The new Peugeot 308 has won the 2014 ‘Car of the Year’ title, awarded by a jury of journalists representing 22 European countries. Thirty new models from North American, Korean, European and Japanese manufacturers, on sale in Europe during 2013, were eligible for the 2014 Car of the Year crown. The jury, which comprised 58 journalists from 22 European countries, delivered its verdict on the strong line-up of seven finalist models pre-selected in December.

The new 308 is the fourth Peugeot model to bag the ‘COTY’ award; it comes after the 307 (2002), 405 (1988) and 504 (1969).

Produced in Sochaux, Eastern France, the new 308 was launched in Europe during the last four months of 2013 and in the UK in January this year; production and sales in China, the biggest automobile market in the world, will start early in 2015.

The new 308 has been hailed for its design, elegant and dynamic, efficient concept based on an advanced approach to weight reduction, driving experience with its innovative instruments and controls (the Peugeot i-Cockpit) playing a part and quality of the highest level.

The car has nine engines of choice – four petrol and five diesel – with good fuel economy.

Since its launch, the new 308 has received over 55,000 orders and is also contributing towards the brand’s move upmarket, confirmed by the mix of the orders, a higher proportion of which is for the upper trim levels in its range.

Later this year, the new 308 range will be expanded by the introduction of a second body style: the 308 SW estate.