While not much is known about the replacement for the BMW Z4, its mooted successor has been spotted undergoing winter testing in the snow.
The BMW Z5 Roadster is believed to be a collaboration between BMW and Toyota, and both car makers will be sharing this platform for an all-new mid-sized sportscar. BMW appears first out of the gate with a prototype as Toyota's example still lurking in the depths of the brand's Research and Development centre.
From these photos we can see that it'll have a soft top, which will keep the weight down. Expect it to have typical Z4-like design cues such as a long bonnet and you can bet it'll have a mixed assortment of engines such as the rather good 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder seen in the Mini Cooper S JCW as well as the mighty 3.0-litre straight six turbo unit which is used in multiple applications. You can't rule out hybrid technology (as seen in the i8 hybrid sportscar) either.
If you look at BMW's Five Year plan here, it's safe to say that the earliest we'll get to see this vehicle in production trim will be 2018.
Fuel prices at mercy of sliding Rand
The sliding Rand and weak international oil price has dampened the fuel price forecast in South Africa.
The opening weeks of 2016 have been tough for the Rand, which has lost as much as 30% of its value against the US Dollar. Had the Rand remained stable, the current weakness in the international oil price would have translated into significant reductions in fuel prices. The significant weakening of the Rand, however, is having the opposite effect.
Based on unaudited mid-month data released by the Central Energy Fund, the Automobile Association (AA) said: "Had the exchange rate remained flat in 2015, South Africans would currently have been paying, on average, 45 cents a litre less at the pumps. This deficit has widened by another 32 to 40 cents in the first two weeks of January 2016, turning what would have been a 24 cents-a-litre drop in petrol at the end of the month into a potential rise of up to 16 cents."
The situation is much the same for the price of diesel, which should have refelected an oil-price benefit of 90 cents per litre, but instead, the effect has been reduced to only around 58 cents per litre thanks to the weak Rand.
"The exchange rate's ongoing weakness might mean trouble for the fuel price if oil prices begin to rise again," warns the AA. "At the current Rand/US dollar exchange rate, a return to oil's highs of 2013 and 2014 would result in the fuel price approaching R20 a litre, putting yet more pressure on South Africa's already strained economy."
The spectacular Cars.co.za Consumer Awards trophy is more than just a hunk of metal and glass thrown together in the shape of a key. A lot of time and thought went into designing something with meaning that was worth showing off in a display cabinet.
Meaning behind the key
The key itself signifies the concept of unlocking the motor industry and helping buyers sift through their new and used car-buying options. The base of the key is honed from a solid chunk of high-quality stainless steel representing the heart of the car industry, much like an engine block is the heart of a car. The stainless steel is of such a high quality that the tool that fashions the base has to be replaced after just two trophies.
The clear side of the key is made from A-grade acrylic instead of glass. Acrylic does not fade or discolour like glass when cut into this shape. It represents the consumer looking for transparency and clearer sight into the market. The other side of the key is made from aeronautic-grade aluminium with a carbonfibre-inspired wrap to represent the automotive industry and car manufacturers.
Straight through the middle of the key runs a red strip of anodised Titanium. This red strip represents Cars.co.za – the link between the consumer and the car industry.
The trophy weighs in at a hefty 3.5kg and stands around 45cm tall. They have been painstakingly built by David Bolam, who has been creating and designing jewellery and trophies for decades. Each one is individually acid-etched with the winner and category details. Each trophy is also individually numbered, much like a special edition vehicle. The CarsAwards trophy is not of the floating variety, meaning that the winners can keep and display their achievements forever.
The Ford Focus 1.0T Trend emerged victorious in the Compact Car Category in the first annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, announced on 14 January in Johannesburg.
Eligibility to compete in the Compact Car category is guided by several factors, including price, which in this case could not exceed R250 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (June 22, 2015) and includes the cost of the following items (if they were optional): ABS, electronic stability control, dual front airbags, air-conditioning, USB/auxiliary audio support, Bluetooth compatibility and a service plan.
Numerous Pillars of Success also guided the judging process and these included the following: balance of fuel economy and performance, value for money, brand strength, design and quality appeal, ride/handling and safety features.
Why did the Ford Focus 1.0T Trend win?
