European leader in the coupé-cabriolet sector, Peugeot has already sold over 650,000 units worldwide since the 206 CC was launched in 2001. 2009 marked 75 years since Peugeot introduced the 401 Eclipse in 1934 – the world's first electronically retractable steel roof.
Launched in Australia in the latter half of last year, the 308 CC has rapidly become synonymous as a benchmark for coupé-cabriolet sports vehicles with sales outstripping those of the 307 CC when compared to the same post-launch period by 2:1.
Richard Grant, National Marketing Manager, Peugeot Automobiles Australia says the inclusion of advanced technology in this model demonstrates how important innovation is to Peugeot. Speaking of the announcement regarding the Australian International Design Award…"this nomination as finalist is recognition of the long history of being at the forefront of technology," he said. "This history of innovation stretches back 200 years, to when Peugeot began".
This is the same award as won by the 308 Touring in the 2009 Awards and the assessment criteria for the awards includes: innovation, emotional appeal, functionality, quality of manufacturing, human factors such as ergonomics and safety and finally environmental sustainability.
Innovation & Safety
The range features both innovative and tried and tested safety features which all contribute to the achievement of such a rating. The world first side-head airbag and a chest/pelvis side airbag, both built into the front seats, help to effectively protect all vital parts of the body regardless of the seat's position at the time of impact. The 308 CC is equipped with front airbags with a capacity of 60 litres for the driver and 90 litres for the passenger while chest/pelvis side airbags have a capacity of 12 litres and the side head airbag is 9 litres.
In the event of roll-over the 308 CC is equipped with active extendable aluminium roll-over protection bars entirely concealed in the rear head restraints. Triggered the moment a risk situation is detected, an ECU takes into account vehicle speed and an angular deployment determined by an algorithm.
In less than 20 milliseconds the instruction to deploy is received and the roll-over protection bars are extended (less than the blink of an eye), helping to create a passenger survival cell in concert with the reinforced windscreen pillars.
In 2009 Peugeot's 308 CC received the top rating of five stars from EuroNcap in the "adult occupancy test" with a total of 35.87 points (out of a possible maximum 37) and puts the 308 CC in the top ten vehicles in Australia with a FIVE STAR rating.
Economy & Emissions
With a combined cycle of 7.5/8.1 litres per 100km for the 1.6 litre manual and automatic respectively and 7.0 litres per 100km for the 2.0 litre HDi turbo diesel, the 308 CC has a slightly larger capacity fuel tank than its main competitors.
CO2 emissions for the 308 CC also place it as one of the most eco-friendly coupé-cabriolets on the road, emitting just 177 / 192 grams per 100km for the 1.6 litre manual and automatic respectively and 185 grams per 100km for the 2.0 litre HDi.
Functionality, Emotional Appeal & Quality
Richard Grant, National Marketing Manager, believes that the Airwave neck heating system contributes to ensuring that the 308 CC is a year-round car. "It is a truly luxurious feature," he said, "one that has only ever been found in much more expensive vehicles in the past."
"Many people have traditionally looked at the coupé-cabriolet as being a coupé for winter and a cabriolet for summer. Airwave is a practical solution on the 308 CC to ensure the cabriolet option remains attractive for the whole year."
Airwave is fitted as standard to all 308 CC S models, and is available on 308 CC as part of the leather option.
The Airwave system operates while the engine is running via an air vent incorporated into each of the front head restraints. It diffuses warm air around the front occupants' collar area and shoulders to ensure that winter temperatures won't thwart open-top motoring enjoyment.
The system can be easily adjusted for temperature, flow and direction.
Airwave consists of a ceramic thermistor heater (CTP, Control Temperature Program) and a fan. A control is located on the outlet for orienting the flow of air to suit the occupant. In the centre console there are three-stage individual air flow/ air temperature controls.
The announcement regarding the premier Australian International Design Award for 2010 will be made at a special awards night scheduled for Friday June 4th at Wharf 8, Sydney.