Review of the new Peugeot 308 CC Allure

Special edition cars are just marketing gimmicks compiled by manufacturers to drum up customer interest by the tried and tested means of a high specification at a low price. It's not rocket science but it works, with the majority of mainstream brands turning their hands to the tactic in one form or another. Should car buyers be wary? Not if the equipment levels and the sum being asked are attractive enough and Peugeot is confident that it's achieved a particularly tempting mix with its 308 CC Allure special edition.

There's nothing wrong with falling for an obvious marketing ploy if it means that you get a solid deal on a new car in the process. Peugeot would certainly back that up, the French marque being one of the most virulent launchers of special edition models there is. The 308 CC Allure model we feature here is just one of a whole line-up of limited run cars carrying the Allure badge. The 107 citycar, 207 CC convertible, 207 supermini and 308 family hatch are also represented in the Allure line-up. What all these vehicles have in common is tight pricing and equipment levels that Peugeot hopes will have the power to seduce.

Under the bonnet of the 308 CC Allure models is a fine 1.6-litre petrol engine that Peugeot developed in partnership with BMW - a good indication of engineering competence if ever there was one. This advanced powerplant uses variable valve-timing and lift to adapt its combustion processes to the demands being placed on it by the driver's right boot. It can thus run more economically under partial loads, opening up access to greater performance when prompted.

"It's well suited to the task of cruising around on a hot summer's day"

Maximum torque of 160Nm is accessible at 4,250rpm and that 120bhp power output comes at 6,000rpm but the 1.6-litre engine feels pleasantly strong from much lower in the rev range. The 13.2s 0-60mph sprint is a tad sluggish but this is a large weighty car. The 121mph top whack should be enough for all but the most speed-crazed and the engine sounds sweet enough even when pushed hard.

The 308 CC shares the same 'roof concept' as the old 307 CC. It consists of a two-part retractable roof with a small folding roof panel and a large athermic dark-tinted rear windscreen. The roof opens and closes in only 20 seconds even when driving at speeds of up to 7.5mph. The system is governed by an electronic control unit which automatically lowers all four windows by around 50mm before any roof operations commence. Allure models benefit from 18" alloy wheels but also get the Airwave scarf ventilation system and a wind stop to keep you comfortable with the hood down.

The boot has been the focus of much attention. In the coupe 'roof-up' configuration, its volume is 465 litres, but drops dramatically to 266 litres with the roof folded. Still, though it may be small, it's meticulously finished with a high quality carpet, chrome tie-down rings, straps for retaining a warning triangle and a luggage net for enhanced practicality. There's even an underfloor compartment where the wind stop can be stored. The central locking also locks the interior storage spaces in the glovebox and the centre armrest so that valuables can be left in the car securely when the roof is down.

Peugeot has put considerable thought into the way the 308 CC will be used and its four-seater claims are highlighted by a special rear access system that electrically slides the rear seat forward for a more elegant entry into the back. Leg room isn't particularly generous and taller passengers will struggle for head room with the roof raised.

The Allure special edition version of the 308 is based on the SE trim level from the everyday 308 CC range but it features black leather trim and 18" alloy wheels as well as the Airwave scarf to warm your neck on cold days and the wind stop. It comes exclusively with a manual gearbox and the equipment list is comprehensive. The car features automatic headlamps, cruise control, climate control, parking sensors, sports seats and a trip computer. Price wise, the 308CC Allure comes at a premium of roughly £1,400 over the SE which seems a fair trade-off for the leather, alloy wheels and other bits.

As you would hope from a 1.6, the engine is economical. The 120bhp unit returns a combined mpg figure of 41.5mpg and should reach close to 50mpg when driven frugally on the open road. CO2 emissions are rated at 163g/km. Adding to the cost effectiveness, insurance premiums shouldn't scare potential suitors too much, as the 1.6 VTi is rated at just group 12.

There's confidence at Peugeot that it's onto a winner with the Allure special edition models. They don't do anything groundbreaking and this is hardly the first time that the French marque has ventured down the old special edition path but we're all suckers for getting something for nothing - or for very little failing that. In the case of the 308 CC Allure, there's leather trim, 18" alloy wheels and some other handy features for around £1,400 extra and that has to make Peugeot's smooth convertible a more appealing prospect.

In general terms, the 308 CC isn't the most dynamic of convertibles but it does drive with good composure and comfort levels are high. It's well suited to the task of cruising around on a hot summer's day and that's a big part of what draws us to open-topped motoring. The 1.6-litre engine is one of the best of its kind. Even if performance is only adequate in the weighty 308 CC and it offers first rate refinement. Peugeot's experience in producing folding hard-top cars is also pays dividends with the car feeling well engineered for a vehicle at this price point.

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