Peugeot has just launched the new 308 CC in Australia, delivering a compelling blend of form and function in a four-seat convertible.

The introduction of Peugeot's most evolved CC yet marks the 75th anniversary of the company's invention of the Coupé Cabriolet when the 401 Eclipse was launched in 1934.

Peugeot has refined this technology to the point where the new model's steel roof opens or closes in just 20 seconds.

The striking 308 CC certainly encompases head-turning style, but also arrives bearing a number of notable features and technologies.

The 308 CC is the first Peugeot convertible to offer a diesel engine in Australia. The 2.0-litre HDi FAP engine achieves impressive torque and fuel economy figures, and is coupled with a state-of-the-art 6-speed automatic.

Peugeot's award-winning 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine is also available with either manual or automatic transmissions.

The side head airbag deployed from within the seat's headrest is the first ever installed in a production car.

The Airwave system built into the front seats emits warm air around the neck and shoulders of the occupant, making open-top motoring an option even in the colder months.

Safety is paramount in the 308 CC, with numerous features combining to help the car attain a five-star European NCAP safety rating.

The introduction of the 308 CC compliments the highly successful CC and 308 ranges.

Peugeot Automobiles Australia general manager/ director Ken Thomas believes that it is not just the sculpted exterior that will grab the attention of potential customers.

"The car will certainly get people's attention," he said.

"It is not only a remarkable car visually, but also to drive.

"The interior is a truly luxurious place to be; it is a place of elegance, efficiency and comfort all rolled into one – this will sway a lot of potential customers.

Mr Thomas believes the new 308 CC offers quite unique value.

"We are confident that the affordability of the 308 CC may surprise many, given its style, quality and the level of standard equipment.

"It certainly offers a lot for the price in this market especially when you consider that it has a EuroNcap five-star safety rating – including side head airbags – ESP and self-deploying rollover bars, rear park assist, and numerous classic design touches standard across the entire range."

PEUGEOT OFFERS DIESEL CONVERTIBLE FOR FIRST TIME

The introduction of the 308 CC sees Peugeot offer a diesel engine in a convertible for the first time in Australia.

Peugeot's renowned 2.0-litre HDi FAP engine has proven popular across the 308 and 407 ranges and the nature of its torque delivery establishes the 308 CC HDi as a true grand tourer.

The engine produces 100kW of power and an impressive 320Nm of torque (340Nm with overboost) at 2,000 rpm.

The 2.0-litre unit is coupled to the proven Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission with tiptronic manual mode currently found in diesel versions of the 308 and 407.

It is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger and uses high pressure direct injection technology (1,650 bar).

The six aperture piezo-electric diesel injectors are another innovative technology – these can inject a fine spray of fuel into the combustion chamber, ensuring optimal fuel delivery in both terms of quantity and injection duration.

Lastly, an additive-enhanced Diesel Particulate Filter System (FAP) forms an integral part of the drivetrain.

Particulate filters have cleaned up diesel engines, simultaneously changing their perception from being dirty and polluting to clean and environmentally-friendly.

Peugeot was the first manufacturer in the world to introduce particulate filter technology when it introduced its FAP system at the launch of the 607 in 2000.

Peugeot Automobiles Australia national marketing manager Richard Grant says the 2.0-litre HDi FAP engine is a perfect fit for the 308 CC.

"Of all the Peugeot vehicles sold in Australia in 2008, 53 per cent were diesel models," he said.

"It is a logical progression for Peugeot to offer its popular HDi FAP technology in a new CC.

"The torque of the engine and the smooth-shifting manner of the 6-speed transmission combine to create effortless acceleration and a relaxed driving style.

"The 308 CC is perfect for a boulevard cruise or an enthusiastic drive along your favourite beach road or mountain pass."

 

308 CC FEATURES INTERNATIONAL ENGINE OF THE YEAR

Peugeot's award-winning 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine rounds out an impressive engine line-up on the new 308 CC.

The engine has won the International Engine of the Year award in the 1.4 to 1.8- litre category for the last three years in a row.

Various guises of the highly regarded motor have found a home in 207 GTi, 207 CC and 308 hatch and Touring.

