2024 Best Budget Hatch

If your new-car budget allows you to shop in the R250 000 to R350 000 segment, any of the 3 finalists in the Budget Hatch category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa, should be on your shortlist. But Suzuki really knows how to build impressive, affordable cars and that’s why the Baleno took the top spot. 

In these cash-strapped times, almost everyone is on a tight budget. Does buying an affordable new car therefore mean that you have to compromise on safety, technology and quality? No, not necessarily.

The 2024 Best Budget Hatch must represent “as much new car as you can get for your money”. Value for money is important, as are running costs and other “common sense” considerations. 

The Budget Hatch category

This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R250 000 and R350 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023). What’s more, eligible vehicles in this category must have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual front (or more) airbags and a service plan.  

Pillars of success for this category include fuel economy, value for money, practicality and brand strength. 

Best Budget Hatch: CarsAwards WINNER  

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX

It’s a delight to find a spacious, well-thought-out and generously equipped budget hatchback that doesn’t cost a fortune to buy or own. Although it still utilises the underpinnings of its predecessor, the 2nd-gen Baleno remains one of very few “oversized” small hatchbacks that offer good rear legroom; it’s well-made, suitably comfortable, has a proven, fuel-frugal powertrain and is renowned for its reliability.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Suzuki Baleno

Find a Suzuki Baleno for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNER-UP: Renault Clio 1.0 Turbo Zen

The latest iteration of the Renault Clio took its time to get to South Africa and while some suggest the B-segment hatch segment is no longer that relevant, the Clio (and the other finalists) represent great value. The Clio is powered by a small-yet-punchy turbopetrol engine, boasts a modern cabin and has all the “bells and whistles” considered essential at this price point. Luggage space is surprisingly generous too.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Renault Clio

Find a Renault Clio for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNER-UP: Toyota Starlet 1.5 XR

While it may be a clone of the Suzuki Baleno, the Starlet has a few tricks up its sleeve, such as Toyota’s renowned after-sales backup, a strong resale proposition and the support of the widest vehicle dealer network in Mzansi. The latest iteration of the model incorporates more obvious aesthetic differences to the Baleno, but the Toyota also impresses with its abundant cabin space, great engine and good value.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Toyota Starlet

Find a Toyota Starlet for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) were named on 29 February 2024.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2024 Best Compact Family Car

Looking for a spacious, reasonably affordable hold-all for the family? Toyota’s locally-manufactured Corolla Cross is the 2024 Best Compact Family Car in the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa. However, the 2 runners-up in this category are also well worth considering…

With household budgets stretched to breaking point, a reasonably affordable family car needs to wear many hats. The 2024 Compact Family Car has to excel at being a compact urban runabout, a sufficiently spacious school-run vehicle and, on occasion, a source of transport for weekend getaways.

Practicality and spaciousness are important considerations, but so are safety, technology, fuel efficiency and load-carrying flexibility.

The Compact Family category

This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors include a list price between R400 000 to R500 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023), an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC), a minimum of 4 airbags, split-folding rear seats, air conditioning and a service plan. 

Pillars of success for this category include powertrain flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, design and quality appeal, comfort and safety. 

Best Compact Family Car: CarsAwards WINNER

Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR

Toyota took its time to enter the small crossover market but now offers several models in that segment. The locally-assembled Corolla Cross is the crowning achievement in that line-up; by going the raised body route with the Corolla platform, the nameplate has captured a new audience. The Corolla Cross offers the best of Toyota: spaciousness and comfort, allied with excellent reliability, service and backup.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Toyota Corolla Cross

Find a Toyota Corolla Cross for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNER-UP: Haval Jolion S Super Luxury

Haval has rapidly become one of the most popular brands in the South African new-vehicle market and the primary reason for the Chinese brand’s success is the Jolion, which ticks nearly all the boxes for a modern, connected, practical and resolved compact family car. At this price point, the Jolion comes with a long list of standard features, a cabin that feels upmarket, a 5-year warranty and a 5-year service plan.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Haval Jolion

Find a Haval Jolion for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNER-UP: Renault Duster 1.5dCi Intens

The Renault Duster looks rugged and, fittingly, ready to take some of Mzansi’s less-than-well-maintained roads in its stride. It boasts commendable cabin space, a large load bay, and several in-car entertainment features. The ace in its deck is its turbodiesel motor, which offers excellent fuel economy to complement a pliant ride quality. What’s more, the raised ride height makes it quite capable of traversing gravel roads.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Renault Duster

Find a Renault Duster for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) were named on 29 February 2024.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2024 Best Compact Hatch

Once one of the most important segments in the local market, the Compact Hatch has come under increasing pressure from affordable crossovers. However, the winner of this category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa is the Volkswagen Polo, which hits back with increased sophistication and attractive design.

