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SAGMJ Car of the Year Surprises
The Car of the Year accolade is a highly sought-after one by carmakers, indicating superior quality in their recent models. It's a distinguished honour, symbolising excellence to prospective buyers.
The competition consists of a comprehensive examination involving some of the best motoring journalists in SA, ensuring unbiased evaluation. Vehicles undergo rigorous testing, with cars in different shapes and applications vying for supremacy within their respective categories.
Compact Family Category
The first category is Compact Family Category. This is a highly saturated market with a lot of competition. This year the Chinese brand BAIC took the prize with their Beijing X55. We've had this car on test, and although it's a good car as far as Chinese brands go, it is a rather interesting choice, to say the least. It was, however, one of the better-looking cars in the running this year, also offering great value for money.
Midsize Category
The winner of this category fell into the hands of Kia with the Sportage. The Sportage, which was always a standout in its class, has seriously upped its game with the latest iteration. Being one of this group's more tech-savvy, comfortable and assertive vehicles, we're hardly surprised it made its way onto the podium this year.
Premium Category
Several brands have strived to make a splash in the high-end market, and Kia has, once again, won over the judges with its Sorento, earning the award in this segment. This victor was unexpected yet applaudable, given the competitive nature of the luxury market.
Adventure SUV Category
The fourth category is Adventure SUVs. A rather interesting class with few competitors with new models in this segment. This year, the Ford Everest took first place. Ford's design and engineering teams have upped their game with the brand's latest off-road vehicle, also recently launched in XLT and Wildtrak trim.
Double Cab 4x4 Category
South Africa's favourite category. A fair number of vehicles fell into this category, and we at TopGear SA recently tested them all at our Bakkie Wars. At the COTY event, the Ford Ranger took top honours in this category. I know the competition was tight for this group, however, the Ranger is a great choice, being one of the best-built, best-looking and most comfortable bakkies on the road.
Luxury Category
This is a highly competitive segment. I can only imagine the difficulty of deciding which luxury car to choose. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class took first place. Whether it's better in all departments than its archnemesis, the BMW 7 Series, is a debate for another day. Still, it is an attractive saloon with leading tech and a sophisticated interior.
Performance Category
The 7th category is Performance. Again, TopGear SA's annual Speed Week covered all of the latest performance cars on the block, including this year's winner, the Audi RS3. Performance can be measured in various ways, and for the Car of the Year, you need to consider the best all-around performance vehicle. The RS3 hits the nail on the head. With its blistering speed, agile driving characteristics and ability to have a bucket load of fun.
New-Energy Category
The 8th category is New-Energy. This category is a recent addition to the rankings and covers EV vehicles. There is a rather broad selection; however, the judges concluded with the Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge. Another great winner, as we agree that Volvo is making brilliant EVs, which encapsulate modern motoring with a safe, comfortable and forward approach to motoring.
2023 SA Car of the Year
Finally, the Car of the Year is the award given to the best new car you can buy in South Africa right now. The Ford Ranger Double Cab 4x4 bagged this accolade. It's a fascinating pick for this year's victor, but an outstanding bakkie nonetheless. This decision might irk Toyota fans, yet the Ranger represents a fresh echelon of bakkie.
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