Peugeot's stylish 2008 has walked away with honours at the 2021 South African Car of the Year awards. It walked away with the award after facing off some stiff competition, including the Toyota Hilux and BMW 4 Series.
Not satisfied with winning the overall award, Peugeot's smallest SUV also clinched a win in the Compact Family category. The 2008 has garnered universal praise for its gorgeous styling, standing out in a sea of ubiquitous crossover SUVs. Up front, the notable 'three-claw' headlamps take pride of place, with the muscular bonnet and detailed grille finishing everything off nicely.
The sleek rear end is pretty much the same, the chic and sophisticated styling carried over to back. The taillamps have the same 'three-claw' treatment seen up front. The interior is just as polished as the exterior, with a rakish interior design. Seemingly inspired by a fighter jet, the surfaces swoop around driver and passenger, to create a cocoon-like atmosphere.
The South African Car of the Year award was first seen in 1986. In the competition's 35 year history, this is the first time a Peugeot has received the award. “We believe the car certainly deserves it. It’s been a major success for customers and we’re proud of the results it’s achieving thanks to major efforts from our Stellantis and dealer teams," said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa.
The 2008 range kicks off with the 74 kW 1.2T Active, at R364 900. Next up in the range is the Active AT, which retails for R407 900. Sharing its powertrain with the Active AT is the Allure, which produces 96 kW and 230 Nm of torque. The Allure, priced at R438 900, is eclipsed only by the range-topping GT, which will set buyers back R489 900. For just under half a million, customers are treated to heated front seats, a 3D i-Cockpit and LED headlamps.
In 2020, the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace took the honours. 2019 saw the trophy go to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