Cars in this segment appeal to a very wide audience – from young professionals to family-car buyers trading up from entry-level vehicles and pensioners buying down from something larger and expensive. The 2024 Best Compact Hatch has to be a well-balanced car and reflect what is best about modern automotive design and engineering, but present it in a distilled, reasonably affordable form.

The Compact Hatch category

This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R350 000 and R500 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023), an anti-lock braking system, a minimum of 4 airbags, aircon, USB support, Bluetooth connectivity and a service plan. 

Pillars of success for this category include a balance of fuel economy and power/performance, value for money, practicality, brand strength, design and quality appeal, ride and handling and safety. 

Best Compact Hatch: CarsAwards WINNER 

Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI 85kW R-Line

The locally assembled Volkswagen Polo helped to establish South Africa’s compact car segment and remains a frontrunner – and benchmark – in the segment. The facelifted 6th-gen model is the biggest and most advanced Polo yet and comes with an array of engines suited to our market. We’d argue that it is the most modern-looking car in the segment too, but all of this excellence comes at a price premium.

Price & Specs

Read a Launch Review of the Volkswagen Polo

Find a Volkswagen Polo for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNER-UP: Honda Fit 1.5 Elegance

Honda has followed an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach with the latest iteration of its Jazz. Now called the Fit, the compact hatchback retains its cute city looks and incredibly practical setup, complete with those legendary “magic seats”. A 1.5-litre petrol engine offers adequate performance and fair economy, but it’s the only car here with a naturally aspirated powertrain, which may count against it in terms of performance, but on the other hand should prove incredibly reliable.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Honda Fit

Find a Honda Fit for sale on Cars.co.za

Opel Corsa 1.2T Elegance

The Opel Corsa is a perennially underrated offering in this segment. The Russelsheim-based brand is now part of the Stellantis group (which includes Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and other car brands) and the Corsa clearly benefits from Opel’s sister brands’ small-car nous. Its 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol is one of the finest small engines around, the cabin looks and feels modern and the 5-year warranty is a plus.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Opel Corsa

Find an Opel Corsa for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) were named on 29 February 2024.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2024 Best Premium Crossover

If you’re looking for a premium motoring experience, with all the luxury, performance and style in a compact shape, then any of the 3 finalists in the Premium Crossover category in the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa, is worthy of consideration. In our view, however, the BMW X1 is the pick of the bunch.

These stylish vehicles offer a popular SUV look in a smaller, more city-friendly package. The 2024 Best Premium Crossover must attract attention with eye-catching looks, colours and a punchy powertrain. Individuality is the name of the game in this segment, where models’ interior and exterior looks can be tailored to buyers’ specific tastes, while still providing the most up-to-date in-car technologies.

The Premium Crossover category 

This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R700 000 and R1 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023) to ensure exclusivity and status. To be eligible for this category, a model must be a crossover/small SUV in the mould of models such as the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 etc. 

Pillars of success for this category include powertrain technology, driving dynamics, design and quality appeal, luxury and brand strength. 

2024 Best Premium Crossover: CarsAwards WINNER  

BMW X1 sDrive18d M Sport

The new BMW X1 feels a lot more substantial than the 2nd-generation model. Even though it’s still a city car first and foremost, the roomier U11 model has shaken off its predecessor’s “bland crossover” image; it presents as a small SUV endowed with the latest BMW infotainment, engines and technology. Its on-road manners are exceptional and the diesel engine perfectly balances performance and fuel economy.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the BMW X1

Find a BMW X1 for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNER-UP: Audi Q3 Sportback 40TFSI quattro S Line

The Q3 is Audi South Africa’s best-selling model and it’s easy to understand why. The Ingolstadt-based brand’s premium compact crossover offers modern and upmarket exterior styling, a punchy turbopetrol engine, an all-wheel drivetrain, as well as a refined platform. Although its smart cabin feels minimalist, the 40TFSI quattro S Line is sufficiently specced at this price point.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Audi Q3

