Hyundai has teased its forthcoming performance-orientated i20 N hot hatch.
Hyundai recently revealed the i20 N-Line which is a sportier-looking version of the brand’s popular hatchback, but a fully-fledged i20 N is due to be revealed soon.
The i20 N will go head-head with the Volkswagen Polo GTI and the Toyota GR Yaris and as such, it will need some punchy motivation which will come in the form of a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine with at least 150 kW and 275 Nm of torque and will be paired to either a 6-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Acceleration from zero to 100 kph is expected in about 6.7 seconds.
The i20 N will feature large air intakes and will ride lower on 18-inch alloy wheels with a grey matte finish and N-branded brake callipers while also featuring unique side sills. A sporty rear spoiler is also fitted. The i20 N will be offered in the familiar Performance Blue hue as seen on previous N models including the i30 N and will be paired with a Phantom black roof (as an option).
Apart from the visual teaser, Hyundai has also provided a sound clip of what the i20 N will sound like. Listen to the i20 N here!
We will keep you updated as soon as official details are revealed.
McLaren’s first-ever series production hybrid hypercar is in its final stages of development and will come to market in 2021.
McLaren is on the verge of unleashing a new High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) which marks the brand’s foray into electrification. This new hybrid hypercar will slot in between the McLaren GT and the 720S while production of McLaren’s Sports Series, which was introduced in 2015 with the 570S, will come to an end in 2020 with a limited edition, GT4-inspired 620R being the last model produced.
This new hypercar will be built on a new carbon-fibre structure called McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) which is developed and produced in the UK at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) and will form the basis for all hybrid supercars to come from McLaren in coming years.
This new hypercar will feature an all-new V6 engine (in conjunction with electric motor/s) while also offering medium-range EV driving capability.
Exact powertrain details have yet to be confirmed, but McLaren's new hybrid hypercar is bound to impress.
“This all-new McLaren supercar is the distillation of everything we have done to date; all that we have learned and achieved,” commented Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive. “This is a new kind of McLaren for a new era, an extraordinary drivers’ car that offers blistering performance as well as an all-electric range capable of covering most urban journeys. We see this new McLaren as a true ‘next generation’ supercar and cannot wait to show it to customers.”
“For us, light-weighting and high-performance hybrid technology go hand-in-hand to achieve better performance as well as more efficient vehicles,” explained Flewitt. “Our expertise in lightweight composites and carbon fibre manufacturing, combined with our experience in cutting-edge battery technologies and high-performance hybrid propulsion systems, makes us ideally placed to deliver uncompromised levels of electrified high-performance driving that until now have simply been unattainable.”
We will keep you informed as soon as more details become available.
The current TT might be Audi’s last, but that is not preventing the German brand from leveraging all its marketing potential.
Audi has announced a new trim for the 45 TFSI engined coupé and cabriolet TTs, upgrading the exterior styling with some desirable bits.
The official naming convention for this new Audi package is ‘S Line Competition Plus’, which might be a touch too long to be an exterior badge. That aside, Audi’s latest addition to the TT range offers gloss black finishes for the grille surround, air inlets, wing mirror end caps, sill trim, rear diffuser and that fixed bootlid wing.
Complimenting the darkened styling details are 19-inch alloy wheels, also finished in matte black. These wheel feature a ten-blade design, connecting to the rim with split spokes in a Y-pattern.
Contrasting the TT S Line Competition Plus styling upgrades are a choice of four colours: Turbo Blue, Tango Red, Glacier White, and Chronos Gray, with the latter hue making its Audi TT debut.
Regarding the TT S Line Competition Plus cabin, the trim changes are marginal. Alcantara inserts give more grip and texture to the leather seats, whilst owners can choose between red and blue contrast stitching.
The centre console and structure separating TT’s front seats can also be trimmed with red, blue or grey, colours which are repeated on the ventilation duct surrounds. Audi’s 12.3-inch virtual cockpit is standard and some of the TTS-grade brushed aluminium and composite inlays, have been used to trim the instrument binnacle.
Mechanically the TT S Line Competition Plus rides 10 mm lower than a standard version and is powered by the 180 kW and 370 Nm version of Audi’s 2-litre turbopetrol engine. Optional upgrades for the TT S Line Competition Plus include Nappa leather seats and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Take a look at what new cars are coming to South Africa in the remainder of 2020!