The 1.6-litre petrol turbo models are available with two different transmissions.

A six-speed manual and a four-speed automatic are available in the standard 308 CC trim – the automatic is the only choice for 308 CC S buyers and features a tiptronic manual mode.

Coupled to the manual transmission the 1.6-litre turbo produces 110kW of power and peak torque is 240Nm at just 1,400rpm.

Torque figures are the same for both transmissions however the maximum power output for the automatic is 103kW.

Richard Grant, national marketing manager, Peugeot Automobiles Australia, says the petrol model and the diesel model offer buyers different characteristics.

"Introducing two totally different engines is primarily to cater better to a wider range of buyers," he said.

"The higher-revving nature of the turbo petrol model gives the 308 CC a more sports-car like feel – especially with the manual transmission.

"Certainly the credentials of the 1.6-litre unit cannot be questioned, given its impressive run of awards.

"The contrast between two proven engines gives 308 CC buyers a broader choice to suit their specific tastes."

NEW SIDE HEAD AIRBAG CONTINUES 120 YEARS OF INNOVATION

Peugeot, the world's oldest existing car manufacturer has a long and proud history in introducing new technologies to the market.

Just as it did when it introduced the world's first-ever Coupé Cabriolet in 1934 with the 401 Eclipse, complete with an electrically retractable steel roof...

Just as it did when it launched the 607 in 2000, featuring the world's first particulate filter (FAP) working alongside Peugeot's HDi technology – an innovation that changed diesel engines forever...

Just as it has by launching the 308 CC, complete with the world's first side head airbag available on all models...

The side head airbag is housed directly in the one-piece seat's head restraint area. It deploys laterally from the head restraint and has a capacity of 9 litres.

Combining the side head airbag and the side chest/pelvis airbag ensures that all of the 308 CC's lateral protection is incorporated into the seat – thereby ensuring efficient deployment and protection of all vital parts of the body regardless of the seat position at the time of impact.

Richard Grant, national marketing manager, Peugeot Automobiles Australia says the introduction of such technology shows how important innovation is to Peugeot.

"The world's first side head airbag continues a long history of being at the forefront of technology," he said.

"This history stretches back 120 years to 1889, when Peugeot built just the second automobile ever made.

"It is history that is relevant to the 308 CC in that Peugeot invented the CC 75 years ago, and it is the first company to introduce this new safety feature.

"This innovation stretches into the future too – with Peugeot having made 961 patent applications in 2008, the largest number made by any company in France for the second year running.

"These patents were primarily related to the improvement of petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, deploying second-generation Stop & Start technology by 2010, deploying a full diesel hybrid by 2011, and stepping up the development of technologies for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and zero- emission vehicles."

NEW SIDE HEAD AIRBAG CONTINUES 120 YEARS OF INNOVATION

Peugeot, the world's oldest existing car manufacturer has a long and proud history in introducing new technologies to the market.

Just as it did when it introduced the world's first-ever Coupé Cabriolet in 1934 with the 401 Eclipse, complete with an electrically retractable steel roof...

Just as it did when it launched the 607 in 2000, featuring the world's first particulate filter (FAP) working alongside Peugeot's HDi technology – an innovation that changed diesel engines forever...

Just as it has by launching the 308 CC, complete with the world's first side head airbag available on all models...

The side head airbag is housed directly in the one-piece seat's head restraint area. It deploys laterally from the head restraint and has a capacity of 9 litres.

Combining the side head airbag and the side chest/pelvis airbag ensures that all of the 308 CC's lateral protection is incorporated into the seat – thereby ensuring efficient deployment and protection of all vital parts of the body regardless of the seat position at the time of impact.

Richard Grant, national marketing manager, Peugeot Automobiles Australia says the introduction of such technology shows how important innovation is to Peugeot.

"The world's first side head airbag continues a long history of being at the forefront of technology," he said.

"This history stretches back 120 years to 1889, when Peugeot built just the second automobile ever made.

"It is history that is relevant to the 308 CC in that Peugeot invented the CC 75 years ago, and it is the first company to introduce this new safety feature.

"This innovation stretches into the future too – with Peugeot having made 961 patent applications in 2008, the largest number made by any company in France for the second year running.

