Mercedes-Benz X-Class (2018) International Launch Review

Mercedes-Benz's double-cab bakkie will be launched in SA during the first half of 2018. We've seen the concepts, we rode shotgun in the pre-production units at the international reveal in Cape Town and now, finally, we head across the Atlantic Ocean to drive the X-Class on a 400-km route through Chile. Does it live up to the hype?

The X-Class is a radical departure for the Stuttgart-based firm. Because this is new territory for Mercedes-Benz, it's not difficult to understand why the German firm would partner with Nissan, an established player in the bakkie market, for this project. It would've cost Benz plenty, both in time and money, if it had to develop its own bakkie from the ground up. It'd probably still be a concept, if that was the case…

The Navara presents a logical choice for a shared platform. While sales of the recently launched Nissan were initially sluggish, the numbers have started ticking over, although they're nowhere near those of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. The Navara is comparatively popular in continental Europe, but that region's bakkie sales are minuscule when you see how many are sold in South Africa. This is not the first collaboration between the brands either: Mercedes and the Renault-Nissan alliance has been sharing powertrains and there are shared components across a number of products.

From an on-road point of view, the X-Class features a specific suspension tuning for greater ride and cabin refinement.

How much has Mercedes-Benz adjusted the Navara to suit its own needs? According to the engineers and experts we spoke to, there are considerable changes and revisions to existing componentry. To name a few examples, the suspension has been reworked, a more direct steering setup has been adopted and there are reinforcements to the ladder frame. Critically, we were very interested to hear that Mercedes-Benz had replaced Nissan's drum rear brakes with more potent ventilated discs. The axles have also been replaced by wider units, front and rear. Would we be able to tell the difference? Perhaps, if only if we had the opportunity to have an X-Class and a Navara together for an extended test…

For the man on the street, the biggest changes will be apparent in the cabin design and execution. The Benz's interior feels substantially more upmarket than that of a Nissan Navara and it's not a simple case of switching the badges on the steering wheel. The infotainment system has been overhauled and replaced with a Mercedes-Benz sourced unit, and there are some repositioning of buttons and switches. For example, the heated seats in the Navara are located just aft of the gear selector, whereas in the X-class they've been moved to the outer edges of the seats.

Premium finishes abound in the X-Class' interior, but in some ways they look smarter than they feel.

When is it coming and what spec?

The million Rand questions have to be answered promptly! The first Mercedes-Benz X-Class units will be arriving in South Africa in Q2 of 2018, with a flagship V6 model estimated to arrive at the end of next year. As it stands, we'll be getting the following derivatives: Pure, which is essentially a workhorse; Progressive which combines lifestyle and work, and Power which is the high-end flagship trim level.

Mercedes-Benz is also putting together a comprehensive accessories catalogue, comprising styling bar, tonneau covers, canopies and the like. As for pricing, Mercedes-Benz is still exceptionally cagey about how much its X-Class will cost when it comes to South Africa, so we'll just have to wait for the new year. Dare we speculate? Why not! We predict that the flagship Mercedes-Benz X-Class will breach the R1 million barrier, or at least come very close. While some will wince at that price tag, we'd just like to point out that Mercedes-Benz SA already has a queue of customers who have already put down deposits.

Judging by the levels of pre-launch interest, demand for a R1-million bakkie might be greater than some people expect.

What's it like to drive?

Our launch route took us through some spectacular Chilean countryside. On offer for us to sample was the X250d, but we did have the opportunity to ride as passengers in the flagship V6. These V6 units are essentially still pre-production models and aren't quite the finished product.

The roads leading out of Santiago are of varying quality and we put the X-Class through highway, winding country roads, gravel tracks and pothole-infested mountain paths. The first key takeaway here is that Mercedes-Benz has worked hard to minimise road-, mechanical- and trim noises. The cabin is a tranquil space, irrespective of whether you're pounding down a highway at the national limit or traversing gravel.

Gravel roads present a minor challenge to the X-Class, which impresses with good NVH suppression on- and off-road.