Find an Audi Q3 for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNER-UP: Volvo XC40 B4 Ultimate Dark

In years to come, Volvo’s XC range may be remembered as some of the Swedish brand’s finest products. In the XC40 – the smallest of the trio of models – customers are treated to a compact, yet well-thought-out premium crossover. It has a beautifully finished cabin equipped with an innovative Google-powered infotainment system. The B4 mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine delivers willing performance too.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Volvo XC40

Find a Volvo XC40 for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) were named on 29 February 2024.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2024 Best Entry-Level Crossover

Shopping for an affordable car, but don’t want a traditional hatchback? There is plenty of competition in the Entry-Level Crossovers market, with new entrants announced almost every month! The winner in the Entry-Level Crossover category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa, is the Suzuki Grand Vitara.

South African new-vehicle buyers now prefer crossovers over hatchbacks, sedans and MPVs. This category represents the entry point to SUV-inspired vehicles with a modicum of raised ride height.

Besides having additional body cladding and ground clearance (‘kerb-hopping capability’), the 2024 Best Entry-Level Crossover of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa needs to offer the best combination of practicality, spaciousness, safety, technology, fuel efficiency and flexibility.

The Entry-Level Crossover category

This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R300 000 and R400 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023), ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), a minimum of 4 airbags, split-folding rear seats, air conditioning and a service plan. 

Pillars of success for this category include engine flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, comfort and safety. 

2024 Best Entry-Level Crossover: CarsAwards WINNER 

Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 GLX manual

Suzuki is renowned for offering great value for money at the budget end of the market. While some may feel that the Grand Vitara name was better suited to the last model that wore it (which had notable off-road ability), the 2023 Grand Vitara is undeniably a much more accomplished offering than its successor, the good – if rather basic – Vitara Brezza. It has a “bulletproof” engine that balances willing performance with admirable efficiency, a spacious cabin and, in GLX trim, comes generously specced with features.

Price & Specs

Watch a Video Review of the Suzuki Grand Vitara

Find a Suzuki Grand Vitara for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNER-UP: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Elite Auto

Chery hopes to emulate fellow Chinese brand Haval’s rapid ascent up the new-vehicle sales charts and, based on the strengths of its Tiggo lineup and sales figures, it’s well on the way to doing that. The distinctively styled Tiggo 4 Pro comes well-appointed at the price, features a punchy 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine and quality materials abound in the cabin. The Chery is positioned as an affordable car, but it doesn’t feel like one.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

Find a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNER-UP: Haval Jolion 1.5T Premium

When the Haval brand arrived in South Africa in 2017, it made an immediate impact with the feature-packed H2 compact family car and its successor – the Jolion – ticks even more boxes as a modern, connected, practical and well-thought-out entry-level crossover. The 1.5T Premium offers a plethora of features at the price, stands out in a segment known for cars that lack a bit of flair, and feels upmarket.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Haval Jolion

Find a Haval Jolion for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) were named on 29 February 2024.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2024 Best Family Car

The Family Car category is one of the most fiercely contested in the market. These vehicles are genuine all-rounders, offering not only spaciousness, but efficiency, luxury and performance in neatly-styled SUV bodies. While the Chinese brands have found favour in this segment, Kia claimed victory with its acclaimed Sportage.

A medium crossover or SUV, which we’ve categorised under “family car” ever since the #CarsAwards programme began in 2015, must perform a wide variety of duties; it needs to be a practical all-rounder. The 2024 Best Family Car should excel on the school run, but also be able to transport a family to a distant holiday location. In this category, interior flexibility, comfort and, of course, safety are paramount.

The Family Car category

This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R600 000 and R800 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023). The following features must be standard: ABS and electronic stability control (ESC), aircon, a minimum of 6 airbags, split-folding rear seats, as well as a service plan. 

Pillars of success for this category include powertrain flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, design and quality appeal, comfort and safety and in-car entertainment.  

2024 Best Family Car: The CarsAwards WINNER

Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi EX

The 5th-gen Kia Sportage burst onto the scene with bold and futuristic good looks, but under its shapely sheet metal you’ll find a well-packaged family SUV. Initially offered with petrol engines only, the Sportage range was bolstered by the addition of a turbodiesel powerplant, which promises excellent fuel economy. The EX grade includes most of the convenience features expected of a mid-spec derivative.

