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New Peugeot 308 Is the 2014 European Car of the Year

Today at the Geneva Motor Show, the Peugeot 308 has been officially crowned Car of the Year by a panel of 22 journalists representing 22 European countries.   With 307 points, the French compact car managed to take a decisive lead over the runner up, BMW's fascinating new i3 electric vehicle.
New Peugeot 308 10 photos
Photo: Peugeot
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At first glance, it seems affordability and practicality have won over innovation in a decisive way, as even the multi-award-winning Tesla Model S could only secure 216 points (7 less than the i3) for a third place podium finish. The list of finalists also included the new Citroen C4 Picasso, Mazda3 compact, Skoda Octavia and lastly the Mercedes S-Class.

Peugeot has not been able to secure the coveted "Car of the Year" title since the 307 took it in 2002. However, their achievement in Geneva comes backed by relatively good reviews and 55,000 orders received so far from customers.

Upon receiving the award in Geneva, Maxime Picat, Director General of Automobiles Peugeot commented:

“With the new Peugeot 308, we were convinced that we had achieved a leap in concept, technology and quality and which would soon allow it a place on the podium for the category in Europe. The prestigious 2014 ‘Car of the Year’ award, which I receive today on behalf of everyone at Peugeot who has contributed towards the development and launch of the award winning new 308, is the best confirmation of this.”

Launched in 2013, the 308 is the second generation of Peugeot's now famous nameplate in the compact car segment. A rival for the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, the 308 is built on a brand new EMP2 platform, which sheds 140 kg (309 pounds) over the outgoing model. Peugeot has also made big improvements in interior quality with the 308, at the same time taking a minimalist approach to design by reducing the number of buttons and knobs to a minimum.

Nine engines are available at launch, four petrol, five diesel, and will be supplemented at the 308 SW launch with the new 3-cylinder 1.2-liter PureTech e-THP 130 hp turbo petrol engine as well as three BlueHDi engines.

2014 COTY finalists:

  • Peugeot 308 - 307 Points -
  • BMW i3 - 223 Points
  • Tesla Model S – 216 Points
  • Citroen C4 Picasso -182 Points
  • Mazda3 -180 Points
  • Skoda Octavia - 172 Points
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class- 170 Points
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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