A flood of new cars was due to arrive in South Africa in 2020 but Covid-19 arrived instead and threw the entire motoring industry into a tailspin while also paralysing the local and global economy. The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is widespread and long-lasting and it will take months, if not years before we see a full recovery. As you can imagine, with production and distribution networks disrupted, delays are inevitable and many manufacturers have pushed out product arrivals as a result.
This list is currently being updated to reflect new products that may still arrive in the remaining months of 2020. If a brand does not appear on this list, assume that there's no new product expected for 2020.
Since its arrival in South Africa back in 2017, Alfa Romeo's Stelvio SUV has largely failed to find favour with local buyers. Nonetheless, an updated version can be expected towards the end of 2020. At present, the Stelvio QV tops the local range and offers 375 kW and 600 Nm from its bi-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine. A Stelvio Race Edition is also currently on offer.
Covid-19 has prevented the introduction of Audi's potent RS Q8 SUV this year and it will now be introduced in Q1 2021. It will bring massive firepower to the road with a 441 kW/800 Nm 4.0-litre bi-turbocharged engine that will ensure a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 3.8 seconds before smashing a top speed of 305 kph. Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.
The arrival of the P-Series has also been delayed but it's still expected to reach South Africa in 2020. Billed as the most ambitious Chinese double-cab to date, GWM has stated its intentions to become a 'Top 3' bakkie brand with its new P Series which will rival the likes of the popular Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
The cabin architecture is impressive for a Chinese vehicle with a large touchscreen infotainment system and passenger vehicle-like ergonomics. A vast array of standard features are also on offer. Mechanically, the P Series is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which drives all four wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine boasts 140 kW and 360 Nm. GWM has also equipped the P Series with 3 differential locks, which should theoretically give it unrivalled off-road ability.
The LS 500h combines a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with two electric motors for a total power output of 310 kW and 600 Nm and is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LS is due to reach South Africa in 2021.
This is Mini’s fastest and most powerful car ever and it thumps out 225 kW and 450 Nm of torque from its twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. An 8-speed Steptronic transmission with an integrated differential lock ensures brisk acceleration with Mini claiming a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 265 kph. The JCW GP has been confirmed for South Africa in Q4 of 2020 but it will be offered in limited numbers and pricing has yet to be confirmed. We will keep you updated!
Now 28 mm longer than before, the new Opel Corsa is a noticeable 48 mm lower overall, yet the front headroom has increased by 3 mm. It’s easily the most visually appealing Corsa to date and should help it continue to be Opel’s best-selling car. Engines include a 96 kW and 74 kW 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol and a 55 kW naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or 8-speed automatic. Local pricing and specification will be confirmed close to launch.
Taking design notes from the larger Peugeot 3008 SUV and the compact Peugeot 208 hatchback, this is the new 2008 compact SUV. It's a striking vehicle, both inside and out.
In terms of powertrain, we're looking at electric, petrol and diesel options. All engines comply with the latest Euro 6 standards and are fitted with Stop/Start and a particle filter. The petrol engine is the tried-and-tested turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine and is available in 3 states of tune including a 74 kW version, a 96 kW variant and finally, there's a 115 kW flagship offering. There will be a choice of either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic transmission.
For those wanting a diesel option, there's a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor with 2 states of tune. There'll be 74 kW on offer as well as 115 kW. Again, a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic transmission are available. The electric version of the Peugeot 2008 boasts 100 kW and 260 Nm, with a range of 310 km on a single charge. The battery comes with an 8-year guarantee for 70% charging capacity. Local specification, engine choices and pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.
With over 1.2 million units sold globally since its launch back in 2013, the Renault Captur has proven immensely popular. The all-new Renault Captur is underpinned by the new CMF-B platform, shared with the all-new Renault Clio, itself due for market introduction in SA in 2020.
The Renault Captur features the new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 73 kW and 160 Nm. There's also the option of a 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor with 95 kW and 240 Nm. This 1.3-litre motor is also available in a higher state of tune and can pack a 114 kW and 270 Nm punch at the top of the petrol range. In terms of gearboxes, the Captur is available with a 6-speed manual and a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. For those wanting diesel power, the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder motor is available in 2 states of tune. The first version has 70 kW and 240 Nm and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the second has 115 kW and 260 Nm, with the option of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Local specs and pricing will become available closer to launch.
2020 was the year of the Golf 8 but due to Covid-19, its arrival has been pushed out to the first quarter of 2021. It was earmarked as one of the most important local introductions of the year for the Wolfsburg-based firm. Underpinned by an updated version of the MQB platform, the Volkswagen Golf 8 boasts a huge technology upgrade under the skin. The overhauled interior is advanced and does away with many buttons, instead, focusing on touchscreens. Dubbed Innovision (the same name given to the Touareg's advanced interface), this dashboard is a huge leap forward.