Price & Specs

Read a review of the Kia Sportage

Find a Kia Sportage for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNER-UP: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDi 390 Executive

Chery recently enhanced the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which was quite a compelling offering to begin with. The 2.0TGDi 390 Executive represents incredible value for money (considering it has a standard 7-year/90 000 km service plan) because, when it comes to features and comforts, it is comprehensively specced.

A 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine provides plenty of performance and it appears the Chinese carmaker has addressed some of the fuel-economy concerns. With its keen price point and 3rd row of seats, the latter of which is the exception to the rule in this popular segment, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max is a strong contender in this category.

Price & Specs

Read a Launch Review of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro

Find a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNER-UP: Haval H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury

The H6 is one of 2 models that have propelled Haval up SA’s new-vehicle sales charts. This is not a run-of-the-milll H6 derivative, however – it’s a self-charging petrol-electric hybrid. The 2.0-litre turbopetrol has been swopped for a 1.5-litre engine with an electric battery and motor. The result is a similar level of performance, but better fuel economy. Ultra Luxury trim includes a dazzling array of features and tech.

Price & Specs

Watch a Video Review of the Haval H6 HEV

Find a Haval H6 for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) were named on 29 February 2024.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Toyota Fortuner 48V (2024) Price & Specs

The locally built Fortuner range will soon welcome new mild-hybrid derivatives. Here’s pricing for the upcoming Toyota Fortuner 48V variants ahead of the launch in South Africa…

We’ve already brought you a pricing scoop on the new 48V mild-hybrid versions of the Toyota Hilux. Now, we’ll turn our attention to the likewise lightly electrified Toyota Fortuner 48V mild-hybrid derivatives, which are also scheduled to launch in South Africa at some point in March 2024.

Yes, Cars.co.za has uncovered local pricing for the new Fortuner 48V variants ahead of their official introduction. Our information suggests the popular Prospecton-built adventure SUV range – which may well also benefit from a specification change when the 48V models officially join – will welcome 4 mild-hybrid derivatives, resulting in an 11-strong portfolio.

The 48V option will be available on all Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 6AT derivatives.

The 48V mild-hybrid package will be available on all auto-equipped Fortuner variants that use the 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. According to our information, the Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 6AT 4×2 48V will be priced at R834 800, making it R14 400 more expensive than the non-electrified equivalent (based on the latter’s current pricing; whether a general price increase will be implemented across the line-up at the time of the 48V launch remains to be seen).

Next will be the Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 VX 6AT 4×2 48V, priced at R879 300 (also a R14 000 premium), followed by the Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 6AT 4×4 48V at R918 600 and Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 VX 6AT 4×4 48V at R961 800 (both up R16 900 from the standard versions). As with the non-electrified derivatives, the new 48V variants will furthermore be available in bi-tone form, adding R10 500 to the base price in each case.

The mild-hybrid system is capable of adding 12 kW and 65 Nm.

As a reminder, the familiar 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine in the Fortuner 48V additionally drives a compact motor generator using a belt system, which in turn charges a lithium battery. We’re guessing the 48V battery supplies the 7-seater SUV’s 12V system via a new DC-DC converter, exactly as it does in the equivalent Hilux bakkie.

The battery pack is charged during deceleration, regenerating braking energy that would otherwise have been lost, while also seemingly adding braking performance. When fully charged, the 48V battery is able to deliver up to 12 kW and 65 Nm through the motor generator to the engine, in addition to the oil-burning unit’s standard outputs of 150 kW and 500 Nm.

We’ll update this story should any more specification details become available…

How much does the new Toyota Fortuner 48V cost in SA?

Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 6AT 4×2 48V – R834 800

Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 VX 6AT 4×2 48V – R879 300

Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 6AT 4×4 48V – R918 600

Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 VX 6AT 4×4 48V – R961 800

While we expect the Fortuner 48V to ship standard with the same 9-service/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km) and 3-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty as the standard models, it’s not yet known whether Toyota SA Motors will also offer a warranty specific to the battery pack.

Related content

Toyota Fortuner (2023) In-Depth Video Review

Ford Everest vs Toyota Fortuner: What to buy?

