If this showdown was simply a measure of pace and handling, the Golf Cabriolet would have outdone its two competitors. Judged as a whole, however, the VW leaves something to be desired. That “soft” top, small boot and rather claustrophobic cabin are weaknesses. Having said that, the new Golf Cabrio makes a great second car for weekends and holidays, and its pricing is very competitive.
The Megane CC is a good-looking boulevard cruiser with a buttery ride and a roomy interior, but its laid-back performance and oversights in ergonomics are not so good. Then there is the COE factor – the 2-litre Renault requires a Category B COE, which is around $20k more expensive than the Cat A COE required by the other two cars. If the Megane was a turbo 1.6-litre, it could have been the value-for-money champion in this company.
The 308 CC wins this open challenge. It is less cushy than the Megane CC and less dynamic than the Golf Cabrio, but the Peugeot scores strongly with its pleasant performance, excellent amenities and high quality, plus a delicious dose of Gallic charm. Even the price is right.
Peugeot 308 CC 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.8mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 156bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 240Nm at 1600-4000rpm
Power to weight 101.3bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.8 seconds
Top Speed 183km/h
Consumption 13km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Macpherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiSportContact 3
Size 225/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4440mm
Width 1817mm
Height 1424mm
Wheelbase 2608mm
Kerb Weight 1540kg
Turning Circle 11.7m
BUYING IT
Price $157,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/60,000km
+ Willing turbo motor, solid roof, capacious boot
– Dated parts, unrefined gearbox, impractical cabin
Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbo-supercharged
Capacity 1390cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.44mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 160bhp at 5800rpm
Max Torque 240Nm at 1500-4500rpm
Power to weight 106.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.4 seconds
Top Speed 216km/h
Consumption 15.8km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Macpherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Primacy HP
Size 225/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4246mm
Width 1782mm
Height 1423mm
Wheelbase 2578mm
Kerb Weight 1503kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $149,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Gutsy engine, nifty soft-top, ample room in the rear
– Tiny boot, jerky low-speed driving, inadequate rear insulation
Renault Megane CC 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1997cc
Bore x stroke 84mm x 90.1mm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Max Power 140bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 195Nm at 3750rpm
Power to weight 90.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 6-speed override
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.7 seconds
Top Speed 195km/h
Consumption 12.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Macpherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiSportContact 3
Size 205/50 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4485mm
Width 1546mm
Height 1434mm
Wheelbase 2609mm
Kerb Weight 1540kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $158,000 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Nicely pliant ride, comfortable seating, distinctive roof
– Errors in ergonomics, tight back seat, sedate drivetrain
