The 2021 South African Car of the Year (COTY) title was awarded to the new Peugeot 2008 that was launched in South Africa earlier this year. Organized by the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) since 1986, this is the country’s most respected and sought-after motoring accolade. The key parameters for which the Peugeot 2008 won the coveted award were its extrovert styling and impressive utility.
According to SAGMJ, the point system was based on scoring criteria that closely mirrored COTY’s voting criteria. The scoring system was initially created to build up a database of vehicles tested, their strengths, weaknesses and to be able to compare them to category contenders. The expert COTY jurors had access to this scoring system and were encouraged to score vehicles as they experienced them on launches or as test-drive vehicles and to input scores and notes via the SAGMJ scoring system.
Janine Van der Post, who is the editor of Wheels 24 & one of the SAGMJ jury members, while commenting on the result said:
“The Peugeot 2008 is a well-deserved winner. It’s such a highly-underrated car and brand in the local market. It’s an all-rounder with great value-for-money. The 2008 was one of my top cars, and I’m glad my fellow peers felt the same way.”
Related: Pakistan Ready to Welcome Peugeot Cars- Again!
South African market is relevant to us in the way that it is one of the few key RHD (Right Hand Drive) markets in the world when more than 75% of countries drive LHD (Left Hand Drive) cars. Peugeot 2008 will also soon make its appearance in our market as Lucky Motors is in process of introducing the crossover in Pakistan, most likely towards the end of this year or early 2022.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