The Golf 8 GTI will be revealed in 2020 and will be the first derivative introduced in South Africa with other engines options following after. The Volkswagen Golf 8 is expected to be exclusively sold with a DSG transmission in South Africa.
Jaguar’s mid-size XF sedan has received a major update including enhanced styling inside and out as well tech upgrades and updated powertrains. See the changes below!
Jaguar’s latest-generation XF sedan came to market in 2016 to rival products such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Now, the XF has been thoroughly updated to keep it fighting-fit to compete against its stiff competition in this segment.
What’s changed?
Jaguar has refined the look of its XF, but the interior updates are more substantial.
In terms of styling, Jaguar has gone to work by fitting a new front bumper with larger air intakes that sit lower than before. The grille is wider too and features a mesh design while the side fender vents now feature the iconic leaper emblem. The XF also benefits from new slim LED headlights with ‘Double J’ daytime running lights (Pixel LED headlights are optional) and adaptive driving beam ability. Premium LED technology is standard across the XF range while automatic high beam assist will be offered in SE and HSE derivatives.
The XF’s rear-end has been enhanced with a wider bumper and a body-coloured rear valance. The taillight surrounds have also been darkened. For a more distinct look, R-Dynamic specification will offer a sportier look while an Exterior Pack will also be offered with elements finished in gloss black.
Moving inside, the XF gains a new cabin design along with improved materials such as open-pore wood veneers and aluminium. A new curved 11.4 inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system is fitted as well as a new drive selector. The infotainment system is not only larger but the screen is also 3-times brighter and features a simplified menu structure and can be updated over the air. It’s also Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. A new 12.3-inch interactive driver display and Head-up display is also fitted for the driver’s convenience.
A wireless smartphone charger will also be offered as an option. The XF’s interior also boasts new door casings with 360-degree grab handles and improved storage while the new seats offer wider cushioning, new massage functions and enhanced heating and cooling functions. Cabin Air Ionisation, for improved cabin air quality, will be offered as an option.
Other cool features include Active Road Noise Cancellation technology (fro improved refinement), ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror and the latest-generation Activity Key which now incorporates a watch.
Engine Power
A more powerful diesel engine will be offered when the XF arrives locally in early 2021.
The XF will be offered a choice of 2 petrol engines and a new, more powerful turbodiesel engine from Jaguar’s Ingenium engine range. All XF’s are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Useful driver assistance technology includes Clear Exit Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control and a 3D Surround Camera.
The 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine choices include a 183 kW/365 Nm engine offered in rear-wheel-drive guise while the more powerful 221 kW/400 Nm engine will be offered with all-wheel-drive.
As for the new 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, it offers some 15 kW more than the outgoing 132 kW version and it offers outputs of 147 kW and 430 Nm.
The updated Jaguar XF is expected to reach South Africa in early 2021 and will be offered in S, R-Dynamic SE and R-Dynamic HSE derivatives. Local pricing will be communicated closer to the XF’s local launch.
Toyota Japan has quietly introduced the Offroad Package trim for the RAV4.
We've suspected the 5th-generation Toyota RAV4 is adept at the offroad stuff and our past experience with the GX-R all-wheel-drive version proved it was a lot more capable than previously thought. We did a river crossing as well as some steep gravel climbs and the RAV4 never skipped a beat.
Confirming our suspicions of offroad credibility is the announcement that Toyota has released an Adventure Offroad Package for the Japanese market RAV4. Visually, the changes aren't blatant, with a special edition matte-black 18-inch alloy wheel wrapped in all-terrain rubber and some proper roof rails. Inside, there are synthetic leather seats with red stitching and subtle badging on the dashboard.
Under the skin is where the real changes are to be found. There's a special suspension and ground clearance has been increased by 10 mm. As it stands the current ground clearance is 195 mm, so this Offroad Package setup takes that to 205 mm. In terms of powertrain, there are no changes and the Offroad Package-equipped RAV4 features the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine which produces 127 kW and 203 Nm.
While this Offroad Package is marketed for the Japanese market only, we reckon it wouldn't take much to convert SA-spec RAV4s to something similar. Toyota South Africa did announce some updates to the local RAV4 range in 2020, but its not as striking as the murdered out RAV4 offered in the UK.
Bolder graphics and better trim for Isuzu's doube-cab D-Max.
