Peugeot probably have one of the widest and most affordable ranges of cabriolets on offer. At the higher end of their range is the 308CC GT priced at £25,845. This was my test model for a week that encompassed heat, cold, rain and sunshine.

Having a folding solid roof (as opposed to a fabric-roof) gives you a feeling of more protection against the elements. Add to this heated seats, a windstop and a clever thing called an air scarf that feeds hot (or cold) air through the top of the seat around your shoulders, and even in cold, bright weather you can still have the roof down and keep warm. Whilst this might sound rather strange it’s actually very pleasant despite the strange looks you might get from fellow motorists.

On the road the engine, although only 1.6 litres, develops 200 bhp thanks to a turbocharger and is a smooth and refined performer. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox there is bags of power throughout the range which means overtaking slower traffic can be accomplished quickly and safely. The additional weight of the CC over a standard tin-roof hatch means the top end speed is not overly quick with 62 mph passed in 8.8 seconds. However the 308CC is a physical demonstration that a car doesn’t have to be a barnstormer as far as performance goes to be fun.

The handling is nice and precise and the 308 soaks up the bumps with minimal effort. Lower the roof and there is little in the way of scuttle shake, even over the roughest of roads. It’s also remarkably comfortable with little disturbance from wind roar even at 50-60mph. That roof does have one fault though in that, as with all such cars, when folded boot space is compromised in terms of capacity and more importantly access.

Combined driving fuel figures are 40.3 mpg but in real world driving you’ll consume in the order of the mid-thirties mpg of unleaded. Considering the 200 bhp engine is a rather potent power unit this is a very creditable figure. Added to which the price of unleaded is heading for ten pence a litre cheaper than diesel.

Standard features on the GT version I was testing includes such things as leather upholstery, heated seats, windstop, airscarf, bluetooth phone connectivity and much more. The car also looks the part too, from its raked and sharply styled front through to the expansive and purposeful rear. The rear treatment is effective thanks to twin exhausts and a diffuser that really add to its sporting stance.

Overall the 308CC is a very grown up cabriolet. Whilst the styling may not appeal to all it is certainly striking. It’s genuinely affordable and well packed with standard features. If you’re in the market for a new cabriolet then the 308 just has to be on your shopping list.

FOR:   Style, equipment and driveability

AGAINST:      Style may not suit all