Peugeot has taken double honours at the Diesel Car & Eco Car ‘Used Car Top 50 2020’ awards, with the Peugeot 3008 SUV named the Used Car of the Year 2020 as well as the Best Medium SUV, with the Peugeot RCZ taking home the Best Used Sports Car title, reinforcing JD Power’s decision to award Peugeot the ‘Most Reliable Brand’ title in 2019.
The second-generation 3008 SUV has been in production since 2016, and beat 49 other competitors to take home the Used Car of the Year 2020 award, as well as the Best Used Medium SUV title.
Diesel Car & Eco Car judges applauded the 3008 SUV for its sharp exterior and interior designing, while also awarding points for its efficient engines. The 3008 SUV’s i-Cockpit® interior was also praised for its safety-boosting design and high levels of technology.
Thoughts from Ian Robertson, Editor and Publisher at Diesel Car & Eco Car Magazine, were: “Going straight in at the top as our favourite used car, the 3008 SUV is now more than three years old, although that’s hard to believe thanks to its fresh, original, crisp styling. This thoroughly modern SUV is arguably even more distinctive inside, where Peugeot’s i-Cockpit® interior sees digital instruments perched on top of the dashboard as standard. The driver is cocooned by a wrap-around centre console and the textile trim looks as good as it feels.
“Not only that, but it has a practical 591-litre boot, is great to drive and has clean 1.5L,1.6L or 2.0L BlueHDi engines. The upgraded EAT8 automatic transmission is worth a try too, offering smooth progress and 50mpg-plus economy when paired with the smallest diesel engine.”
The Peugeot RCZ, in production between 2010 and 2015, was admired for its distinctive ‘double-bubble’ roof and stylish looks. The performance from the 1.6L THP and 2.0L BlueHDi engines was also noted by judges, as was the RCZ’s handling and balance. This year’s win marks the third consecutive win in the Sports Car category for the RCZ.
Robertson added: “Despite being out of production, the RCZ’s exterior styling still looks fresh. The ‘double-bubble’ roof will go down in car design history.
It’s excellent to drive too, with a low centre of gravity and a widened track elevating its handling above its humble Peugeot 308 roots. The 161BHP 2.0L diesel engine is lusty and economical, while GT versions get leather seats and attractive 19-inch alloy wheels.”
David Peel, Managing Director of Peugeot UK said: “It’s fantastic to see two of our models top the Diesel Car & Eco Car ‘Used Car Top 50 2020’ awards. The RCZ, thanks to its unique design and driving dynamics, has already gained a cult following and is surely set to be a future classic
“The 3008 SUV winning the Used Car of the Year award demonstrates how well engineered the family SUV is, as it continues to impress UK drivers year after year with its combination of style, performance and efficiency. We’ve also worked hard over the years to ensure our residual values remain strong and competitive, and are seeing very healthy results across our model range.”
