The winners of CAR magazine’s distinguished annual Top 12 Best Buys awards have been revealed. Grab a copy of the April 2021 issue for the full article and rationale behind each decision (as well as the results of the reader vote!).
Scroll through the gallery above to see all the winners…
As a reminder, Top 12 Best Buys is our definitive guide to the very best cars in South Africa. Here’s a look at our judging criteria:
Only vehicles the majority of the seven-member CAR editorial team have driven: We factor in the findings of road tests and driving impressions we’ve published up until this April issue. Don’t see your favourite in the running? The CAR team might not have driven it yet, with a number of important vehicles launching locally just too late to meet the deadline.
Ranges, not individual models: Except in the Budget and Performance Car segments, we consider an entire range rather than one specific derivative. Also, remember that we measure cars against their direct rivals in their classes and then rule on their relative levels of excellence.
We consider all the facets: We look at package, personality, performance and, most importantly in the more value-led categories, price.
The bun fight … and then the vote: We set aside a day for the team to debate, argue and arm wrestle over the contestants. Then we draw up a list of six finalists per award and vote.
