THE South African Guild of Motoring Journalists has announced the semi-finalists for the South African Car of the Year competition.
For the first time in the history of the 33-year competition, members of the public voted with jury members, who are all professional motoring reporters from the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists.
The competition aims to reward automotive excellence. This year, all the finalists will be tested in March next year, before final scoring begins comparing all 11 aspects, ranging from engine performance to exterior design.
Five brands – Honda, Suzuki, Volvo, Renault and Opel – dominate the list of semi-finalists, while SUVs are showing their popularity too.
Honda is represented by the Amaze sedan and Civic Type R hot hatch.
The two semi-finalists from the Suzuki stable are the Jimny 4x4 and the Swift hatchback.
Volvo has two SUVs in the competition, the XC60 – the reigning World Car of the Year – and the XC40.
Renault’s contenders are the Megane RS hot hatch and Duster SUV. Like Volvo, Opel’s two semi-finalists – the Crossland X and Grandland X – are SUVs too.
The 20 semi-finalists
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- Haval H9
- Honda Civic Type R
- Honda Amaze
- Hyundai Kona
- Jaguar E-Pace
- Land Rover Range Rover Velar
- Lexus ES
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class
- Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
- Nissan Micra
- Opel Grandland X
- Opel Crossland X
- Porsche Cayenne
- Renault Duster
- Renault Megane RS
- Suzuki Swift
- Suzuki Jimny
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo XC40