Isuzu might have disappointed South African customers with news of a long delay for third-generation D-Max, but globally the new bakkie’s portfolio is already growing.
The Japanese bakkie brand has not been shy of doing special edition double-cabs over the last few years, most of them leveraging the ‘X’ marketing association. In South Africa, we are familiar with the X-Rider bakkies, and it appears that this legacy will continue with new D-Max.
Although its third-generation D-Max is very new, Isuzu has now revealed the first special edition version in Thailand, which is the production hub for most of Isuzu’s double-cab bakkies. It is called the D-Max X-Series and features some slight styling enhancements, to differentiate it from other double-cabs.
Isuzu is launching the D-Max X-Series with two colour options, either black or pearl white. Contrasting with those exterior paint finishes is a gloss finish for the grille, with a bold red Isuzu brand icon.
Aerodynamics improve a touch thanks to the reshaped front spoiler, while colour-coded bumpers add to the more premium look for this X-Series Isuzu double-cab. The bonnet also gains a centreline ‘X-Series’ graphic design treatment.
There are running boards along its flanks and a non-structural sports bar behind the cab section, designed for balancing airflow and reducing aerodynamic drag.
The Isuzu D-Max X-Series rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels with a gloss black finish.
Isuzu's X-Series D-Max uses red detailing to full effect.
Inside Isuzu’s latest limited edition double-cab, there's red contrast stitching for the leather seats and the headrests gain a bold X-Series logo. Red accents are also present on the steering wheel, parking brake girdle and instrument panel.
Despite its premium billing in the new D-Max range, the X-Series does not make use of Isuzu’s most potent turbodiesel engine option. Powering the Japanese brand’s latest double-cab initiative is a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, boosting 110kW and 350Nm, instead of the 3-litre engine’s 140kW and 450Nm.
Do you like the look of this Isuzu D-Max X-Series?
Patent images of the next-generation Isuzu MU-X have emerged. Let's take a closer look at Isuzu's answer to the Fortuner and Everest brigade.
Spotted on Dutch website Autoweek, the following images apparently show an all-new Isuzu MU-X. Given how much has gone into the development into the all-new Isuzu D-Max, it should come as no surprise that there's an all-new Isuzu MU-X in the works too, based on the new bakkie.
The Isuzu MU-X is a 7-seater SUV assembled on the same platform and is a body-on-frame ladder chassis vehicle. In terms of styling, the new Isuzu MU-X is expected to adopt many elements from the new D-Max. Autoweek went on to describe the all-new MU-X has having a 'Mazda-like appearance', which is ironic as the all-new Mazda BT-50 double-cab bakkie is underpinned by the all-new Isuzu D-Max too. This also raises the very interesting question of whether Mazda will look to produce a badge-engineered body-on-frame SUV to join the segment .
In terms of engines, expect a carryover of the current powertrain arsenal. While it was not offered in South Africa, the 1.9-litre turbodiesel kicked off the range. We're likely to see an enhanced version of the 3.0-litre turbodiesel motor. In its current form it produces 130 kW and 380 Nm.
The segment is moving along at this point in time in South Africa. An updated Toyota Fortuner is on its way to market and should be in showrooms before the end of the year. The Ford Everest was revised in 2020 and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport was just facelifted in the first week of October 2020. An all-new Isuzu MU-X would throw the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons. We'll update this piece as soon as we hear more info.
Volvo’s Recharge electrification strategy is rolling out and there’s a new small electric crossover on the way!
*Pictured is the 2016 Volvo 40.1 Concept
Last year Volvo announced the XC40 Recharge, an all-electric version of the brand’s stylish XC40 crossover. The XC40 Recharge was the start of Volvo’s electric car strategy that aims to introduce a new electric car each year for the next 5 years. If all goes to plan, Volvo expects its electric vehicles to account for 50% of its global sales by 2025. There’s also a new flagship XC100 electric premium SUV on the way in 2023 that will slot in above the XC90.
In addition to the above, reports are indicating that a new small electric crossover is on the cards too and it will be built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform.
In an interview with British publication, Auto Express, Volvo CEO, Håkan Samuelsson, commented, “We’ll use it [SEA] for a smaller car, where I think it’s very practical and smart for us to share that [platform], so we can have a cost structure for a smaller car that’s very competitive.” The SEA platform is dedicated to producing electric vehicles and was developed in China.
As for what this new electric Volvo crossover will be called is not yet confirmed but it might carry the XC20 Recharge moniker, much like it’s bigger electric XC40 Recharge sibling.
