The Peugeot 2008 SUV is the 2021 South African Car of the Year, beating out 23 finalists in the prestigious competition. The announcement was made this week Monday by the South Africa Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ).
The dynamic and distinctive cross-over held its head proudly above South Africa’s motoring best to take the overall title. Along the way it was also honoured with the 2021 Jurors Excellence Award and beat out five strong competitors in the hotly contested Compact Family category, one of the most contested groups in this year’s competition.
There were six nominees in the category, including Hyundai’s Creta crossover, Toyota’s Corolla Sedan, the Volkswagen T-Roc, Kia Seltos, and the Mazda CX-30.
The Peugeot 2008 allows families to escape the ordinary, the versatile SUV designed firmly with lifestyle intentions. Next generation technology, a selection of powerful, fuel-efficient engines and dynamic, appealing styling all contributed to the car being recognised for the SAGMJ’s accolade.
“We’re naturally delighted by the recognition by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists of our exciting Peugeot 2008 SUV,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa. “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.”
The accolade is the second for Stellantis from the SAGMJ this year, the new company being recognised in June as the most-admired car company in the country.
With its fluid and robust lines, the all-new Peugeot 2008 SUV delivers masterful power and efficiency. Its striking front grille, horizontal bonnet, and raised ground clearance enhance the sophisticated and sharp design. At the rear, the spoiler, gloss black rear cluster connecting strip, and chrome exhaust affirm its sporty, tenacious personality.
The Peugeot 2008 has become one of the French brand’s most important models, attracting a multitude of customers so far. Its second-generation car picks up where the supermini-based crossover left off, but it’s even more daring, with a bold design and impressive new tech.
While the first 2008 played it safe with curvy, smooth lines, the latest model is far more angular, taking cues from the larger Peugeot 3008. An imposing grille, jutting chin spoiler and fang-like LED daytime running lights give it a quirky look buyers will either love or hate. In a class full of rivals including the Renault Captur, Skoda Kamiq, Ford Puma, Hyundai Kona, and the car that’s credited with kick-starting the genre, the Nissan Juke, manufacturers have learnt that bland looks don’t play well.
The 2008’s interior is even more impressive, with a design and quality that puts most rivals to shame. Flourishes like the piano keys in the middle of the dashboard and the latest version of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit look beautiful, quality is excellent and there are lots of surfaces finished in soft materials instead of scratchy plastics.
There’s lots of equipment here too, even on the basic Active Premium trim, which gets alloy wheels and air conditioning. Top GT and GT Premium trims look sporty thanks to bigger wheels and a black roof, and lots of technology.
The new platform underpinning the 2008 and 208 supports petrol, diesel and all-electric power. Sticking with combustion engines, there’s 99, 128 and 153bhp versions of the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol and a solitary 109bhp diesel.
“The Car of the Year Competition has taken on a whole different meaning over the last 18 months,” said Ramsoomar. “Every car maker has fought gallantly and is worthy of congratulations, but especially to the other category winners and all the finalists.”
There were 23 finalists in the running for this year’s awards across nine categories. Stellantis featured twice amongst the nominees, the new generation Opel Corsa ranking in the Compact category.