Cars.co.za Consumer Awards announced the thirteen best-considered new purchases in their respective categories of the South African new vehicle market, as well as the overall Brand of the Year, on January 19.
The event was attended by approximately 300 guests including prominent South African motor industry executives, including representatives from vehicle manufacturers and importers, dealer groups, the finance sector, media agencies, social influencers and celebrities.
Comedian John Vlismas was the master of ceremonies and the awards (handcrafted car-key shaped trophies made from stainless steel, titanium, aluminium and acrylic) were handed over by the 13 judges as well as Cars.co.za CEO Ross McIlroy and WesBank CEO Chris de Kock.
Entertainment was provided by Flash Republic and the event was digitally broadcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and, significantly, streamed live on Cars.co.za YouTube channel. So who were the winners?
Premium Hatchback of the Year: Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: had to be a C-segment hatchback/crossover with a list price of between R350 000 and R500 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): electronic stability control, dual front, side and curtain airbags. The most important judging factors were: a balance of efficiency and performance, practicality, brand strength, design and quality appeal, ride/handling, safety, as well as in-car entertainment systems and connectivity.
“I’m not surprised the GTI defended its title. Given its blend of occupant comfort, premium features and finishes, plus driving enjoyment, it has a maturity that other hot hatches lack.”
— David Taylor
Runners-up: BMW 120i 5-dr M Sport Auto, Mercedes-Benz A220d Style Auto.
First Class Car of the Year: BMW 750Li Design Pure Excellence
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of more than R1 million at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016). The most important judging factors were: powertrain technology, luxury features, brand prestige and exclusivity, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, ride comfort and overall refinement.
“The BMW 750Li Pure Design Excellence was a more than worthy winner in a category filled with equally impressive machines. The new age technology found in the car, coupled with its dashing good looks and presidential appeal, set it apart.”
— Francisco Nwamba
Runners-up: Mercedes-Benz S500e L, Range Rover SDV8 LWB Autobiography.
Leisure Double-cab of the Year: Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak 4×4 Auto
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: had to be a double-cab bakkie with a turbodiesel engine and four-wheel drive, with a list price in excess of R450 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016). The most important judging factors were performance, space and practicality, occupant comfort, all-surface ability and safety.
“The Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak 4×4 Auto features attractive styling and excellent off-road capability that’s tough to beat in the leisure double cab segment.”
— Gero Lilleike
Runners-up: Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4×4 Auto, Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 BiTDI Highline 4Motion.
Executive Sedan of the Year: Jaguar XF 25t Portfolio
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a D/E-segment sedan (or so-called four-door “coupé”) with a list price of between R750 000 and R1 000 000at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016). The most important judging factors were: powertrain technology, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, technological features and occupant comfort.
“The Jaguar has an intrinsic elegance to it, which is reflected in its performance and driving experience. Its comfortable, refined cabin underlines its executive sedan status.”
— Kojo Baffoe
Runners-up: Mercedes-Benz E220d Avantgarde, Lexus GS 350 F-Sport.
Premium SUV of the Year: Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R750 000 and R1 200 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016) and it had to be a large SUV (or its crossover derivative) with all-wheel drive as a standard feature. The most important judging factors were powertrain technology, luxury features, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, space and practicality.
“The XC90 was a clear winner in this category. I loved its infotainment system and plethora of on-board technological features; the Volvo embodies a premium driving experience.”
— Nafisa Akabor
Runners-up: Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro, Jaguar F-PACE 30d R-Sport.
Business Class of the Year: Audi A4 2.0T FSI Sport S tronic
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R500 000 and R750 000at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): at least six airbags, as well as electronic stability control. The most important judging factors were powertrain technology, luxury, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics and technological features.
“With the new A4, Audi has done the unexpected: it has turned the A4 into something that rivals its competitors in the bends. The newcomer’s interior quality is unrivalled in its class.”
— Ashley Oldfield
Runners-up: BMW 330d M Sport sports-auto, Mercedes-Benz C250 AMG Line.
Compact Family Car of the Year: Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL+
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R250 000 and R350 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS, electronic stability control, a minimum of four airbags, air-conditioning, split/folding rear seats and a service plan. The most important judging factors were: balance of fuel economy and performance, space and practicality, design and quality appeal, occupant comfort and safety features.
“The Vitara is an excellent all-rounder, with a level of practicality that you’d expect from a bigger SUV, as well as a smooth engine which delivers excellent fuel economy.”
— Ciro de Siena
Runners-up: Nissan Qashqai 1.2 Visia, Renault Captur 1.5 dCi Dynamique.
Fun Car of the Year: Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport DSG
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of less than R600 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016) to ensure that this category isn’t dominated by extravagant exotic vehicles. The most important judging factors were drivetrain engagement, entertaining handling, sensory appeal and the number of standard features.
“The Clubsport made me feel like I was at the wheel of ‘a racing car’. I loved its responsiveness, the exact reactions to driver inputs and, especially, the overall composure of the car.”
— Khutso Theledi
Runners-up: Mazda MX-5, Mini John Cooper Works sports-auto.
Lifestyle SUV of the Year: Land Rover Discovery Sport TD4 SE
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of less of between R500 000 and R750 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): electronic stability control, at least six airbags, split/folding rear seats, a minimum ground clearance of 180 mm and all-wheel drive capability. The most important judging factors in this category were performance, space and practicality, in-car entertainment systems, cabin comfort and all-surface ability.
