No dampening our love affair with cabriolets

Jun 29 2009 Steve Orme

No dampening our love affair with cabriolets

THIS morning I found myself sitting in traffic behind the wheel of a topless Peugeot 308 when, after days of glorious sunshine, there came a deluge so sudden and ferocious I could not have been wetter employed to spin a ball on my flippers while catching fish.

Begging the question, why do we Brits have such a love affair with the cabriolet?

Women won't throw themselves at you and while in California you can park up with the top down to get your roots done without any fears, in the UK you will return to find the car has been used as a skip.

And to the man in the Porsche Boxster may I say I have no interest in George Michael and he certainly none in me.

Sadly, when all is said and done, a convertible in Britain is almost as redundant as a council Lido or Melbourne Fat Bruce gas barbecue.

The truth is we buy them because cabriolets are such things of beauty.

Peugeot has been making pretty cabriolets since the 1930s and the 308 is its latest.

Heavier than the 308 hatchback the CC HDi GT is no MX5 but still nimble and I defy passengers to spot it is an oil-burner. Roof up you will notice two things, the rain has stopped and how quiet the drive is. Comfort and good looks, then. It's the Nigella Lawson of summer motoring.

The folding metal roof operates on a continuous touch. You will, however, need to stop for 20 seconds and almost certainly, north of Dover, have to ring your socks out later.

Reluctant as I am to appear over aroused by any car, the interior of the GT is stunning. Quality instruments are set off by a whole prarie of leather, on seats, doors and fascia. This is a cow's worst nightmare. Freddie Kruger for bovines.

Equipment includes a clever hot air vent in the headrest to keep necks warm and the expected list of extras for a £25,000 car, which is where you will be if the connect navigation system is added.

It is a four seater although slightly cramped in the rear but not uncomfortable sans roof for a bit of relaxed cruising in the sunshine. Boxster drivers can take that how they want.

And enjoyment really is what the CC is all about. It is not quick and there is no way a cabriolet can be called practical. It has a small boot but the roof has to go somewhere and that's where you would normally put your holiday suitcases.

An excellent prospect then for nudists, who will also be wind-hardened enough to cope with the elements.

For the rest of us I suggest Peugeot adds an extra function to the sat nav. A weather chart.