The Ford Focus 1.0T Trend offers exceptional value for buyers, making it a worthy winner in the Compact Car category. In the recent Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, the Ford Focus 1.0T came up against some stiff competition in the form of the Opel Corsa 1.0T Enjoy and Honda Jazz 1.5 Elegance. After a rigorous judging process, the Focus clearly established itself as the best Compact Car available in South Africa.
In terms of fuel economy, Ford’s 1,0-litre EcoBoost engine has received considerable acclaim since it was first introduced. With 92 kW of power and a wide torque spread, it is one of the most powerful engines of its type. In the Focus, however, it needs to pull along a fairly large and heavy body, so performance is acceptable rather than brisk. Ford claims an excellent combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5,0 L/100 km.
Value for money is where the Focus 1.0T Trend excels and given the fact that the Focus is a large hatch offered for compact car money, it’s off to a very good start in this department. But ultimately it’s not only its size that translates into value for money. It still offers a spread of comfort, info-tainment and safety features that compares well with the smaller, similarly priced cars it competes with here. Included is an excellent audio system, rake/reach-adjustable steering and cruise control. What’s more, by spending R11 940 extra for the Driver Assistance Pack you get a whole raft of desirable features, including Active Park Assist, rear view camera, Lane Departure Warning, Active City Stop, auto lights, auto wipers and a TFT colour screen for the audio system. And you’re still under the price barrier of R250 000 (at the time of judging)!
The Focus 1.0T Trend is also big on practicality and thanks to its bigger body, it holds an immediate practicality advantage. It offers considerably more rear legroom and boot space than the cars priced around it (barring the Honda Jazz). The rear seats are split 60/40 and fold down to make quite a large loading area available, too.
The Ford brand has been on the up for a few years now, and the Focus has been one of its most successful products – it’s a top seller worldwide. Locally it is seen as a very viable alternative to the likes of Volkswagen and Toyota. This model is backed with a four-years/120 000 km warranty and offers a four-years/80 000 km service plan.
Minesh Bhagaloo from Ford receives the Compact Car of the Year trophy from Cars.co.za's co-founder, Alastair MacMurray.
Following its recent facelift, the Focus has matured into a stylish offering that sits on the conservative side of the design spectrum. This gives it broad appeal. Available for R14 810 is a Styling Pack that, through different wheels and a tailgate spoiler, adds some sporty style to the package.
The Focus 1.0T Trend offers excellent ride and handling, something Ford has excelled in for some time already. At this price level the Focus’s combination of ride suppleness and dynamic sharpness is very, very hard to beat. It’s also quite a practical long-distance cruiser, which is not something that can be said of all its rivals, especially at this price.
Lastly, the Focus’s combination of space and features may lead you to expect that Ford must have compromised on specification elsewhere, but it’s certainly not done so on the safety side. The Focus features six airbags, ESP, Isofix child seat mountings and more. As mentioned before, the Driver Assistance Pack (R11 940) is a really good option as it brings safety focused features such as Active City Stop, Active Park Assist, Lane Departure Warning and smaller items such an auto-dimming rear-view mirrors and auto lights/wipers to the party, too.
Opinion From The Judges
“Ford must have sharpened its pencils an awful lot to offer this much car at this low a price. The Focus offers a very strong spread of talents. I’m not sure this price can last very long!” Hannes Oosthuizen
“Right now the Focus is an outright steal. It’s amazing that so much car is available at the same price as smaller cars in the segment below.” Ashley Oldfield
“The Focus has snuck in here purely on its price. It blasts the others out the water in terms of pricing as you’re getting a big car for small car money. That engine is just lovely too.” David Taylor
GWM has introduced an upgraded version of its M4 light crossover in South Africa.
The GWM M4 was introduced to the South African market in 2014 and this latest version adds daytime running lights, rear park assist and a car-finding remote key fob function to the specification list.
“Our customer base knows what they want from a car. The tighter economy has also forced customers to shop around and get the best value for their hard-earned cash. The GWM M4 provides exactly that – it's a good-looking vehicle that ticks the affordability, style and safety boxes, and suits a more adventurous lifestyle”, says Hans Greyling, GWM Sales.
Technical and safety spec
The GWM M4 is fitted with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that delivers 71 kW and 138 Nm of torque to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The model has a ground clearance of 185 mm and rides on 16-inch alloy wheels.
