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.
Also worth a look: the Enduring Legacy of Peugeot in South Africa: A Historical Jou and the PEUGEOT E-3008: European Car of the Year 2024 Finalist.
FAQ
Q: What does the Peugeot 2008 cost in South Africa?
The Peugeot 2008 range starts at R364,900 for the 74 kW 1.2T Active and goes up to R489,900 for the range-topping GT with heated seats and LED headlamps.
Q: Is the Peugeot 2008 worth buying in South Africa?
Yes, the 2008 is absolutely worth considering, especially after winning the 2021 South African Car of the Year award and proving it can beat heavyweights like the Toyota Hilux and BMW 4 Series.
Q: What engine does the Peugeot 2008 have?
The 2008 uses a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine available in two power outputs: 74 kW in the Active model and 96 kW producing 230 Nm of torque in the Allure and GT variants.
Q: Which Peugeot 2008 model should I buy?
The Allure at R438,900 offers the best balance of the more powerful 96 kW engine and decent equipment levels, sitting comfortably between the basic Active and pricey GT.
Q: How reliable is the Peugeot 2008 in South Africa?
The 2008 has proven successful with South African customers according to Stellantis, and its award-winning status suggests strong overall satisfaction, though long-term reliability data is still building up.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, you should seriously consider the Peugeot 2008. The best compact SUV under R500,000 in South Africa is the award-winning 2008, offering standout styling that'll make you the envy of every shopping centre car park. At R438,900, the Allure hits the sweet spot with its 96 kW engine and solid equipment list. Sure, it's not the cheapest option out there, but when a car beats both a Hilux and a BMW to become Car of the Year, you know it's doing something very right indeed.