Toyota Fortuner (2006-2016) Buyer’s Guide

R500k grand prize for CarsAwards Roadshow

Now that the winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa have been revealed, YOU can share in the CarsAwards experience by attending the Consumer Awards Roadshow at Sandton City, where amazing prizes are up for grabs, including R500 000 towards the purchase of a new or used vehicle.

The winners of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards were announced at a gala event in Sandton on 29 February 2024. However, the 7th instalment of SA’s most authoritative automotive industry awards programme, which recently received an endorsement from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, concludes with the Consumer Awards Roadshow at Sandton City Mall from 1 to 3 March!

At the gala: All the winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa

Established in 2015 by Cars.co.za – South Africa’s most-loved automotive platform – as part of the brand’s mission to help car buyers make informed purchasing decisions, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards (known as the #CarsAwards) is now in its 7th – and most elaborate – iteration. Earlier this year, #CarsAwards concluded a partnership with leading bank Absa to take the awards programme into the future and, last year, it hosted its first Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Roadshow at the Mall of Africa.

#CarsAwards Mall of Africa

That event proved such a runaway success that Cars.co.za and Absa will present another Consumer Awards Roadshow, which will present all 39 of the finalist vehicles (in other words, the 13 category winners and 26 runners-up) of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards directly to consumers at Sandton City Mall from 1 to 3 March 2024. Everyone is welcome to attend the immersive and interactive experience.

The Consumer Awards Roadshow at Sandton City Mall will see all finalist vehicles – yes, the 39 best models in the South African new-car market – displayed under one roof. #CarsAwards-themed displays will be dotted throughout the mall and visitors will have opportunities to inspect some of the most highly rated new-car purchases for themselves, as well as enter #CarsAwards competitions to win prizes.

#CarsAwards

In other words, the Consumer Awards Roadshow will be much, much more than a pop-up car dealership; it will be like a giant multi-brand franchise (with no fewer than 18 brands represented among the 39 finalists) in the heart of Sandton City. There will be 2 display areas: the Centre Court, where gameshow-style giveaways will be hosted, and Nelson Mandela Square. And, to keep the little ones occupied while their parents have time to check out the shiny new vehicles on display, a colouring area will be provided.

Also, the Consumer Awards Roadshow at Sandton City Mall will go further than last year’s activation at Mall of Africa. Visitors will again be able to inspect, experience and possibly test drive cars that they’re interested in, plus they can engage with Cars.co.za advisers and car dealers’ sales representatives. But this time, Absa will also have a lounge and a pop-up bank so that buyers can purchase cars at the mall.

#CarsAwards judges such as Bongani from MrHowMuch, Muzi Sambo, Reba Semakane, Kumbi-M, Juliet Maguire, Jacob Moshokoa and Ciro De Siena will be in attendance to interact with roadshow visitors.

A grand prize worth R500k must be won!

During the 3 days of the Consumer Awards Roadshow at Sandton City Mall, Absa will award a grand prize of R500 000 to an eligible mall visitor (entry details will provided at the event). The winner will be able to spend that sum as a deposit for or to buy a new or used car of their choice (Terms & Conditions apply).

#CarsAwards Mall of Africa

Our chief YouTube channel presenter Ciro De Siena will be there to help the winner make their decision and accompany them to one of Cars.co.za’s dealer partners, where they will be able to use the R500k to purchase the vehicle of their choice. Thereafter, the lucky winner will drive home in their new purchase!

The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa utilises a unique scoring system that involves extensive testing by a panel of 20 expert judges, real-world input from car owners (not only concerning general product qualities but also reliability and after-sales service), as well as extra data provided by Lightstone Consumer, to recognise the best vehicles in 13 categories of the local new-car market.

Cars.co.za will announce the winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa via traditional media platforms. Also, follow the #CarsAwards on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Related content:

Winners: 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa

Cars.co.za and Absa aim to reward finalist vehicles with sales

Cars.co.za and Absa: A Winning Combination

Cars.co.za Consumer Awards — Tough Testing, The Consumer Wins! 

2023/24 CarsAwards – The finalists

McLaren Artura Spider Packs 515 kW

The compact and electrified McLaren Artura Spider has been revealed with a drop-top and enhanced performance.

The Artura is McLaren’s hybrid supercar and now the Woking-based brand has dropped the top and added more power. The McLaren Artura Spider is said to be the brand’s first high-performance hybrid convertible.

