Peugeot's 308cc is a top offering for today's car buyers ; The latest 308cc proves Peugeot is really getting the hang of the folding hard-top lark. STEVE WALKER reports.

PEUGEOT is extremely proud of its long association with foldingmetal roofs. While there were those who questioned whether thisparticular addition to the field of automotive engineering isactually something of which to be proud, there can be no doubt theFrench manufacturer has stuck firmly to its guns, playing theleading role in refining and popularising the technology.

With the affordable folding hard-top car now commonplace, Peugeotis looking to reap the benefits of its longstanding commitment tothe cause and with the 308 CC HDi diesel range, it's perusinganother sector of the market were manufacturers were once reluctantto tread.

It was the 206 CC that brought the folding hard-top to the massesin 2000, but Peugeot's connection with removable overhead metalworkcan be traced all the way back to 1934 and the 301 Eclipse. That thetechnology remained largely on the shelf for more than 60 years saysa lot about the cost and complexity associated with making it workin a mainstream car but having overcome that barrier, Peugeot hasnever looked back.

In 2008, the 207 and 307 CC models accounted for over a quarterof the European folding hard-top market and hopes are high that the308 CC can build on that performance.

The concept of the diesel convertible was once as under-used asthat of the folding metal roof. The noise and emissions associatedwith the oil-burning engines of yesteryear meant they weren't seenas ideal companions for cursing along the Riviera with the top downbut that was then.

Modern diesel engines like Peugeot's HDi units are more than upto the task of powering an open-topped car in a refined mannerwithout engulfing its occupants in smog. The 308cc is available witha 1.6-litre HDi FAP engine as its entry-level option. It'saffordable but with 112bhp and that weighty roof to move about,performance isn't spectacular. While that car manages a 12.2s sprintto 60mph, the 140bhp 2.0-litre HDi can do it in 11.1s and feelsenergetic through the gears thanks to 260Nm of torque.

Refinement is also strong with the engine staying pleasantlyhushed at cruising speed even with the roof down but there is quitea bit of wind and road noise booming around the cabin with the hoodraised.

The 2.0-litre HDi diesel engine is mated to a six-speed manualgearbox which is more positive in its action than some of themarque's previous efforts but still too long-throw. The alternativeis the six-speed automatic that suits the 308 CC and its engineextremely well but comes with a decrease in power to 136bhp. The 307CC was fairly woeful from a keen driver's perspective but the 308 CCfeels a far more cohesive package on the road. The light steeringdoesn't inspire confidence at speed but levels of body control andgrip do impress as does the lack of vibration in the cabin. Theheavily assisted steering comes into its own around town whereparking manoeuvres are easy to execute.

The 308cc can execute its switch from coupe to convertible in 20seconds, which is good going for a car of its size. The two-pieceroof concertinas into the boot area leaving 266 litres of the 465-litre capacity still available for luggage. The operation can takeplace at speeds of up to 7.5mph which will be handy if the heavensopen while you're stuck in traffic.

For a car lugging around a collapsible metal roof, the 308ccdrives well. It feels well-resolved and is one of the top contendersin the affordable hard-top convertible sector. Buyers who value lowrunning costs would be well advised to give the diesel models achance .

Facts at a glance MODEL Peugeot 308CC HDi ENGINE Pounds 21,095Pounds 25,595 on the road INSURANCE GROUPS 12-14 PERFORMANCE [2.0HDi 140] 0-60mph 11.1s/Max Speed 129mph CO[sup 2] EMISSIONS 138-185g/km ECONOMY [2.0 HDi 140] (urban) 36.2mpg /(extra urban) 58.8mpg/(combined) 47.9mpg