The award is the brainchild of the UIGA (an association of more than 200 automotive journalists), and is presented annually to one new model launched in Italy for the current year.
Out of 19 candidates, the Peugeot 3008 took the title for 2010.
The jury pointed out the originality of the 3008 concept, the high level of technology, style and aerodynamics, the quality of vehicle, performance in terms of fuel consumption and emissions, safety, equipment, modularity and value for money.
It was the first time the Auto Europa award was presented to a crossover vehicle, and the second time that Peugeot has received the Auto Europa title, with the 207 receiving the honour in 2007.
Unveiled for the first time as the Prologue Hybrid4 concept car at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the production 3008 is expected to arrive in New Zealand at the end of 2009.
The new 3008 features a range of technology, including Grip Control, Dynamic Roll Control, head-up display for the driver, Distance Alert, Automatic Electric Parking Brake and Hill Assist.
The 3008’s fuel consumption figures are reportedly as low as 5.6 litres per 100km combined for the manual 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel.
This has a knock-on effect for CO2 emissions which are just 146 grams per kilometre on the same version.
