike sporty note from the exhaust for driver and passengers to enjoy.

This free revving 16-valver also has very satisfying mid-range torque which provides the punch for a spirited overall performance.

While the car's 1587kg kerbweight does inhibit performance a little when on winding roads, there is a supple ride to enjoy, making the 308CC an excellent cruiser over the long haul.

Overall, this is another fine effort in the sun-seeker, wind-in-your-hair driving stakes from Peugeot.

The French car makers have proved once again that stylishly desirable drop tops are very much the company's forte and that they are still simply the best.

Factfile: Model: Peugeot 308 CC SE 1.6 THP 150 Engine: 1598cc petrol Power: 150bhp 0-62mph: 10.5 seconds Fuel economy: 37.7mpg CO2 emissions: 177g/km Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles Price: pounds 21,795