"These patents were primarily related to the improvement of petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, deploying second-generation Stop & Start technology by 2010, deploying a full diesel hybrid by 2011, and stepping up the development of technologies for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and zero- emission vehicles."

308 CC GETS FIVE STARS

The 308 CC has received the top rating of five stars from EuroNcap in the "adult occupancy test" with a total of 36 points (out of a possible maximum 37).

There is a range of both innovative and tried and tested safety features on the new 308 CC that all contribute to the achievement of such a rating.

They include a world first side head airbag and a chest/pelvis side airbag, both built into the front seats, helping to effectively protect all vital parts of the body regardless of the seat's position at the time of impact.

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.

They are triggered the moment a risk situation is detected, taking into account vehicle speed and an angular deployment determined by an algorithm.

As soon as the instruction to deploy is received, the roll-over protection bars are extended in less than 20 milliseconds (in less than the blink of an eye), helping to create a passenger survival cell in concert with the strengthened windscreen pillars.

While the structure of the 308 CC is derived from its sibling, the 308 hatchback, further work has been carried out – in addition to this model's specific safety features – to ensure an excellent level of passive safety.

The structure shares the same design of the engine compartment as the hatchback, with three impact absorption structures, but significant adaptations have been made to the upper structure which is connected to the specially reinforced "A" post.

The adapted sills are capable of resisting a force of 12 tonnes, while the larger doors follow the example of the three-door 308 in terms of impact strength and offer a resistance of 6.5 tonnes.

Fitted above the "A" post, the front windscreen pillar is constructed from two layers of material of different thickness to contribute both to the car's strength and its protection in the event of a rollover.

These developments are the result of findings in "loss of control" vehicle tests used to simulate a severe rollover situation.

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.

The directional Xenon headlamps available on the 308 CC S model are a practical active safety feature, allowing the driver to "see around corners" in dark conditions.

The ventilated front disc brakes measure 302x26mm and the rear disc brakes are 249x9mm, and the brakes are coupled with an emergency brake assist system.

A Bosch 8.1 ESP system is standard on all 308 CC models and includes ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and stability control.

AIRWAVE TECHNOLOGY NOW AFFORDABLE

The 308 CC is available with Peugeot's new Airwave system.

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' necks and shoulders to ensure that winter temperatures won't prevent open-top motoring.

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.

Richard Grant, national marketing manager, Peugeot Automobiles Australia, believes that Airwave will contribute 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 Coupé Cabriolets as being a coupé for winter and a cabriolet for summer.

"Airwave is a practical solution to make the cabriolet option 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.

PERFECTING THE COUPE CABRIOLET

Taking centre stage on the 308 CC, the fully automatic retractable roof can transform in 20 seconds, turning the car into a dynamic coupé or an elegant cabriolet at the flick of a switch.

This transformation can take place at speeds of up to 12 km/h.

The roof mechanism uses five hydraulic actuators, an enclosed electro-hydraulic pump and a boot cross-tube which links different system components such as the control rods, locks and pantographs with four or seven strengthened shafts.

The system is controlled by a new electronic control unit which automatically lowers all four windows by some 50 mm before roof operations commence.

Lateral water-resistance of the roof is assured by new "U" shaped seals designed and developed by Peugeot.

These have also been chosen for their excellent acoustic-reduction properties.

The design and operating logic of the sensors and locks have all been optimised for improved reliability, with a continuous diagnostic check of all sensors and new anti-rattle locking cams for the roof locks.

To ensure the best possible performance in terms of water-resistance, a short drop window system is used, which lowers the windows by 20 mm when the doors are opened.

This is controlled by a capacitive sensor with heightened sensitivity, which uses a continuously reinitialised magnetic field.

When a user's hand is about to touch the inner surface of the exterior door handle it is detected in a few milliseconds, and the information is sent to the door electronics which lower the window to release it from its seal.

COSSETED IN STYLISH COMFORT

The exclusive passenger compartment of the 308 CC possesses the aura of a true luxury car.

The sculpted front seats provide impressive support and comfort, and the rear seats mirror the design of those in the front.

