The Peugeot 208 was awarded Car of the Year in Europe (COTY) 2020 , within the framework of the digital Geneva Motor Show canceled by the coronavirus. This award, the most prestigious in Europe, certifies the great moment of the signing of the PSA group. It is not the first time that the manufacturer has seen its efforts and innovations rewarded. In 2014 he also achieved this milestone with the Peugeot 308 compact SUV. What’s more, his history with the award started much earlier. In 1969, the Peugeot 504 saloon, rose as COTY thanks to its design, signed by Pininfarina, and excellent dynamic capabilities for the time. It is in this segment, that of saloons, he offered this coffee and pepper mill manufacturer the opportunity to enter the automotive sector. The Type 156 was its first model, launched a hundred years ago (1920) after the First World War. The progress of this French firm could not be understood without its comfortable and efficient family cars, a tradition that is breathed in its latest piece: the Peugeot 508.
The Type 156 was followed by the 174, built from 1923 to 28, a jet set favorite of the time. Years later, the ephemeral 401 and its exclusive Eclipse version , a convertible with a metal and retractable roof, would appear. Unfortunately, its production was paralyzed in 1935 to make way for the successful 402. The Second World War came and with it the transformation of the manufacturing lines. It wasn’t until 1955 that Peugeot resumed the development of family versions with the 403. A decision that took the brand to the next level with the arrival of the 504 in 1968, the winner of the Car of the Year in Europe in 69 . The next generation, named 505, was the first to exceed one million vehicles produced.
We are approaching today with the Peugeot 405, a saloon inspired by the iconic 205. This model offered superior driving sensations, prioritizing ride comfort and safety. Then the Peugeot 406 appeared, the first of a new era in the 21st century . Generations passed and innovation after innovation appeared the first 508 in 2011. Nine years later, this sedan with a sophisticated and dynamic design is marketed with a 225 hp plug-in hybrid variant and a consumption of 1.3 l / 100 km.