We will keep you updated as more details of this new model emerges.
Semi-Finalists: 2020/21 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – Powered by WesBank
Herewith the 65 semi-finalists of the 2020/21 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank.
The theme for this year’s iteration of South Africa’s definitive automotive awards programme is “Be Part of the Journey – My Car, My Freedom”. As South Africa adapts to the “The New Normal” after many challenging months of national lockdown due to the impact of Covid-19, #CarsAwards recognises the importance of consumers regaining their freedom of movement and the role that car ownership plays in achieving that goal.
#CarsAwards, which recognises the best purchasing propositions in 13 categories of the domestic vehicle market, is now in its sixth year and the programme has been supported by WesBank, South Africa’s largest vehicle finance provider, for 5 consecutive years.
Volkswagen dominated the 2019/20 #CarsAwards by bagging 6 category wins, as well as the coveted Brand of the Year title.
The 13 eventual category winners will be selected from the list of 65 vehicles, which includes model derivatives from no fewer than 24 brands represented in the South African market. All vehicles available on the South African market on October 1, 2020, were eligible, not only new products that were launched during the past 12 months.
The first phase of #CarsAwards saw the extended Cars.co.za editorial team select the five best vehicles in each of the 13 categories devised for this year’s programme. Careful attention was paid to the respective categories’ “Filters of Eligibility” and the “Pillars of Success” in order to come to a consensus on the list of semi-finalists.
As with so many things that were planned for 2020, this year’s #CarsAwards judging process was delayed to allow vehicle manufacturers and importers to introduce new models as the restrictions imposed during lockdown have gradually eased. What’s more, compared with the 2019/20 #CarsAwards, the Performance Car and Fun Hatch categories have been discontinued, but they’ve replaced with new, more relevant ones.
The #CarsAwards gala event will take place in February 2021, where the winners across all 13 categories will be announced.
“We made some revisions to the categories to make sure that they are in line with what South Africans are shopping for in the new vehicle market, but also factored in which segments had seen significant activity in terms of new launches,” says Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager Hannes Oosthuizen. “We also consider pricing movements, to make sure that our categories remain relevant to the consumer.”
“So, this year, you will see an additional affordable car segment, as well as a new crossover segment, to address growing demand for such vehicles at more affordable prices. We have pushed out our semi-finalist selection by a month to assist brands that have had their new model introductions delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.
Even though as many as 25 brands’ vehicles feature in the list of 65, 11 brands have at least 3 semi-finalists in the running for category honours. As was the case at this stage last year, Volkswagen has the most representatives (7), but the Wolfsburg-based firm is followed closely by Suzuki (6) and Toyota (5) – and all three brands are #CarsAwards Brand of the Year winners. Ford and Hyundai, meanwhile, have 4 semi-finalists apiece.
Full list of 2020/21 #CarsAwards semi-finalists
Weighing just 770 kg, the Suzuki S-Presso is just like the coffee, in a way… Compact and nippy.
Entry-Level Car
Hyundai Atos 1.1 Motion
Peugeot 108 1.0 Active
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL
Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 S-Edition
Volkswagen 1.0 Move Up!
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
The recently-launched Toyota Starlet 1.4 Xr competes against its cousin, the Suzuki Baleno 1.4 GLX, in the budget-car category.
Budget Car
Ford Figo Freestyle 1.5 Trend
Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX
Suzuki Baleno 1.4 GLX
Toyota Starlet 1.4 Xr
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Comfortline
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
Earlier this year, we reviewed the Citroen C3 1.2 Feel; its turbocharged sibling is a semi-finalist in the compact hatch category.
Compact Hatch
Citroen C3 1.2T Shine
Ford Fiesta 1.0T Trend auto
Mazda2 1.5 Individual auto
Suzuki Swift 1.4T Sport auto
Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI Comfortline auto
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
Kia recently expanded its Seltos compact family car range by launching a turbodiesel derivative.
Compact Family Car
Hyundai Venue 1.0T Glide
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX+ auto
Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Prestige
Suzuki Vitara 1.4T GLX auto
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.5 TSI 110kW R-Line
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
The RAV4 is boldly styled and the GX-R – a #CarsAwards semi-finalist – is particularly striking in the metal.
Family Car
Citroen C5 Aircross 1.6T Shine
Mazda CX-5 2.0 Dynamic auto
Opel Grandland X 1.6 Turbo Enjoy
Subaru Forester 2.0i-S ES
Toyota RAV4 2.0 AWD GX-R
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
The flagship derivative of the updated Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a 2020/21 #CarsAwards semi-finalist.