Our test vehicle was the X250d 4Matic in Power trim, powered by a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Peak outputs are 140 kW and 450 Nm, with shove going to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, we find this engine more than adequate in the Navara, but in the X-Class application, the additional weight of the Mercedes-Benz means that it loses some of its responsiveness and urge. It's not crucial, but we were expecting a bit more responsiveness. On a positive note though, is the fact that the engine note hardly intrudes into the cabin unless you're really wringing its neck.

We have our criticisms, however. There's a lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel, meaning you're never going to get that perfect driving position. Unless you're specifying a top-spec trim model, the X-Class cabin contains some plastics that are of a quality not appropriate for what's being marketed as a luxury bakkie. At first glance, the cabin looks smart and upmarket, but upon closer inspection, you'll spot some cheap finishes here and there. You could argue that these cheaper plastics are tough and long-lasting in their defence, but surely at this end of the price spectrum, it's unsightly?

Finally, our biggest gripe is the lack of rear cabin space. The sit-behind-yourself test is barely a pass as the author (who admittedly is taller than average) found his knees up against the back of the driver's seat. It'll be okay for children, but for four adults? That's not going to be pleasant on longer journeys.

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But can it go off-road?

We've experienced the Nissan Navara's off-road prowess a few times and a member of our team has sampled the sibling Renault Alaskan too (with favourable feedback). Neither the Japanese nor the French bakkies disappointed when the tarmac has turned to sand and gravel, and we expected the Mercedes-Benz X-Class to perform in much the same manner. Predictably, that's exactly what it did.

Fundamentally and mechanically it's so close to the Nissan Navara, but somehow Mercedes-Benz has imbued its X-Class with something intangible that you can only feel from behind the wheel. Perhaps its the spirit of the Gelandewagen, but we felt indestructible and commanding from behind the wheel of the Benz bakkie on the rougher stuff. If you're wondering why Mercedes-Benz didn't go down the G-Class route, it would have simply been too expensive to make a G-Class double-cab.

The X-Class offers all the off-roader characteristics that enthusiasts crave and expect, yet never loses its premium feel.

The vital offroad numbers should keep the 4×4 fanatics happy and we're keen to really give it a test when it arrives on our shores. The new Mercedes-Benz has a ramp breakover angle of 22 degrees, a maximum tilt of 49 degrees, 100 percent maximum gradeability, 600 mm of wading capability, 222 mm of ground clearance and angle of approach front/rear of 30 and 25 degrees respectively.

All X-Class derivatives, bar the flagship, come with switchable 4Matic all-wheel drive and you can select between 2- and 4-wheel drive (high and low range). There's also a differential lock on the rear axle and downhill assist. The flagship X350d 4Matic comes with permanent all-wheel drive. On the quick 4×4 course we felt confident and the Mercedes-Benz X-Class coped admirably with what we put it through.

We experienced the flagship 190 kW and 550 Nm V6 X350d from the passenger seat. The V6 engine delivers good power despite some initial lag and it's going to make for a phenomenal comparison against the Volkswagen Amarok towards the end of next year. This will be marketed as the ultimate incarnation of the X-Class and it'll come with luxuries such as shift paddles and dynamic driving modes.

Summary

The various specifications available for the X-Class should see it vault to the top of the bakkie price lists immediately.

In the context of South Africa, which Mercedes-Benz global has identified as a key market for X-Class, has the newcomer done enough to ensure some success? We believe it has. While it fundamentally remains a Nissan underneath, Mercedes-Benz has polished it's rougher commercial edges and an injected it with a borderline unhealthy amount of premiumness. Sure, these bakkies are meant to be workhorses and there's no doubting that the Mercedes-Benz is certainly capable enough, the question remains if someone will actually fork out the money to do what a cheaper Navara/Hilux/Ranger/Amarok can do?

The answer is yes, buyers will definitely be queueing up for the Mercedes-Benz X-Class. It adds desirable levels of luxury and refinement into the bakkie segment and while that projected top-of-the-range price will take some justifying, for many, being able to get behind the wheel of a luxury bakkie with a Three-pointed Star on its front grille is enough. For a first time effort, Mercedes-Benz has made the most of its relationship with Nissan and moved the entire bakkie segment forward. The safety features and connectivity options really bring the bakkie market into the modern era. Is the X-Class' interior as well screwed together and presented as the best the Amarok can offer? That's debatable, suffice to say the X-Class is a valiant effort and we're eager to see the production models make their way to South Africa.

