Category: Convertibles 
Price Range: No data available
Responsive handling, boot space, snug coupe feeling, handsome with roof down, diesel engine available
Question marks over long term reliability
The fun convertible that can realistically double as a small family car; more fun than a Megane
Peugeot has made elegant convertibles and sports cars for much of its history (including the world's first drop-top with an electrically-retracting hard roof, the 1936 401 Eclipse) and whilst the 307 isn't as beautiful as, say, a '70s 504 Cabriolet, or as pretty as the little 304, it's a good-looking car not compromised by its relationship to the rather lumpen mainstream 307 hatchback/saloon/estate range. The 307CC is available with a choice of petrol engines: a 110bhp 1.6, plus a 2.0-litre with either 140 or 180bhp. Crucially, the 307CC also offers a 136bhp turbodiesel to take on rivals such as the Renault Megane CC, which also boasts diesel power.
Peugeot doesn't overstate the CC's sporting aspirations, though, describing it as "a GT Grand Tourer, not a GTi", which is a fair description. Longer and heavier than the 307 hatchback, the 307 CC is nonetheless more of a driver's car than that model, with a lower driving position and lower centre of gravity, and much-enhanced structural rigidity to compensate for the lack of a fully-fixed roof.
Introduced in 2003, the 307CC received a makeover in 2005 along with the rest of the 307 range. Cosmetically, the 307CC gained a much larger grille opening and more dramatically elongated headlights. This brings it more in line with the family look of the more recent 407 saloon, estate and coupe. There are new, chrome-rimmed foglights at the front, with 'over riders' on either side of the grille to protect the front bodywork from minor dings (suggesting this had been a problem with the previous model). At the rear, the 307CC gains all-red rear lights that mimic the look of an LED tail light, even though they are actually the cheaper bulb type.
Waiting for the metal roof to fold away takes 25 seconds, and the roof can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 6mph. The clever mechanism is well-packaged, giving a decent amount of boot space even with the roof stowed away, and while an adult wouldn't fancy more than a very short journey in the back, there are two proper rear seats, unlike the token efforts in the (much smaller) 206 CC. The 307 isn't cheap, but it's as practical as cars of this type can be, and is a good all-rounder.
