The winner was announced in unusual style this year due to the Geneva International Motor Show 2020 being cancelled over fears of the coronavirus outbreak. Courtesy of Palexpo managers, it was made possible to keep up the tradition of declaring the European Car of the Year 2020 during the event though and it was available to stream on YouTube. President of the Jury, Frank Janssen, conducted the presentation over a video conference to a delighted team of Peugeot managers, including Executive Vice-President, Jean Philippe Imparato.
Imparato, also Peugeot Brand CEO, was delighted with results, saying: “I am particularly proud that the All-New Peugeot 208 has just won the 2020 Car of the Year prize. This trophy underlines the excellence of the work and great commitment of all the teams of the Brand and the Groupe PSA. It’s the first time that a Peugeot ‘2 series’ has triumphed! Three Peugeot ‘Cars of the Year’ are currently on road with the 3008 SUV and the 308 alongside the all-new 208. The COTY 2020 legitimates the brand’s ‘power of choice’ strategy. From now on, our customers will be able to choose between the electric Peugeot e-208 ‘Car of the Year’ and the Peugeot 208 ‘Car of the Year!’”
This hatchback rewrites the book in its segment. With electric engine or internal combustion engine available, the all-new Peugeot 208 provides the driver with the power of choice. Its exterior design embodies the DNA of the Brand with the 3-claw LED front headlights. The Peugeot i-Cockpit® (head-up display, compact steering wheel and touchscreen) innovates with a 3D digital cluster, which is not only aesthetic but also improves safety.
And if you don’t believe us, here what Car of the Year had to say:
“Every new 208 –the e-208 too- is enjoyable to drive because of its quick steering and agile handling, a trade mark of Peugeot. If exterior style is bold and appealing, the cabin looks are even more. The Peugeot-typical i-Cockpit shows the 3D instrument panel over the small steering wheel, and the central digital display is slightly oriented to the driver, with the now typical row of toggle switches below it. A nice air of perceived quality and good equipment exudes all over the interior. In summary, a winner in CotY contest and certainly in the market.”
In addition, here is what some of Jurors on the panel for the award had to say:
“The best small Peugeot in years: It looks great, comes with competitive powertrains and even an EV with more than adequate performance.”
“A complete car in all aspects: beautiful design, sporty and it offers diesel, gasoline and 100% electric options.”
“The choice of subcompact EVs is getting larger. The 208 is really a good alternative in its segment, and that applies also to the combustion-engine versions.”
“The design (r)evolution of the new 208 is a big success. Both outside and in, the car made a big step forward.” “Peugeot 208 beats its main competitors in the small car segment with the choice of powertrains. It is also a pleasure to drive.”
“A car that combines safe and rewarding driving performance with a highly appealing exterior and interior style."