Adventure SUV
Ford Everest 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4WD XLT
Haval H9 2.0T 4WD Luxury
Isuzu M-UX 3.0 4WD
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4 DI-D 4×4 Exceed
?Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 VX Auto
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
The Range Rover Evoque is still one of the most eye-catching vehicles in the Executive SUV segment.
Executive SUV
Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro S-Line
BMW X3 xDrive20d M-Sport
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d 4Matic AMG-Line
Range Rover Evoque P250 R-Dynamic SE
Volvo XC60 D5 R-Design
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
? With its “creased” exterior design language and smart detailing, the Lexus RX 450h SE looks suitably premium.
Premium SUV
BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport
Land Rover Defender D240 HSE
Lexus RX 450h SE
Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Executive R-Line
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin-Engine R-Design
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
The top-of-the-range Ford Ranger Wildtrak will be looking to unseat the Volkswagen Amarok in the leisure double-cab category.
Leisure Double-Cab
Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4×4 Wildtrak
Isuzu D-Max 3.0 TD 4×4 LX auto
Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-D 4×4 Extreme
Volkswagen Amarok 2.0BiTDI Highline Plus 4Motion
Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend Auto
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
The long-serving Mazda CX-3 is a contender in the new-for-2020 crossover category of the #CarsAwards.
Crossover
Hyundai Kona 2.0 Executive
Mazda CX-3 2.0 Individual Plus
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T GLS
Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES
Toyota C-HR 1.2T Luxury
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
The Volvo XC40 faces stiff competition in the premium crossover category from Audi, Jaguar, Lexus and Mini.
Premium Crossover
Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S Line
Jaguar E-Pace P250 AWD
Lexus UX 250h SE
Mini Countryman Cooper S
Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
Renault’s Megane RS Trophy derivatives are renowned for setting fastest hatchback laps at various circuits.
Hot Hatch
Honda Civic Type R
Hyundai i30 N
Renault Megane RS300 Trophy
Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic
Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
Inspired by the 325iS Gusheshe, the 330is Edition leads BMW’s charge in the (now renamed) sports executive category.
Sports Executive
Audi A4 40 TFSI Sport S Line
BMW 330is Edition
Jaguar XE P250 S
Lexus IS 350 F-Sport
Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line
For more info on the category’s criteria and semi-finalists, click here.
In the next round (due to take place in mid-October 2020), the extended Cars.co.za editorial team will score the semi-finalists individually, taking into account various criteria set out for each of the respective categories. Following that, the top three finalists per category will be announced and subjected to back-to-back testing at the renowned Gerotek proving ground in Gauteng by the combined judging panel (the 6 Cars.co.za editorial team members and 14 respected guest judges from various backgrounds and fields of expertise) on 3 and 4 November 2020.
Combined judging panel for the 2020/21 #CarsAwards:
Khulekani Dumisa (Khulekani on Wheels), Aluta Maqoko (The Kolloquium), Juliet McGuire (Freelance), Brenwin Naidu (Sowetan & Sunday Times), Leanne Manas (Morning Live), Dasen Thathiah (eNCA), Ciro de Siena (Cars.co.za), Nafisa Akabor (Tech Journalist), David Taylor (Cars.co.za), Ernest Page (SA Car Fan), Jacob Moshokoa (947 & EWN), Phuti Mpyane (Business Day), Wendy Knowler (Consumer Specialist), Mpho Letsholonyane (SuperSport & Power 98.7), Wezile Bonani (Bay FM), Gero Lilleike (Cars.co.za), Kojo Baffoe (freelance), Thami Masemola (In4Ride), Ashley Oldfield (Cars.co.za) and Lerato Matebese (Top Gear).
The 20 judges’ scores for each of the 39 finalists will only count for 50% of the final standings, however. The other 50% will be based on rankings that the respective vehicle brands represented by the finalists achieved in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, conducted in partnership with 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).
“The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank is designed to be a guide for all new passenger vehicle buyers, not only those who follow motoring publications,” Oosthuizen concludes. “With 50% of the final scores determined by brands’ rating in the survey, a vehicle only really stands a very good chance of winning if it is a good product in the eyes of the judges and if its brand delivers solid after-sales service.
It goes without saying that ongoing public participation in the Ownership Satisfaction Survey enables Cars.co.za to deliver the most relevant and accurate data-driven insights to consumers. The survey also represents a golden opportunity for owners to have a say in the outcome of the 2020/21 #CarsAwards. Have your say here.
