The South African Guild of Motoring Journalists in conjunction with Wesbank has awarded the Hyundai Elantra 1,8 GLS the SA Car of the Year prize for 2012.
The Elantra’s victory marks the first time a Korean car has won the SA Car of the Year award after the i20’s placement in the final round of the 2010 round of the competition and similar results for the ix35 and Sonata last year. The Elantra has also gained a considerable amount of good press abroad netting both the North American and Canadian Car of the Year gongs in 2012.
The Elantra’s blend of eye-catching design, solid build, generous equipment and competent road manners at a competitive price also saw it win the Best Compact Saloon award in our Top 12 Best Buys for 2012.
“We are extremely proud of the recognition that a world-class product such as the Hyundai Elantra has received from the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists,” said Alan Ross, managing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, after receiving the Car of the Year trophy.
“This award, and the fact that we had no less than two finalists in the previous competition, is confirmation of the giant strides that the Hyundai brand has made locally and globally. It is also recognition of the quality and emotional appeal that the Hyundai products have developed as part of the brand’s ‘Modern Premium’ strategy.”
Read our road test of the Hyundai Elantra 1,8 GLS