In terms of safety, the GWM M4 features ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, a seatbelt warning function and child seat anchor mounts. Other features include a rear-window defogger, height-adjustable headlamps as well as front and rear foglights.
Interior features
The GWM M4's interior features include a trip computer and a multi-function steering wheel that can operate the audio, Bluetooth and cruise control functions. The M4 is also equipped with automatic air conditioning and electric windows. In terms of storage, cup holders are provided and the luggage bay features a retractable cover. The rear bench can split 60:40 for added practicality.
GWM M4 price in South Africa
The GWM M4 retails for R189 900, which includes a five-year/100 000 km warranty and two-year AA Roadside Assistance. A 5-year/60 000 km service plan is offered as an option.
Hyundai SA lent Cars.co.za an upgraded H1 so that we could transport the team to and from the Cars Consumer Awards function. Here's a summary of the updates to the Korean bus:
Hyundai’s H1 bus is a perennially popular people mover, particularly in the tourism industry, where many operators choose the H1 over pricier German alternatives. While the Hyundai badge doesn’t quite hold as much prestige as those of its Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz rivals, it easily matches them in terms of features and practicality.
The market has been particularly receptive to the Hyundai H1 bus; 10 493 units were sold since its local launch in January 2009. The range also includes the van (2 017 units sold) and H1 Multicab, of which 802 examples have been sold since January 2012. The H1 is evidently a segment leader — a position Hyundai will be keen to maintain…
What's new for Hyundai H1?
The Hyundai H1 has undergone a mild facelift for 2016. While we were invited to the local launch, it clashed with our Cars Awards event in Johannesburg (read all about the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards). However, Hyundai South Africa graciously made the H1 bus available to us and it was immediately put to work as a logistics and transport vehicle.
For a start, the exterior's been updated. It sports a new-look grille and redesigned alloy wheels, while the interior benefits from changes such as refreshed centre facia as well as a modern-looking dashboard. There are new convenience features too, such as a new leather steering wheel, chilled glove box, fully automatic air conditioning system, electric folding mirrors and cruise control. The safety features have been upgraded too — the Hyundai H1 receives side airbags as well as ESP on top of its driver/passenger airbags and ABS-equipped brakes with EBD.
The engine line-up has remained the same. For the H1 bus, there’s a 2.5-litre turbodiesel automatic and a 2.4-litre petrol manual to choose from. With 126kW and 224Nm on tap, the petrol engine is claimed to return 10.2L/100km, but on specs alone, it seems wiser to opt for a turbodiesel model. It has 1kW less at 125kW, but 441Nm more torque, which will be more useful when hauling a heavy load. The turbodiesel Hyundai H1 is claimed to be lighter on fuel (9.0L/100km) and has loads more features, which goes some way to explain its R100k premium over its petrol sibling.
We evaluated a turbodiesel unit with a full complement of passengers on board and the convenience of an automatic transmission in peak hour highway traffic was hard to ignore. The added torque from the diesel motor was especially apparent during overtaking overtaking manuoevres. With seven adults on board, all had ample legroom, something that most full-sized SUV can’t really offer due to their rather small third rows. Also noticeable was the large boot, but sadly that third row of seats can’t fold flat. The ride quality was pleasant too and we got the impression that the Hyundai H1 was designed to be comfortable even on the longest of road trips. One of the best things about the Hyundai H1 is that each row gets its own air conditioning vents, which is very handy given the current summer weather.
2016 Hyundai H1 price in South Africa
The refreshed Hyundai H1 comes with a five-year/150 000km warranty, five-year/90 000km service plan and five-years' or 150 000km worth of roadside assistance.
H1 2.5 Diesel 9 Seater Bus AutomaticR579 900
H1 2.4 Petrol 9 Seater Bus ManualR482 900
H1 2.5 Diesel 6 Seater MulticabR492 900
H1 2.5 Diesel 3 Seater Panel VanR441 900
Special-edition Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate in SA
Volkswagen has introduced the special-edition Amarok Ultimate in South Africa.
If you are looking for a double-cab bakkie with a bit more road presence over standard offerings, then you may be interested in the special edition Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate. The Amarok Ultimate is based on the top-spec 4Motion Highline derivative and comes fitted with LED-integrated bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights.
