THIRTY NINE new cars were tested at this year’s fourth annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards powered by WesBank.
Three finalists, in each of the 13 categories, were assessed on a wide variety of merits by a total of 20 judges over two days at Gerotek test facility in Tshwane.
The panel of car experts comprised Cars.co.za’s team, motoring journalists and guest judges, each an expert in their fields.
People have a say in which cars are honoured by the #CarsAwards.
“I’m not a petrol head, I’m a single mum,” said guest judge Claire Mawisa, an investigative journalist for Carte Blanche.
“I speak a different language to a motoring expert. I’m conscious of practicality.
“I use trollies, prams and picnic baskets when I interact with cars. So, if a rear seat folding mechanism is too complex, it’s a turn off. I want everything to be clearly marked and easy to use.”
Something as simple as a cupholder or USB port makes a difference in how she scores.
Ashley Oldfield, performance car specialist and Cars.co.za content manager, said the performance car and hot hatch categories were not only about which car has the fastest lap time around the race track.
“Speed plays a key for sure, but it’s more about the driving experience and emotional connection the driver has with the machine.
“Emotions such as confidence, which inspire and boost handling, while feeling the thrill from the roaring noise of an exhaust plays a larger part in the judging process for these categories.”
As a member of the public, you too can take part in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey when you visitwww.carsawards.co.za
The seven award categories SunWheels is most interested in are:
- Budget car: up to R200 000.
- Family car: from R400 000 to R500 000.
- Leisure double-cab bakkie: from R500 000 to R800 000.
- Executive SUV: from R700 000 to R900 000.
- Premium SUV: from R1m to R1,3m.
- Hot hatch: below R700 000.
- Performance car: below R1m.
- Executive sedan – from R800 000 to R1m.
