The Renault Megane II 1.9 dCi was named SA Car of the Year at Theatre on the Track near Kyalami on Tuesday. It was the fourth consecutive year that a diesel car had won the title.
The Renault Megane II 1.9 dCi hatch was named SA Car of the Year at Theatre on the Track near Kyalami on Tuesday. It was the fourth consecutive year that a diesel car had won the title.
It was also the second time that Renault won the title, after the Clio 1.4 was named the winner in 2000. The Megane II, with the 2003 European COTY title already under its belt, edged out the BMW 530d Steptronic, Honda Accord 2.4 Type S (2002/3 COTY in Japan), Mazda 6 (2003 European COTY runner-up), Toyota RunX 160 RX, Opel Meriva 1.6 and Honda Jazz 1.4i.
Previous multiple winners are BMW (1988, 1990, 1993, 1997 and 2001), Opel (1991, 1994 and 1995), Audi (1996 and 2002) and Toyota (1986 and 1989). The COTY title has been won once each by Mercedes (260E in 1987), Nissan (Maxima 300SE in 1992), Ford (Fiesta Fun in 1998) and Alfa Romeo (Alfa 156 in 1999).
This year’s award banquet attracted a record number of guests representing the motoring media, motor company managers and motor dealer, component and parts industries representatives.