The appearance of the Amarok Ultimate is further enhanced with silver side mirror-covers, darkened rear light lenses, LED number plate illumination, ‘Ultimate’ lettering and a silver-coloured underbody guard. The bakkie is further enhanced by a styling bar as well as side-sill bars finished in silver. The Ultimate rides on 19-inch Cantera alloy wheels.
Other standard features include park distance control with a rear-assist camera and the side mirrors are heated and electrically adjustable. The front seats are heated and upholstery options include either Vienna or Alcantara leather. The Amarok Ultimate is also fitted with a radio/CD player with mobile phone integration and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and velour floor mats are also included. An integrated navigation system with six speakers is optional.
Engine power
The Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate is powered by a 2.0-litre BiTDI engine that delivers 132 kW and 420 Nm of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 8.3L/100km.
Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate price in South Africa
The VW Amarok Ultimate 4Motion retails for R600 200. The price includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty and five-year/90 000 km service plan with service intervals at every 15 000 km.
Following the unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, focus has shifted to the arrival of the Affalterbach-tuned Mercedes-AMG E63 and E63 S versions. The awe-inspiring AMG performance models are reportedly in the final stages of testing and we believe our spy photographers spotted a pre-production unit while it was undergoing an evaluation.
Power hungry
The performance outputs of the Mercedes-AMG version of the E-Class has not officially been confirmed yet but, AMG has been hinting at a minimum power delivery "near the 450 kW mark". If this figure comes to fruition, it would make the AMG E63 more powerful than an AMG GT-S (375 kW) by some margin. The AMG E63s will be powered by the same 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that serves in the GT-S, but Mercedes-AMG says this version will represent the “next step” in terms of development.
New transmission
In the recent past, most AMG models have utilised seven-speed automatic gearboxes, but the Mercedes-AMG E63 will be the first AMG model to use the new, more efficient, nine-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive
The Mercedes-AMG E63 will be produced as an all-wheel drive model around the world. This will mark a departure for South African aficionados, who are accustomed to AMG sedans (apart from the CLA45 AMG) being rear-wheel driven — but in the majority of markets, an all-wheel drive configuration is the norm. AMG representatives are however promising that the fastest E-Class models will be no less exciting to drive and just as raw-edged as previous E63s.
Coming soon
Rumours are that the AMG E63 could be launched before June this year (2016), at least in overseas markets. The regular E-Class is set to be launched globally at the end of February 2016. Spin-offs from the E-Class are set to continue with a station wagon, CLS Coupe and Shooting Brake set to be added to the range in time.
Winners: 2015/16 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards
The winners of the inaugural Cars.co.za Consumer Awards were announced at Shine Studios in Braamfontein on January 14 2016.
The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards was established to be the most prestigious, credible and influential awards programme in the South African motor industry. It recognises nine vehicles that represent the best-considered new purchases in their respective categories of the South African new vehicle market and names three special category winners: Game Changer, Design and Brand of the Year.
Cars.co.za’s awards programme has a multi-faceted judging process, based on inputs from four members of the experienced editorial team and three highly respected external jurors (non-motoring journalists, who were selected for their analytical ability). The combined jury allocated scores to the three finalists in each category based on their assessments from a test day (on which all vehicles were compared back-to-back), as well as comprehensive feedback from thousands of South African new vehicle owners who participated in the Cars.co.za’s Owner Satisfaction Survey,
as well as statistics supplied by leading automotive industry data specialists, Lightstone Auto.
Whereas the winners of the Game changer and Design of the Year special categories were selected based on scores awarded by the editorial team members, the prestigious Brand of the Year award was determined solely by manufacturers’ ratings in the Cars.co.za’s Owner Satisfaction Survey (in association with Lightstone Consumer) and the market share change and resale value statistics of every vehicle brand during the period January to December 2015 (supplied by Lightstone Auto).
Complete List of Winners
Compact Car Category – Ford Focus 1.0T Trend
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price that did not exceed R250 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (June 22 2015), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS, electronic stability control, dual front airbags, air-conditioning, USB/auxiliary audio support, Bluetooth compatibility and a service plan. The most important judging factors were: balance of fuel economy and performance, value
for money, brand strength, design and quality appeal, ride/handling and safety features.
