CAR magazine’s distinguished annual Top 12 Best Buys were presented at a gala dinner in Johannesburg last night. Look out for our March issue for the full article and rationale behind each decision.
Top 12 Best Buys is our definitive guide to the best cars in South Africa. As a reminder, here is our judging criteria:
- Only vehicles that the CAR team has driven – We factor in the findings of road tests and driving impressions we’ve published during the past year.
- Ranges, not individual models – Except in the Budget Car and Performance Car segments, we consider an entire range, not merely one outstanding example.
- Consider all the facets – We look at the package, personality, performance, and, ultimately, price.
- The bun fight … and then the vote – We wet aside a day for the team to debate, argue and arm wrestle over the contestants. And then we vote.
1. Budget car (under R145 000)
Volkswagen Up! 1,0 Move
Runners up
Chevrolet Spark Campus
Suzuki Swift Dzire 1,2 GA
2. Light hatchback
Volkswagen Polo
Runners up
Ford Fiesta
Mazda2
Hot hatch
Ford Fiesta ST
3. Light sedan
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Runners up
Kia Rio Sedan
Honda Ballade
4. Compact hatchback
Audi A3/A3 Sportback
Runners up
Volkswagen Golf
Ford Focus
Hot hatch
Mercedes-AMG A45
5. Compact sedan
Toyota Corolla Quest
Runners up
Ford Focus Sedan
Mazda3 Sedan
6. Compact-executive sedan
BMW 3 Series
Runners up
Audi A4
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
7. Luxury car
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Runners up
BMW 5 Series
Audi A6
8. Performance car
Overall: Mercedes-AMG GT S
Everyday: Porsche Cayman GTS
Family sportscar: Audi RS6 Avant
9. Light SUV/crossover
Kia Soul
Runners up
Renault Captur
Nissan Juke
MPV
Honda Mobilio
10. Compact SUV/crossover
Ford Kuga
Runners up
Nissan Qashqai
Mercedes-Benz GLC
MPV
Ford Grand Tourneo Connect
11. Large SUV/crossover
Range Rover Sport
Runners up
Audi Q7
Volvo XC90
MPV
Kia Sedona
Value SUV
Ford Everest
12. Double-cab bakkie
Ford Ranger
Runners up
Toyota Hilux
Volkswagen Amarok
¾-tonne bakkie
Chevrolet Utility
