The Paris Motor Show - Peugeot 307CC
Following on from the huge success of the 206 CC, Peugeot has followed up with a larger 307 CC at Paris Motor Show, initially shown in concept car form.
Using the same form of convertible steel hard top as the 206 CC, the 307 CC offers a true 4-seater Coupé and open Cabriolet in one. Although at first sight the front end looks the same as the standard 307, there are distinct differences. Headlamps are sharper, more elongated and the lower grille is a wider, more angular design, featuring a larger skirt and incorporating a silver bar with twin spotlamps. Most notably, the windscreen is lower and more raked and flows back to a wide header rail above the occupant’s heads.
As expected, roof down the 307 CC looks very clean, with an uninterrupted rising waistline and smooth rear deck. However, with the roof up, the assembly formed by the roof, the windscreen pillars and the rear screen is even nicer, with a ‘hunkered-down’ purposeful look, which is very sporty and seductive. Indeed the whole look is altogether crisper than the basic 307 with an elegance and glamour to the car, which belies its mainstream hatchback roots.
The flowing cabin form is a much happier balance than the smaller 206CC, with a gently dropping rear deck ending in a distinctive kick-up at the trailing edge of the bootlid. The large arched roof features an unusually curved rear screen, which extends high up into the roof surface and the rear is finished off with neat LED type taillamps arranged in a bright, fan-like graphic. The automatically-locking steel roof folds and unfolds electrically, as on the 206 CC. When folded under the bootlid, the rear screen, which is slightly angled, allows improved access to the boot to allow loading of luggage.
The interior carries-over the original 307 fascia panel and centre console unchanged. The upper fascia and door tops are in cherry red leather while the lower fascia, console and doors are in beige. The four seats are trimmed with red in the centre of the cushion, the seat back and the head restraint. Each integral rear head restraint has a non-return device with a roll-over bar protecting all the occupants in the event of an emergency. Bright alloy inserts are featured on the console, vents, steering wheel, gearknob and pedals. To finish it off, the instruments are white faced with chrome surrounds.
As a half-price SLK and with four seats to boot, the 307 CC is bound to be a big hit with buyers once it goes on sale next year.