The unique leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, the special finish of the instrument panel and the brilliant black lacquer centre console complete the stylish up-market theme.

As a coupé cabriolet with four full size seats, the 308 CC benefits from increases in key dimensions compared to the 307 CC.

The new car is 43mm longer and 58mm wider than its predecessor, ensuring more space is available to all four occupants.

The front seats are installed 15mm lower than in the hatchback and offer shoulder and elbow width of 1406mm and 1492mm respectively.

These measurements exceed those of the 307 CC by 11mm and 25mm respectively and give the 308 CC a distinct advantage in the market.

In the rear seats, passengers have a shoulder width of 1216mm – up 24mm on the 307 CC – and 10mm more space for the feet and knees compared to that in the previous model.

The front seats slide over a distance of 230mm and are height-adjustable over a distance of 55mm, guaranteeing an excellent driving position and height range.

The electrically operated leather seats are at the cutting edge of technology and incorporate the new side head airbag, the "Airwave" system, the chest/pelvis side airbag, the seat heating system, a rear seat access system, the presence detector (passenger seat), the electrically operated seat controls, and the

position memory (driver's seat).

The glove box and storage compartment under the central armrest both lock automatically and remotely, contributing to peace-of-mind for owners that elect to park their vehicle in cabriolet configuration.

The 308 CC also has a practical boot with dedicated storage spaces (including one under the boot carpet for the optional windstop) and a meticulous finish designed to resemble a presentation box.

Its capacity is 465 litres in coupé configuration and 266 litres in cabriolet configuration.

The 308 CC also features an automatic air conditioning system that recognises the configuration of the moment and adapts its operation accordingly.

This ensures that temperature, air flow and air distribution are matched to the specific conditions at the time (sunshine, external temperature, etc.).

Richard Grant, national marketing manager, Peugeot Automobiles Australia, says the nature of the interior cannot be expressed with words.

"There are certainly plenty of innovative features and technologies available on the 308 CC," he said.

"However, you cannot get a true understanding of how striking the interior of this car is until you sit in it and move the seat into your driving position; until you touch the materials; until you see the subtle cabin lighting at night time.

"It is an inviting and luxurious place to spend time."

SCULPTED BODY ALSO PRACTICAL

The 308 CC cuts an elegant figure; modern and dynamic, with graphic style emphasised by light-reflecting contours.

The striking appearance is finished off with design nuances such as chrome bead decorating the windows, spectacular LED rear lights and a LED light housed in the door mirror creating a halo of light along the sculpted flanks.

Compared with the 308 hatch, the 308 CC's front windscreen is more steeply sloped, leading to a roofline that is 72mm lower than that of its sibling and a more slippery shape.

The "curtain of red light" in the rear lights is a world first in this segment. This technological innovation uniformly illuminates the entire surface of the lights, reproducing by night the same jewel-like effect as by day.

While the 308 CC possesses enviable flair, the vehicle's quality, durability and reliability have not been compromised.

The car's structural rigidity, vibration damping and low interior noise levels in coupe mode are a measure of the expertise of its manufacturer with this type of vehicle.

The sills have been reinforced to their extreme outer limits to give maximum torsional rigidity.

The central interior floor and rear foot wells have a double thickness, the "A" post is reinforced with high-strength steel, the rear bulkhead is reinforced with two steel plates and cross braces between the roll-over protection bars.

The front and rear "pointed" tie rods are the same as on the 307 CC, while the central cross braces with a thickness of 7mm are specific to the 308 CC.

Static torsional rigidity has been improved to 1.30mrad for the cabriolet and 0.9mrad for the coupé, compared to 1.40 and 0.95mrad respectively for the 307 CC.

SCULPTED BODY ALSO PRACTICAL

The 308 CC cuts an elegant figure; modern and dynamic, with graphic style emphasised by light-reflecting contours.

The striking appearance is finished off with design nuances such as chrome bead decorating the windows, spectacular LED rear lights and a LED light housed in the door mirror creating a halo of light along the sculpted flanks.

Compared with the 308 hatch, the 308 CC's front windscreen is more steeply sloped, leading to a roofline that is 72mm lower than that of its sibling and a more slippery shape.