The 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 and electric motor make 515 kW and 720 Nm. The electric motor on its own is good for 70 kW and 225 Nm. The British supercar maker says this new model is its most fuel-efficient convertible ever, with a claim of 4.8 L/100 km. It also has a pure electric range of 33 km.

Impressively, the McLaren Artura Spider is said to be the lightest convertible supercar, with as much as 83 kg separating it from its nearest rival. It has a dry weight of 1 457 kg meaning performance will be sensational. McLaren claims a 0-100 kph of 3.0 seconds but we find the 0-200 kph time of 8.4 seconds impressive. A top speed of 330 kph is claimed.

Changes for the 2025 model-year include a revised gearbox calibration for 25% quicker gearchanges, new powertrain mounts, tweaks to the response rates of the adaptive dampers and suspension, new brake cooling ducts to name but a few.

For the McLaren Artura Spider, the exhaust has been redesigned for extra sound, which will make those who enjoy spirited top-down drives happy. The roof can operate at speeds of up to 50 kph and the entire opening/closing operation takes just 11 seconds.

Interestingly, the enhancements on the Artura Spider have been carried over to the coupe as well and current customers can head to their dealership for a complimentary power boost and software upgrade.

The latest McLaren news and reviews

Want to purchase a new or used McLaren? Browse units for sale

South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkies last month

Which bakkie was the best seller in South Africa’s hotly contested double-cab segment in January 2024? Well, we have the figures for the opening month of the year…

We’ve already brought you our list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for January 2024. Now it’s finally time to turn our attention to the double-cab bakkie sales race.

Yes, since Naamsa’s monthly sales figures unfortunately don’t include a breakdown of the 3 available bakkie body styles (single cab, extended cab and double cab), we’ve again turned to our colleagues over at Lightstone Auto for help identifying SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkies for January 2024.

As a reminder, though, when all 3 body styles are included, the Toyota Hilux led the charge in January, selling a total of 2 645 units sold last month. The Ford Ranger was 2nd on 1 914 units, with the Isuzu D-Max again taking 3rd with 1 336 units.

South Africa’s top-selling double-cab bakkies in January

Ford’s Ranger took an early lead in 2024’s double-cab bakkie sales race.

Right, now let’s break down the sales statistics by body style. According to Lightstone Auto’s figures, the Ford Ranger – which took the title of Mzansi’s best-selling double cab in 2023 – remained in pole position in January 2024, with 1 476 dual-cab units registered. For the record, that works out to 77.1% of the Silverton-built bakkie’s overall tally for the month.

As such, the Toyota Hilux found itself in 2nd position in South Africa’s double-cab sales race, with 1 205 units sold during the month. The latter figure – which is 271 registrations behind the Ranger – represented 45.6% of the Prospecton-produced stalwart’s overall figure in January.

As you’ve no doubt already gleaned, the final place on the double-cab podium went to the Struandale-manufactured Isuzu D-Max, which managed 479 dual-cab units last month. That’s just 35.9% of the Japanese contender’s aggregate for the opening month of 2024.

For the record, Lightstone Auto’s figures furthermore showed that all other 1-tonne double-cab bakkie derivatives (over and above the Ranger, Hilux and D-Max) collectively managed 1 158 registrations.

SA’s best-selling extended- and single-cab bakkies

Toyota’s Hilux led the single- and extended-cab segments after the opening month of 2024.

Now let’s examine the 1-tonne single-cab space (note, the soon-to-depart Nissan NP200 is not included in this exercise since it’s a half-tonner). The Toyota Hilux was the clear leader in this part of the market in January 2024, being the only single-cab contender to crack 4 figures (1 017 units). For the record, that represents 38.4% of the nameplate’s total.

The Isuzu D-Max retained 2nd position in the single-cab space with 678 units (or 50.7% of its overall tally), while the 2-door version of the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (454 units or 78.5% of its total) remained in 3rd place. The Ford Ranger single cab, meanwhile, could muster just 153 registrations (8.0% of the Ranger total) in January, with all other 1-tonne single cabs collectively managing 578 units.

The Toyota Hilux also led the extended-cab sales race, with 420 units of its Xtra Cab registered last month. However, the Ford Ranger Super Cab (285 units) wasn’t too far behind in 2nd, just ahead of the Isuzu D-Max Extended Cab (179 units) in 3rd.

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