General Comments:
I have owned this car for two years, and have previously run two other convertible cars. The CC has overcome some of the major pitfalls of owning a cabrio. Hence wind noise with the roof up is almost to the standards of a normal hard top. No leaks, although after a shower when opening a window, water has easy access to the cabin due to the lack of rain channels on the roof. There's no roof canvas to wear out. A great car for areas of a changing climate, with air conditioning along with auto wipers and lights on the latest model. Also no chassis flex as with other convertibles.
Initially the performance of the car when new was acceptable, but past 6000 miles the engine has really opened up. Acceleration of this car is easily sub the claimed 8.9 seconds 0-62 mph, and overtaking power is very good. Steering gives excellent feedback and the car has very good grip. With only the rear suspension letting things down by having too much travel and not being hard enough for enthusiastic driving. Gearbox could also be a little more precise with a reduced travel.
With the roof up, boot space is excellent. Good enough for two people and a holidays worth of luggage. With the roof down, the space in the boot is reduced, but leaves easy access to the back seats for additional luggage. The rear seats are for very short journeys and people. With the roof up and the front seats moved forward, it is possible for four 6ft people to sit in the car, but you wouldn't want to be traveling far. The roof of the car is lower than that of the hatchback, and requires a "lean back" position for anyone above 6 foot 3 inches. This car should be thought of as a two seater with emergency seating for a further two occupancies, therefore your mates won't be asking you to be the driver next time you go out for a drink! The benefit of rear seats aids internal cabin space for hand luggage, and is a plus point over most 2 seater cars.
My initial thoughts on the car is that it would need extra care due to the roof mechanism and the amount of equipment, but my fears of this have proven to be wrong, with no issues so far. The amount of sensors behind the roof mechanism is truly daunting. Hence get your dealer or someone to go through them with you so you don't get caught out.
Security appears good with an alarm, immobilizer, deadlocks and locking glove compartment. The alarm is still operable with the roof down, however the motion sensors are disengaged. The central locking also only locks the boot, and will not unlock without the key inserted.
The areas for improvement are:
The rear suspension.
The rubbers on the car require regular cleaning / treating in order for them not to squeak. This includes the rubbers of the boot seals.
Also I am concerned that for punctures there is no spare wheel, and expanding foam cans are employed for this issue.
It would be more practical if the rear seats were folding like a conventional hatchback.
A very easy car to live with and extremely enjoyable, but are becoming a bit common. Motoring press seems to have taken a disliking to the CC, and seem to ignore the great performance and folding metal roof.
7th Apr 2004, 13:04
No chassis flex? It certainly feels a lot less rigid with the roof down than it does with the roof up.