The "curtain of red light" in the rear lights is a world first in this segment. This technological innovation uniformly illuminates the entire surface of the lights, reproducing by night the same jewel-like effect as by day.

While the 308 CC possesses enviable flair, the vehicle's quality, durability and reliability have not been compromised.

The car's structural rigidity, vibration damping and low interior noise levels in coupe mode are a measure of the expertise of its manufacturer with this type of vehicle.

The sills have been reinforced to their extreme outer limits to give maximum torsional rigidity.

The central interior floor and rear foot wells have a double thickness, the "A" post is reinforced with high-strength steel, the rear bulkhead is reinforced with two steel plates and cross braces between the roll-over protection bars.

The front and rear "pointed" tie rods are the same as on the 307 CC, while the central cross braces with a thickness of 7mm are specific to the 308 CC.

Static torsional rigidity has been improved to 1.30mrad for the cabriolet and 0.9mrad for the coupé, compared to 1.40 and 0.95mrad respectively for the 307 CC.

308 CC FEATURES IMPROVED ROAD-HOLDING

The 308 CC uses largely the same proven suspension arrangement found on other 308 body styles.

It comprises an inverted McPherson-type front suspension with a drop link anti- roll bar ensuring both accurate steering and excellent damping control.

The rear suspension set-up features a rear torsion beam and integral welded hollow anti-roll bar ensuring good control, vibration suppression and strength.

The control actuator diameter and control valve settings are adapted to the characteristics of this body shape to offer great precision, good feel and the absence of vibration.

A number of changes have been made with respect to the hatchback to ensure that the suspension better suits the character of a Coupé Cabriolet.

The 308 CC's ride height has been lowered by 12 mm at the front and 8 mm at the rear.

The diameter of the front damper connecting rod has been increased to 22 mm instead of 20 mm, as has the upper mounting bearing (25 mm instead of 20 mm).

Both of these changes offer improved grip, and go a long way to making the 308 CC better able to accommodate increased weight and dynamic forces.

At the rear, the torsion beam has a thickness of 5 or 6 mm according to the particular engine version.

Dual-material mountings, 20% more rigid than those of the hatchback are used to further enhance body stability and comfort.

... ends/

BRINGING A LUXURIOUS COUPÉ CABRIOLET WITHIN REACH

Peugeot has brought the refined new 308 CC to the Australian market with an entry Recommended Vehicle Price under $50,000.

The new car has many features only found in much more expensive vehicles (or not at all in any other vehicles) and comes in two grades – the 308 CC and the 308 CC S.

Both are available with the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, or the 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine.

The 308 CC comes standard with six airbags – including the world first side head airbags – ESP, self-deploying rollover bars, automatic locking glovebox and central storage compartment, electronic rear parking assistance, electric folding door mirrors with welcoming light, MP3 connectivity, 17" wheels, rear LED tail lights, and sports seats with cloth trim.

The 308 CC range begins with the 1.6-litre turbo manual at $48,990, and extends to the 2.0-litre HDi FAP with 6-speed automatic transmission at $52,990.

Options on the 308 CC include leather seats – complete with the innovative Airwave heating system, seat heating and a windstop ($4,100) and 18" alloy wheels ($900).

The 308 CC S adds standard leather seats with electric operation, heating and memory, Airwave, windstop, 18" wheels, directional Xenon headlights with automatic height adjustment and headlight washers and electronic front parking assistance.

The 308 CC S is only available with automatic transmissions with a Tiptronic manual mode. The premium model begins at $57,990 for the 1.6-litre petrol turbo, and is rounded out by the 2.0-litre HDi FAP at $59,990.

Metallic, Pearlescent and Premium Paints incur price premiums of $950, $1,200 and $1,500 respectively.

Engine

1.6 Turbo petrol

2.0 HDi FAP diesel

Transmission

6-spd manual

4-spd automatic

6-spd automatic

308 CC

$48,990

$50,990

$52,990

308 CC S

$57,990

$59,990*

Note: *The 308CC S HDi does not attract LCT as it has a combined fuel consumption of 7.0l/100km (as per ADR 81/02).

