With more models on the market in 2001, the judges’ work in the Top 12 competition was not easy, but decisions had to be made and winners named. We bring you the results.
A month later than previously, to allow more space than would have been possible in our jam-packed January performance issue, the editors of CAR present their third annual guide to what they believe to be the best buys available locally.
We have kept to the same 12 categories as last year, but to cater for rising prices have had to increase the ceiling for the budget car group to R70 000, and now refer to the smaller MPVs and SUVs as “compact” rather than “mini”.
Otherwise, the format is as before. With the aim of spending money wisely, for each category the CAR team has selected a best buy together with a pair of runners-up – in effect, a short-list based on four qualities of Package, Price, Personality and Performance. But the voting was far from easy.
More and more appealing models have been introduced to our market, quality standards have improved in both locally assembled and imported vehicles, and the presence of more makes – Citroën and MG Rover joined the ranks during 2001 – contributes towards a mind-boggling selection to choose from.
As an indication of the enormity of the task, last month CAR’s new vehicle prices pages listed more than 800 cars and light commercials, and that does not take into account the numerous colour, trim and other spec options available for virtually every model listed! And the list gets longer every month…
The editorial team boasts a wealth of experience, and after rating each vehicle listed in the CAR Guide, presents its Top 12 Best Buys for 2001…
Best budget car (under R70 000):
Toyota Tazz 130
A hat-trick of victories in the bargain basement for Toyota’s evergreen Tazz. Not surprising, really, given that its 2000 facelift brought its looks right up to date. That, coupled with Toyota’s reputation and the car’s practical attributes and good resale value, make it a worthy winner despite its age. (It has changed little from the Conquest introduced in 1988).
Perennially one of the top two in South Africa’s monthly bestsellers list, the Tazz 130 is an easy-driver built on solid mechanicals and is renowned for reliability, which is an ideal recipe for a budget buy.
Runners-up: Opel Corsa/Classic Lite, VW CitiGolf Chico 1,3.
Best light car:
VW Golf/Jetta
This category represents a huge sector of the market, and it takes something special to stand out from the crowd. That the VW Golf hatch and its Jetta saloon sister continue – globally – to be the benchmark by which all the others are judged, says it all.
The Golf has topped our light car category every year, and this time we have included the Jetta because not only did it score almost as many marks, but it is a variation on the same platform with the same high quality standards, albeit with different customer appeal. Well into its life cycle, still the one to beat.
Runners-up: Renault Clio, Opel Astra/Classic
Best medium car:
BMW 3-Series
With its vast model range and one of the world’s finest engines – the classic straight six – BMW’s 3-Series is a success story in practically every market in which it competes. The company’s sporting image, and a well-publicised service plan, are included in what is a relatively affordable package when compared with the competition.
Evolutionary changes keep the model line fresh, but the badging no longer gives an accurate indication of what size engine is under the bonnet. Popular across a broad spectrum of motorists, the Three is continually one of SA’s best sellers.
Runners-up: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4
Best sports car:
Porsche 911
Although ownership can be only a dream for most people, the 911 is arguably the best sports car line ever. Sports cars are practically, by definition, an indulgence, so price drops to last in CAR’s “four Ps” judging criteria. But, even so, the engineering, performance and build quality offered for the money are, in relative terms, a bargain.
Honed from the original 911 launched in 1963, the latest 996 derivatives – coupé, cabrio, and targa in 2wd and 4wd (not forgetting the awesome Turbo) – defy their “engine out back” configuration to provide a thrilling driving experience.
Runners-up: Porsche Boxster, BMW M3
Best executive saloon:
Audi A6
A perennial runner-up, the A6 has moved into the top slot, thanks to a facelift and an impressive range of powe
Best compact MPV:
Renault Scénic
Lifestyle demands are forcing manufacturers to rethink their ideas of small cars, hence the boom in m