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Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

The Peugeot 307 CC is good value for money and good looking, but it can be unreliable

Used Peugeot 307 CC 2003 - 2009

The 307 CC is a little more expensive to buy and run than its chief rival, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane/hatchback/review/n17219">Renault Megane</a>, but it will probably hold its value better.

Fuel economy isnt bad: even the most powerful petrol is not much worse than the smallest, but the diesel is the best, with over 47mpg. However, some owners complain of not being able to get near the official figures.

Servicing and maintenance costs are roughly the same as the rest of the 307 family, but you can save a considerable amount by going to an independent garage.

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The Peugeot 307 CC is good value for money and good looking, but it can be unreliable

Most importantly, the range received some minor alterations is 2005, designed to improve reliability, so go for one of those if you can afford it.

There are four engines to choose from, starting off with a 110bhp 1.6-litre petrol unit, and including two 2.0-litre petrols (with 138bhp and 180bhp). Then, from 2005 a 136bhp 2.0-litre diesel option was also available.

In reality, the 1.6 petrol engine is not really up to pulling such a heavy car, and even the 2.0-litre petrols don't feel particularly quick, especially with the automatic gearbox, which is available with the 138bhp petrol only. As a result, the diesel, which has the most pulling power, is best suited to the CC's more laidback driving style.

Equipment levels are good, and all models come with alloy wheels, climate control and a CD player, as well as electric operation for the roof, windows and mirrors. The most powerful model has part-leather trim and a CD multichanger. Desirable options to look out for include full leather trim and sat-nav.

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What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/sports/review/n17253">Audi A5 Cabriolet</a>, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/hatchback/review/n170">A5</a> – refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/continental-gt/sports/review/n24424">Bentley Continental GT Convertible</a> is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.

Convertible

The 307 hasn't been as reliable as <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/peugeot">Peugeot</a> intended and that includes the CC model. There are lots of little faults, mainly electrics-related. The folding roof mechanism comes in for its fair share of criticism, and the interior trim can also cause issues.

This is a car that makes sense to buy from dealerships before the original warranty period has expired. That way you can get them to fix any problems before you take delivery.

Most alarming are the number of recalls on the 307. Some are very serious, including one concerning potential fires in the engine bay. Make sure that all recalls have been carried out. The newer face-lifted cars from 2005 appear to be more reliable.

Service history is always important, especially on the diesel cars, so make sure a potential purchase has stamps at the correct intervals.

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Following on from the popularity of the Peugeot 306 convertible, and the successful folding metal and glass roof on the 206 CC, came the handsome Peugeot 307 CC.

Sadly, the added weight of that natty roof works against performance and handling. And, while the car drives well enough and can be quite good fun, it's more of a cruiser than a racer. To its credit, even with the roof down, the body is fairly stiff and there's minimum wind noise. But, with the roof up, road and engine noise are noticeable.

Unlike some coupe-cabrios, the 307 CC has four usable seats, and adults can fit into the rear seats, but the legroom is limited if there are tall occupants up front. Like all cars of its type, though, boot space is reduced when the roof is down, but the 307's is not unreasonable. Generally, build quality is good and the materials feel sturdy and well assembled.

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Used Peugeot 307 CC 2003 - 2009 review

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Following on from the popularity of the Peugeot 306 convertible, and the successful folding metal and glass roof on the 206 CC, came the handsome Peugeot 307 CC.,Sadly, the added weight of that natty roof works against performance and handling. And, while the car drives well enough and can be quite good fun, it's more of a cruiser than a racer. To its credit, even with the roof down, the body is fairly stiff and there's minimum wind noise. But, with the roof up, road and engine noise are noticeable.,Unlike some coupe-cabrios, the 307 CC has four usable seats, and adults can fit into the rear seats, but the legroom is limited if there are tall occupants up front. Like all cars of its type, though, boot space is reduced when the roof is down, but the 307's is not unreasonable. Generally, build quality is good and the materials feel sturdy and well assembled. 

Read the definitive used Peugeot 307 2003 - 2009 review from What Car?. We tell you what you need to know before you buy.

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Used Peugeot 307 CC 2003 - 2009 review

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