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Mitsubishi Issues Airbag Recall in SA

Mitsubishi Motors Japan has issued another airbag recall campaign in South Africa for specific Pajero derivatives sold between 2007 and 2013. Here’s what you need to know…

An airbag recall campaign is underway by Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) to rectify potentially faulty airbag inflators, now including the passenger-side airbag, for Pajero models sold between 2007 and 2013.

The imported Pajeros are fitted with airbags made by Takata which affect over 30 million vehicles from 34 manufacturers worldwide.

Mitsubishi SA says the airbag recall affects certain identified LWB and SWB Pajero models and that the defect is possibly due to the airbag inflator being subjected to constant changing of temperatures and high humidity conditions for lengthy periods.

Mitsubishi SA has already started making contact with the owners of affected vehicles to schedule appointments for airbag replacements. The procedure is free of charge and takes approximately 2 hours to resolve.

Pajero owners are urged to utilise the online VIN-checker with FAQ section on Mitsubishi’s website (www.mitsubishi-motors.co.za/recall) to determine if their vehicles are potentially affected.

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Lamborghini Reveals Self-Healing Terzo Millennio Concept

Lamborghini has revealed its latest, high-tech concept, the Terzo Millennio, meaning ‘Third Millenium’.

Supercar manufacturer, Lamborghini, has partnered with the boffins at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop the innovative Terzo Millennio concept which showcases technology that could become commonplace in the distant future.

At its core, the Terzo Millennio is a lightweight, aerodynamically-efficient electric supercar powered by 4 electric motors, one at each wheel. The motors are powered by advanced supercapacitors with the bodyshell itself serving as energy storage.

The Terzo Millennio points to the future of the supercar and showcases technology that may very well be found on electric cars of the future.

Unlike conventional electric cars, where the battery unit/s are stored beneath the floor, in the Terzo Millennio, the body panels are essentially the battery. Carbon-fibre nanotubes and thin, malleable batteries are found between the outer and inner layers of the bodyshell resulting in an efficient and lightweight energy storage solution.

What’s more, the Terzo Millennio is able to self-monitor and detect cracks or fractures in its carbon fibre structure and if damage is detected, "micro-channels filled with healing chemistries" will proactively repair the structure, in effect, healing itself. All this technology helps to develop high peak power and to facilitate fast charging, energy recuperation and slow battery degradation.

In many ways, the Terzo Millennio represents the future of the electric supercar and this kind of innovative technology is what you can expect to see in the future. As this technology is still very much in development, it may be many years before it’s rolled out on a mass scale. It is, however, fascinating to imagine what is possible and what the future holds for the motor car.

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3 Reasons Why Mini JCW is #CarsAwards Finalist

What makes the Mini John Cooper Works a strong contender in the Fun Car category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank? We investigate…

With a John Cooper Works (JCW), Mini takes a standard Mini Cooper S (which is anything but pedestrian) and tweaks virtually every aspect of the car in the pursuit of extra performance. The result is a more sporting exterior, replete with boy-racer bits and a racy interior that, again, has more exciting touches to it. The handling dynamics and engine outputs get slight seeings to and the final product is a very fast, very special Mini.

3 Reasons Why Mini JCW is a Fun Car #CarsAwards Finalist

1. Engaging power delivery

The Mini JCW generates its kicks from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 170 kW and 320 Nm of torque. The major positive about the performance upgrade is that it doesn’t turn the JCW into a wild, tyre spinning, crazy car. It remains composed and deals with the extra power… almost as if it was always meant to have 20% more clout. Traction control does not intervene in an obtrusive manner (even when the front wheels are beyond their limits); it merely reigns the power in gently until full traction is regained.

For this model, Mini claims a 0-100 kph sprint time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of over 240 kph… so it’s most definitely quick!

