Peugeot pioneered the concept of the folding hard roof way back in the mid Thirties but it was only with the introduction of the 206 Coupe Cabriolet that it brought the concept to the mass market.

This was followed by the 307CC (and latterly by the 206 replacing the 207CC) and now there is a new addition - the four-seat 308CC which goes into battle against most of the big name brands.

Peugeot design team hasn’t strayed too far from the 307CC when it comes to the 308, but has refined the concept and added a few more practicalities.

Initially, in the metal, the two can be confused as they are similarly sized – although the 308 is actually longer and wider and better proportioned with a more elegant expression, especially around the rather pretty rear end.

There is a deep, lower front panel for an aggressive first impression while the sculpted sides lead back into prominent haunches over rounded wheel arches and expressive LED rear lights.

The roof itself uses a two section folding mechanism which has been re-designed so that it retracts quicker – now 20 seconds which is five seconds faster and includes raising and the lowering the side windows – and takes up less room in the boot by folding flat on itself. This increases from 266 litres in cabriolet configuration (34 litres more than the 307cc) to 465 in coupe mode.

The one disappointment is that the roof sits at a height which makes it difficult to access anything in the boot when the roof is folded away despite the added accommodation and rear head room, with the roof in place, is still tight for taller occupants.

Better news is that Peugeot has added a new feature that surely will become a must – the Airwave neck heating system which is standard on top line models. Located in the top extension of the multi function front seats - with also house electronics for adjustment, a lateral protection system and air bags- this gently blows warm air down the neck of the occupants.

With three settings for temperature flow and direction this can be adjusted to suit (and it can get quite warm) making driving with the roof open, even in late winter a distinct possibility as demonstrated when Peugeot brought the British press corps to the south coast (Dorset) to try this out.

The high line of the top rail of the steeply raked windscreen also serves to thrust cold air over the top of occupants’ heads and to stop any draughts whipping in from behind, a very effective windstop can be fitted over the rear seats – although this does then preclude them being used for passengers.

The new seats are part of a simple but well finished cabin that - depending on the trim level - includes integral leather components.

Specification begins with the Sport featuring: cloth trim, six speaker radio CD audio with remote controls, air conditioning, a leather steering wheel, 16 inch alloy wheels and six airbags.

The SE – anticipated best seller - comes with all the engine options and adds to this: 17 inch alloys, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, rear parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, climate control, alarm and upgraded audio with MP3 playback.

Heading the line-up is the GT which includes: full leather trim, a windstop, 18 inch alloys, tyre pressure sensors, front and rear parking sensors, the Airwave heated seat and Peugeot Connect HiFi system.

Another area that Peugeot seems to have made strides is in the 308 chassis which accepts having its roof sliced off very well, in part thanks to the larger front and rear track and extra structural bracing.

Despite the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension being set lower than on a standard 308 – by 12mm - there is little or no sign of scuttle shake, even on Dorset’s sometimes less than perfectly maintained roads.

From two engines at launch, the 308CC will eventually be offered with a choice of three petrol engines and three diesel units.

All the petrol units are of 1.6 litre capacity with output varying from 120bhp for the five-speed manual transmission starter model and 140bhp for the four-speed automatic to 150bhp for the six-speed manual - the latter proves to be quiet and efficient if not particularly spectacular.

The diesel alternatives start with a 1120bhp 1.6 litre HDi with a six-speed manual and rise through a 2 litre HDi six-speed automatic producing 136bhp to a 140bhp 2 litre HDI version using a six speed manual gearbox.

It has to be pointed out that while in general it handles competently, the 308CC is not a sportscar – it looks too heavy for that even with the roof off and shows it in its performance figures.

But, just in case, Peugeot installs ventilated front disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction Control and Stability Control to keep the over enthusiastic driver out of trouble.

Officially on sale from June 1, Peugeot is aiming to get a little extra public profile by releasing an advance special edition GT100 – there are 50 in white and 50 in black all using the 150bhp petrol engine and will be on the road with customers at the start of May priced at £23,595. Prices for the full 308CC range start at £19,495.

* Peugeot 308CC THP 150SE PRICE: £21,395 ENGINE: 1598cc/150bhp TOP SPEED: 134mph 0-60MPH: 10.5 seconds EMISSIONS: 177g/km FUEL CONSUMPTION: Combined – 37.6mpg TAX: Band E