The Peugeot 308 HDi hatchback has been named AMI NZ Autocar Car of the Year 2008, winning the compact car class.
The increasingly competitive and important sector has been highly contested this year.
Paul Owen, editor of Autocar magazine, motoring journalist and chief judge for the awards says: "The 308 range possesses the great French characteristic of an involving chassis, thus appealing to drivers, while offering a distinguished ride, which ensures happy passengers. Here's substance and style unmatched by its rivals in the compact class."
The category winners were selected by the judges from new models launched in New Zealand in the 12 months to November.