**Recommended Vehicle Price (RVP) excludes statutory charges and dealer delivery. For a driveaway price, contact a Peugeot dealer or Peugeot Automobiles Australia.

COUPÉ CABRIOLET COMPLETES TWO RANGES

The arrival of the new 308 CC completes two important Peugeot ranges.

Since inventing the Coupé Cabriolet 75 years ago, Peugeot has produced a massive 650,000 CCs globally to the end of 2008, establishing it as the world leader in this body style.

In replacing the 307 CC, the 308 CC completes an important range for Peugeot Automobiles Australia, sitting alongside the 207 CC.

"One in ten Peugeots sold in Australia is a Coupé Cabriolet," said Richard Grant, national marketing manager, Peugeot Automobiles Australia.

"Considering that there are only two CC models, this shows just how much Australians have embraced Peugeot's CC range."

The introduction of Peugeot's most evolved Coupé Cabriolet yet also completes the popular 308 range.

The 308 hatch was launched in February 2008, with the 308 Touring following in August 2008.

Since its launch, the 308 has easily been Peugeot's highest-selling model, outdoing the sales achievements of Peugeot's previous '3' models.

"The 308 range was instantly successful from launch," said Mr Grant.

"It accounts for over 50 per cent of Peugeot sales in Australia and has achieved a lot in its short life.

"The 308 Touring was recently awarded an Australian International Design Award.

"Last year the 308 XS HDi broke the Guiness World Record for fuel economy, consuming just 3.13 l/100km on a road trip around Australia.

"The 308 CC incorporates all of the strengths of the 308 range, simultaneously

broadening the range's appeal."

PEUGEOT CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF COUPÉ CABRIOLETS

Peugeot celebrates the 75th anniversary of its invention of the retractable steel roof with the launch of the new 308 CC.

The 308 CC was first unveiled in Australia at Sydney's Australian International Motor Show last year, and was the star of Peugeot's stand at the Melbourne International Motor Show earlier this year.

The 308 CC replaces the highly successful 307 CC which, along with the 206 CC, brought folding hardtop technology within reach for many earlier this decade.

This year marks 75 years since Peugeot introduced the 401 Eclipse – the world's first electrically retractable steel roof.

The Eclipse was manufactured in collaboration with the designer Paulin, Peugeot concessionaire Darl'Mat, and coachbuilder Pourtout, and remains one of the most iconic vehicles of its time.

Only 79 of the revolutionary 401 Eclipse were built, before the same technology went on to be applied to the 301, 402 and 601 models.

The dramatic lines and contours of the 401 Eclipse stamp it as a momentous achievement in coachbuilding, and a vehicle with true presence – even in pictures.

The striking flanks and shape of the new 308 CC equally convey a sense of occasion.

It features more cabin and boot space, and a more luxurious interior than the 307 CC that it replaces.

For the first time, Peugeot will offer Australians its renowned HDi FAP technology in a convertible, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission – as well as Peugeot's award-winning 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine.

Peugeot's latest CC will also introduce a number of innovative features that will ensure more people have access to a truly luxurious Coupé Cabriolet.

These features include Peugeot's world-first side head airbags which deploy to cushion the occupant's head in the event of a collision. The innovation is one of a raft of safety features that comprise a five-star EuroNCap rating.

The Airwave neck heating system emits warm air around the occupant's neck and shoulders, making open top motoring an option even on the coldest days.

Peugeot Automobiles Australia's General Manger/ Director, Ken Thomas, believes that there are a number of parallels between the original 401 Eclipse and the 308 CC.

"The technology has come a long way in 75 years; to the point where the 308 CC's roof opens or closes in 20 seconds," he said.

"While the Eclipse's distinctly art deco appearance marks it as a classic design of its time, the sculpted lines of the 308 CC mark it as a masterpiece of today.

"The innovation behind Peugeot introducing an electric retractable steel roof in 1934 can be traced through to Peugeot introducing the world's first side head airbag in the 308 CC in 2009.

"Over 10 per cent of Peugeot sales in Australia are Coupé Cabriolets – proving that the concept invented by Peugeot 75 years ago continues to grow in popularity today."

... ends/