2. Fun handler

The upgraded brakes play into the Mini JCW’s handling ability and there’s great feel and confidence in the pedal that tends to promote late braking manoeuvres just before your favourite set of bends. All you need to do is point the JCW towards a collection of chicanes and you get the best out of it. It has a fast front end that vacuums up apexes while the rear is mostly settled and very rarely do you feel any lift-off oversteer. The centre of gravity is particularly low, so lateral grip is exceptional for a front-wheel-drive car. Whipping it into an apex and then powering out while unwinding the steering really shows how well the JCW’s chassis can hang on.

3. Good looker

The Mini Cooper JCW features a more aggressive face with its large air intakes and honeycomb grille. Stylish side skirts and a new rear bumper enhance the overall look along with a spoiler mounted on the tailgate and a center-mounted dual exhaust system. And, then there’s the noise of the thing! The tuned exhaust system helps improve power, but when Sport mode is selected it has a far more noticeable effect. On the overrun, there’s a cameo appearance from the Rice Krispie triplets (and in full voice!). It’s hilariously entertaining and definitely over the top for what a 2.0-litre turbo motor would normally express.

Watch our video review of the Mini Cooper JCW below!

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The 2017/18 #CarsAwards finalists: Fun Car Category

Compare the Mini JCW's specs with the Toyota 86 High and Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy

Top 5 Cars from SEMA 2017

The 2017 SEMA Show has come and gone. Here are 5 cars that piqued our interest at this year's show…

The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show is the biggest aftermarket and tuning event in the world, taking place in early November each year. There’s nothing shy or quiet about this show, with over 140 000 people flocking to Las Vegas to peruse some of the most pimped-out bits of motoring machinery money can buy.

Here’s what caught our attention…

Hennessey Venom F5

Hennessey showed off a prototype of its fearsome Venom F5, which, if all goes according to plan, will be the fastest car on earth, maxing out at an eye-popping 482 kph. There’ll only be 24 of them built and they’ll come with a cool R22-million price tag. The Venom F5 is the successor to the Venom GT and gets a new design, chassis and carbon fibre body, improved aerodynamics and an all-new twin-turbo 7.2-litre V8 delivering close on 1 200 kW. It’ll scoff in the face of physics, surging from 0-300 kph in under 10 seconds, and from 0-400 kph and back to rest in under 30 seconds!

Hennessy Velociraptor

Just in case a 482 kph hypercar wasn’t enough to get people’s attention, Hennessy also brought along a brutish 6×6 bakkie to add a bit of cowboy flavour into the mix. The VelociRaptor 6×6 is based on the Ford F150 Raptor and boasts an enhanced engine, suspension and design. Ford’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost does duty, but in this guise it’s been boosted to 447 kW – a fair whack more than the 336 kW the regular Raptor (confirmed for South Africa) puts out. The Velociraptor 6×6 should be a suitably menacing match for the Mercedes-AMG G63 6×6, and only 50 will be built. The price? Upwards of R4.5 million…

A McLaren-beating Toyota?

A cross-over that’s quicker than a McLaren? Toyota claims that their C-HR R-Tuned, introduced at the SEMA Show, is quicker around a racetrack (Big Willow in California) than a McLaren 650S Spider. It has the same powertrain layout as the stock C-HR, with four cylinders and front-wheel-drive, but that’s where the similarities end. There’s a 2.4-litre engine doing duty with a very angry 23-psi turbo. And no – you won’t find the stock version’s CVT gearbox here – this baby is good ol’ manual all the way. The plethora of mods result in around 450 kW and a 2.9-second sprint time from zero to 100 kph, making it, according to Toyota, the "world's fastest crossover".

New Jeep Wrangler – finally!

Jeep took the opportunity to offer a sneak preview of the new 4th-generation Wrangler, which will officially debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 29 November. The current generation Wrangler has been around for about 10 years, so there’s plenty of anticipation for the all-new iteration of the highly capable off-roader. Further testament to the Wrangler’s prowess is the fact that at this year’s Sema Show it was voted "Hottest 4×4 SUV" for the eighth year in a row. More than 200 new Jeep Performance Parts and Accessories will be available for the new Wrangler, including lift kits, rock rails, off-road bumpers, beadlock-capable wheels, LED off-road lights, various cargo systems, custom graphics and more.

