The finalists (three in each of 13 respective categories) were selected out of 65 vehicles that seven members of Cars.co.za’s extended editorial team agreed were the best derivatives available in the South African new vehicle market on 1 September 2017.
The next phase of the programme will take place on 1 and 2 November 2017, when a combined panel will evaluate the finalists back-to-back during a two-day test at Gerotek.
However, the findings of the 18 judges will only count for half of the finalists’ total scores – the remaining 50% will be based on rankings that the respective vehicles’ brands achieved in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, in partnership with leading data specialists Lightstone Consumer. The data incorporates feedback from thousands of vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles (less than five years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
Compact Hatchback (between R175,000 and R250,000)
Premium SUV (between R900,000 and R1.25m)
Adventure SUV (between R550,000 and R800,000)
Performance Car (between R600,000 and R1,000,000)
Fun Car (under R600 000)
Leisure Double Cab (above R500,000)
Says Cars.co.za consumer experience manager Hannes Oosthuizen: “Choosing class-leading products is only half of the story. After-sales service make up the other half. Ultimately, the judges have only 50% of the say, with data from the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey – in partnership with Lightstone Consumer – accounting for the rest, which gives a voice to the people who know their cars best: South Africa’s vehicle owners.
“We urge all South African car owners to complete the survey. We want real, credible input, and the only way to do that is for the public to give us their views on the cars they know best – the ones they own.”
Members of the public can follow developments of the awards the website and social media channels (#CarsAwards).
To participate in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey or access more information about the programme (including categories, judges and finalists) go to www.carsawards.co.za.
The judges will re-evaluate the finalists back to back on a predetermined course during the two-day event at the Gerotek vehicle testing facility. Apart from driving the vehicles, judges will do extensive static evaluations of the finalists’ packaging, build quality and interior features and complete their respective scoring books (replete with a weighted criteria points system).