“The Discovery Sport seems to have it all – a desirable badge, genuine off-road ability, a luxurious and well-made cabin and even excellent performance/efficiency.”
— Hannes Oosthuizen
Runners-up: Ford Everest 3.2 4WD Limited, Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Auto.
Compact Hatchback of the Year: Opel Corsa 1.0T Enjoy
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R160 000 and R250 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS, electronic stability control, dual front airbags, air-conditioning, USB/Aux audio support and a service plan. The most important judging factors were balance of fuel economy and power/performance, value for money, practicality, brand strength, design and quality appeal, ride/handling prowess and safety.
“The Corsa is just beautiful: It rides comfortably, yet it’s dynamic, corners confidently and is anything but sluggish. There is definitely an element of fun to the car; I could not fault it.”
— Wendy Knowler
Runners-up: Honda Jazz 1.2 Comfort, Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline.
Budget Car of the Year: Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of R160 000 or lessat the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS and dual front airbags. The most important judging factors were: fuel economy, value for money, practicality and brand strength.
“Although the Celerio is not the most spacious car in its segment, its standard specification list is long, the engine feels surprisingly perky and Suzuki’s reputation counts for a lot.”
— Mike Fourie
Runners-up: Renault Sandero Expression, Toyota Aygo 1.0 X-Play.
Performance Car of the Year: BMW M2 M-DCT
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R600 000 and R1 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016) to ensure that the category isn’t dominated by exorbitantly expensive exotic cars. The most important judging factors were: driving engagement, handling, sensory appeal and standard features.
“The M2 is excellent. It’s so powerful that you’d expect it to become easily unhinged, but it’s beautifully composed. It’s certainly engaging to drive… it keeps a driver on their toes.”
— Eddie Kalili
Runners-up: Ford Focus RS, Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic.
Family Car of the Year: Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI Comfortline DSG
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: an automatic-transmission vehicle with a list price of between R350 000 and R500 000at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS, electronic stability control, a minimum of six airbags, split/folding rear seats, air-conditioning and a service plan. The most important judging factors were: engine flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, design/quality appeal, comfort, safety and in-car entertainment.
“I favour practical cars and there’s so much to like about the Tiguan that I am tempted to buy one for myself. The Volkswagen exudes quality from design to finish and looks fantastic.”
— Juliet McGuire
Runners-up: Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Elite Automatic, Nissan X-Trail 2.5 SE CVT AWD.
Brand of the Year: Suzuki
The prestigious Brand of the Year was determined solely by the manufacturers’ ratings in the Cars.co.za’s Owner Satisfaction Survey, allied with market share change and resale value statistics per vehicle brand (supplied by Lightstone Auto). This recognition of Suzuki Auto South Africa, parallels the feat achieved by its British counterpart, which was recognised as the “most improved organisation’ in The Institute of Customer Service’s annual UK Customer Satisfaction Index in 2016.
The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards judging process
For 2016/17, the award categories were updated to take into consideration new vehicle sales trends (such as the increased demand for small/compact crossovers, the buying public’s preference for SUVs over sedans and MPVs, as well as the introduction of several new and facelifted double-cab bakkies. The Cars.co.za editorial team considered each and every model in the new vehicle market — candidates were evaluated as individual models and not as parts of complete model line-ups. What’s more, candidates were eligible for an award irrespective of when they were launched.
During the first phase of judging, the editorial team (Ashley Oldfield, Ciro de Siena, David Taylor, Francisco Nwamba, Gero Lilleike, Hannes Oosthuizen and Mike Fourie) researched, analysed and debated each of the cars on sale in South Africa. Contenders were measured against predetermined “pillars of success” to determine if they were eligible for an award in their categories. Five finalists were selected in each of 13 categories.
For the second phase, the Cars.co.za editors completed comprehensive scoring sheets to assess the semi-finalists in terms specific criteria, such as interior comfort, performance, efficiency, packaging etc. The weightings of the criteria were adjusted to reflect the requirements of the target markets of each category. Once the scores were tallied, the finalists were trimmed to three in each category.
For the ultimate phase of the judging process, the Cars.co.za editorial team was complemented by six guest judges: Eddie Kalili (Group Digital Editor – Destiny, Destiny Man and Sawubona), Juliet McGuire (Editor – Women on Wheels), Khutso Theledi (YFM presenter/DJ/car spinner), Kojo Baffoe (journalist/writer/media strategist), Nafisa Akabor (tech journalist) and Wendy Knowler (consumer journalist – The Times). Branko Brkic (Editor – The Daily Maverick) was absent due to illness.
The combined jury was presented an opportunity to re-evaluate vehicles that were chosen as finalists for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards at a two-day event at the Gerotek vehicle testing facility, north of Johannesburg. Each of the 13 judges was required to test the finalists (except for those that were unavailable) on the predetermined course before completing their respective scoring books (replete with the weighted criteria points system). In between their driving stints, the judges did exhaustive static evaluations of the cars’ packaging, build quality and interior features.
The test route comprised: a skidpan/gymkhana, 400 metre straight with emergency stop braking zone, a slalom course, emergency lane change test, a dynamic handling track and a variety of road surfaces to drive on, such as “Belgian” cobblestones, a ride and handling track up a mountain (for the road-biased vehicles) and a 4×4 course and sand pit (for appropriate 4×4 vehicles).
The results of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by Wesbank, were verified by respected auditing firm KPMG.
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