Carbo-loaded BMW M5

BMW recently launched their new 441 kW M5 (a star attraction at the BMW M Festival at Kyalami recently), and at SEMA 2017 they showed off a seriously spruced up version with various bits and pieces from the new M Performance Parts catalogue. Essentially, we’re talking carbon, carbon and more carbon, plus some non-cosmetic enhancements, all of which will give esteemed owners something extra special to brag about to owners of vanilla M5s, of course. And yes, it’s actually got indicators… Details here.

And the fastest car in the world is… ?

After Bugatti set a world record with its Veyron Super Sports, a group of Koenigsegg owners in the US, supported by the Swedish hypercar producer, reckoned they had a shot at beating a number of records.

Koenigsegg is one of the few hypercar brands and South Africa has been lucky enough to see just a handful of units make their way to our shores. The Swedish company is an enigma, it does not jostle for the limelight with media spin, but rather lets its products do the talking.

The location for the record-beating run was a 20km stretch of Nevada highway that was purposely closed for the occasion. The weapon of choice was a standard Koenigsegg Agera RS riding on standard Michelin Pilot Cup 2 rubber and it was piloted by Koenigsegg professional driver Niklas Lilja. Christian von Koenigsegg was present, as were a few of the company engineers to make sure the car was running efficiently.

The three records that were broken were:

The production-car top speed record. Previously it stood at 267.8 mph (428.48 kph) and it's now set at 284.6 mph (455.36 kph)
The 0-400-0 record set by a Bugatti Chiron at 41.96 seconds and was beaten not so long ago by a Koenigsegg, which went 5 seconds faster. However, Koenigsegg wanted to beat its own record and it did easily, with a 33.87 run.
The top speed on a public road record. Previously set in 1938 by the Mercedes-Benz W125 Rekordwagen when it went 432.7 kph.

Watch the Koenigsegg Agera RS hit 284 mph (455 kph)

3 Reasons Why Renault Clio is #CarsAwards Finalist

What makes the Renault Clio 66kW Turbo Dynamique a worthy contender in the Compact Hatchback category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank? We investigate…

Renault’s popular Clio was facelifted late in 2016, bringing with it a host of visual and interior enhancements. This Clio 66 kW Dynamique brings French-flair to the compact hatchback segment and is well-appointed with standard features. The Clio offers perky performance from its small-capacity engine and returns acceptable fuel consumption. Is it enough to scoop the win in this category?

3 Reasons Why Renault Clio 66kW Turbo Dynamique is a #CarsAwards Compact Hatchback finalist

1. Value for money

The Clio 66 kW Dynamique is comprehensively-equipped with features including a 7-inch MediaNav infotainment system replete with Bluetooth, navigation and USB/aux support. Other key features include 16-inch alloy wheels, engine stop/start, rake and reach adjustable multifunction steering wheel, partial cloth/leather upholstery, electric folding side mirrors and cruise control.

Safety features include 4 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and electronic stability control with traction control.

2. Light on fuel

Powered by a small-capacity 0.9-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 66 kW and 150 Nm of torque, the Clio is perfect for inner city commutes and will return reasonable fuel consumption figures on a daily basis. Renault claims 5.5 L/100km for this derivative.

3. Practical runner

With 300 litres of luggage space and 60/40 split rear seats that increase loading space to 1 446 litres, the Clio offers reasonable levels of practicality.

The Clio is also backed by a comprehensive 5-year/150 000km warranty and a service plan of 3-years/45 000 km as standard.

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The 2017/18 #CarsAwards finalists: Compact Hatchback Category

Compare Clio's specs with the Mazda2 1.5 Individual and Toyota Yaris 1.5 Pulse

Kia Sportage 2.0 EX Plus Auto (2017) Video Review

Is the Kia Sportage 2.0 EX Plus Auto the sweet spot in the expanded Sportage range?

Kia, as a relatively young manufacturer, has certainly come a long way in a short space of time. Its products are constantly improving and being improved, and the new Sportage is arguably the best car in its ever-growing stable.

The Sportage range is made up of 12 different models with five engines, so even though buyers are spoilt for choice, all those options can make it difficult to choose the best one, or simply the right one for your lifestyle.

In this video, we take a detailed look at the Sportage 2.0 EX Plus Auto. The model fits into the middle of the range and while it is about R100 000 more than the entry-level model, we think the comfort and tech features make the extra spend worth it.

To compare all the Kia Sportage models, or compare the Sportage to popular rivals such as the Hyundai Tuscon, Mazda CX-5 or VW Tiguan, visit our easy-to-use and comprehensive compare page here

Ford to Build Ranger Raptor in SA

Ford will invest R3 billion in manufacturing operations in SA, including a production line for the Ford Ranger Raptor.

Ford is trying to keep up with demand for this generation of Ranger that was launched back in 2011. The cash injection will see Ford SA able to meet local and export demand for the bakkie all over the continent.

Ockert Berry, vice president Operations, Ford Middle East and Africa said, "looking further ahead, the expanded production capacity will ensure that we are geared up and fully prepared to respond to additional future market demands for the Ranger by ramping up our production even further. This significant investment reaffirms Ford's ongoing commitment to South Africa as a local manufacturer, exporter and key employer in the automotive sector, supporting a large number of direct jobs as well as indirect employment through our extensive supplier base.

At the top end of the bakkie scale, the Ranger Raptor will also be produced in SA. The performance bakkie is set to be released in 2019. Speculation assumes the Raptor will be built with a 331 kW 3.5-litre V6 turbopetrol, but it’s too early in the development stage to get a lockdown on the specifics.

"The response to our announcement that Ford will be introducing a Ranger Raptor has been absolutely phenomenal, and we're exceptionally proud to now confirm that this highly anticipated performance model will be assembled in South Africa," stated Dr Casper Kruger, managing director of Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region. "This is yet another fantastic achievement for our local team, and signals our ability to produce world-class products of the highest calibre."

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2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards powered by WesBank; Finalists

And then there were 39! Cars.co.za is proud to announce the finalists of the 2017/18. Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank. 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.

To reduce the selection of vehicles per category from five to three, the same team ranked the contenders by evaluating them against predetermined pillars of success in each category.

No fewer than 20 brands are represented in the list of finalists, with the Volkswagen Group leading the nominations with 10 derivatives (Audi and VW have five apiece), followed by the BMW Group (four). Significantly, Alfa Romeo, Kia, Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Subaru make their first appearance in the final of the #CarsAwards in this (third) iteration of the programme.

The next phase of the programme will take place on 1 and 2 November 2017, when a combined panel (the Cars.co.za editorial team and 11 respected and experienced guest judges from a variety of backgrounds) will evaluate the finalists back-to-back during a two-day test at Gerotek.

The importance of after-sales service

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).

"Several strong new candidates were launched in the past 12 months, so the judges had their work cut out in the first two phases of this year's awards programme,” says Cars.co.za consumer experience manager Hannes Oosthuizen.

“But 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.

Complete the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey by clicking here. Big prizes are up for grabs.

"The scene is set for an interesting final test routine and judging," he adds. “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.”

WesBank, which finances the majority of private vehicle purchases in South Africa, is the headline sponsor of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards for a second consecutive year. Members of the public can follow developments of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank on Cars.co.za and its social media channels (content bearing #CarsAwards hashtag).

To participate in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey or access more information about the programme (including categories, judges and finalists) visit http://www.carsawards.co.za

Here are the Finalists in their respective categories:

Budget Car (under R175k)

Buying an affordable car doesn’t mean you should compromise on safety, technology and quality. The winner of this category represents as much good car as possible for the asking price. Value is very important, as are low running costs and all such "common sense" considerations. Given the financial pressure that all South African households face, we've only raised the price cap for semi-finalists to R175 000 this year. ABS and dual airbags are must-have safety requirements. The finalists are:

Compact Hatch (R175k–R250k)

In this extremely competitive category, we’re looking for a balanced offering that is excellent across the board. Cars in this segment must appeal to a very wide audience – from the young professional or family buying up from an entry-level car, to pensioners buying down from something larger and expensive. The winner of this award must truly reflect what is best about modern automotive design and engineering, but present it in a concentrated, reasonably affordable form. The finalists are:

Premium Hatch (R350k–R500k)

Stylish and sophisticated yet, practical enough for most motoring needs, these are the cars for the upwardly mobile go-getter. The winner in this category must not only offer outstanding quality, refinement, performance and the latest technologies, but also broadcast a message of success and ambition. The finalists are:

Compact Family (R250k–R350k)

With household budgets stretched to breaking point, the reasonably affordable modern-day family car has to wear many hats – from compact traffic dodger, to spacious school-run specialist and even weekend getaway machine. Practicality and spaciousness are important considerations, but so are safety, technology, fuel efficiency and a modicum of lifestyle flexibility. The finalists are:

Family Car (R350k–R500k)

The typical family car fulfils a wide variety of duties and needs to be a practical, safe all-rounder. The winner of this category should be ideal not only for the morning school run, but also the school holiday run to a distant location. In judging this category we’ve placed particular emphasis on interior flexibility, comfort and safety. The finalists are:

Business Class (R500k–R700k)

In this category you will find the type of cars that realistic dreams are made off. We’re looking for an aspirational vehicle that will appeal to the image-conscious driver who places a priority on performance, dynamics, technology and design. The target customers have achieved success and want a car that isn’t only a personal reward, but also one which broadcasts their achievements. The finalists are:

Executive Sedan (R700k–R1 million)

These technological masterpieces represent an enviable blend of First Class luxury and comfort, and Business Class technology and dynamic appeal. Prestige is usually a given in this segment, but we’re also looking for significant technological advancement, yet without compromising the level of comfort and quiet style that these sedans are renowned for. The finalists in this category are:

Leisure Double Cab (above R500k)

In this immensely popular and fiercely contested category of the market, the search is on for the ultimate all-rounder. From luxurious touring vehicle, to hardcore off-roader, capable carry-all, family do-all and lifestyle activity machine, leisure double-cab bakkies can no longer be too utilitarian and rough around the edges, but should be highly sophisticated offerings. The finalists are:

Adventure SUV (R550k–R800k)

We’re looking for the ultimate recreational vehicle to transport a family and all their holiday and lifestyle gear in comfort to almost any destination, on- or off-road. Off-road ability is emphasised, in combination, with practicality, comfort and long-distance cruising. The finalists are;

Executive SUV (R600k–R900k)

Increasingly regarded as the status symbol to have, most premium brands now offer road-biased SUVs that combine prestige and practicality in a package that is characterised by superior refinement. Drivetrain performance and refined road manners are a priority as is a cabin that features upmarket materials and the most up-to-date technology. The finalists are:

Premium SUV (R900k–R1.25million)

Luxurious SUVs may appeal for irrational and emotional reasons such as kerb appeal and status, but at their core they are some of the most sophisticated and capable vehicles on the market. Blending spaciousness with high-tech off-road equipment, powerful engines, as well as luxuriously trimmed cabins, the prestige-badged premium SUV we are looking for in this category should be tailor-made for image- and practicality obsessed buyers. The finalists are:

Fun Car (under R600k)

What is it that makes a car "fun" to drive? Is it purely about performance and handling? To a large degree it is, but for this award category we’re looking for a total package that is not priced in fantasy land. This is one for the petrolheads – a car that must leave the die-hard enthusiast smiling after every drive, in the way it looks, handles, sounds and, yes, performs. The finalists are:

Performance car (R600k–R1 million)

While supercars and other “exotics” are mere fantasies for most, there are cars priced below the magical R1 million mark that offer near-supercar thrills and performance. In this category we are not only looking for sizzling performance, but also driver engagement, whether driven on track or road. The finalists are:

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Here are the Finalists in their respective categories:

Budget Car (under R175k)

Compact Hatch (R175k–R250k)

Premium Hatch (R350k–R500k)

Compact Family (R250k–R350k)

Family Car (R350k–R500k)

Business Class (R500k–R700k)

Executive Sedan (R700k–R1 million)

Leisure Double Cab (above R500k)

Adventure SUV (R550k–R800k)

Executive SUV (R600k–R900k)

Premium SUV (R900k–R1.25million)

Fun Car (under R600k)

Performance car (R600k–R1 million)

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