“Ford must have sharpened its pencils a lot to offer this much car at such a low a price. The Focus offers a very strong spread of talents.” — Hannes Oosthuizen
Runners-up: Opel Corsa 1.0T Enjoy, Honda Jazz 1.5 Elegance
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: had to be a C-segment hatchback/crossover with a list price of between R300 000 and R500 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (June 22 2015), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): electronic stability control, dual front, side and curtain airbags. The most important judging factors were: a balance of efficiency and performance, practicality, brand strength, design and quality appeal, ride/handling, safety, as well as in-car entertainment systems and connectivity.
“There’s no denying the premium and luxury ability of the Golf GTI. The latest incarnation offers more all-roundedness than performance, giving it a maturity other hot hatches lack.”— David Taylor
Runners-up: Mercedes-Benz GLA200 CDI Auto, BMW 120i 5-dr M Sport Auto
Business Class Category – Mercedes-Benz C250 AMG Sport
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R400 000 and R700 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (June 22 2015), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): at least six airbags, as well as electronic stability control. The most important judging factors were powertrain technology, luxury, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics and technological features.
“This is a car that takes refinement, luxury and comfort to the next level. The C-Class ticks all the right boxes as a premium sedan.” — Ashley Oldfield
Runners-up: BMW 428i Gran Coupe Sport sports auto, Audi S3 quattro S tronic
First Class Category – Mercedes-Benz S500
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of more than R1 million at the time of semi-finalist voting (June 22 2015). The most important judging factors were powertrain technology, luxury and on-board technology, brand prestige and exclusivity, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, ride comfort and overall refinement.
“The big Mercedes-Benz has become a symbol for elegance, sophistication and intelligence. In fact, its grip on this market segment is so strong that it is called the S-Class class…” — Hannes Oosthuizen
Runners-up: Range Rover SDV8 Autobiography, Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
Family Car Category – Citroën C4 Picasso e-HDI Intensive
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of less than R350 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (June 22 2015), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS, electronic stability control, six airbags, split/folding rear seats, service plan and air-conditioning. The most important judging factors were engine flexibility, fuel economy, space/practicality, design and quality appeal, comfort safety.
“The C4 Picasso is such a futuristic interpretation of a family car. The rest of the package is very impressive too, with many tech features and plenty of interior space.”— David Taylor
Leisure Car Category – Land Rover Discovery Sport SD4 SE
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of less than R700 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (June 22 2015), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): electronic stability control, at least six airbags, split/folding rear seats, a minimum ground clearance of 180 mm and all-wheel drive capability.
The most important judging factors in this category were performance, space and practicality,
in-car entertainment systems, cabin comfort and all-surface ability.
“This vehicle is going to give rival brands massive headaches. Not only is it desirable in terms of brand and design appeal, but it does everything so well, too!” — David Taylor
Runners-up: Nissan X-Trail 2.5 SE CVT AWD, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 3.0 TD TX
Premium SUV Category – Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price in excess of R700 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (June 22 2015) and it had to be a large SUV or its crossover derivative. The most important judging factors were powertrain technology, luxury features, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, space and practicality.
“Wow… Volvo’s hit the nail squarely on the head with the new XC90 – it quite possibly has the best cabin on the market and is very cleverly engineered. It’s refined too.” — Hannes Oosthuizen
Runners-up: BMW X5 xDrive30d Steptronic, Range Rover Sport SDV6 HSE
Fun Car Category – Audi TT s tronic
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of less than R600 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (June 22 2015) to ensure that this category isn’t dominated by extravagant exotic vehicles. The most important judging factors were drivetrain engagement, entertaining handling, sensory appeal and the number of standard features.
“The latest generation of Audi TT epitomises the sportscar category. Not only is it easy on the eye and brimming with technology, it’s also terrific to drive. The nimble handling and the backfires from the exhaust make for an entertaining combination.” — David Taylor
Runners-up: BMW M235i Steptronic, Renault Megane RS Trophy 275
Budget Car Category – Renault Sandero Expression
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of R150 000 or less at the time of semi-finalist voting (June 22 2015), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS, dual front airbags and a service plan. The most important judging factors were: fuel economy, value for money, practicality and brand strength.
“The Sandero is modern and solid offering. Despite its keen price, it still manages to maintain excellent levels of standard safety equipment and in-car entertainment.” — Ashley Oldfield
Runners-up: Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL, Volkswagen Take up!
Design of the Year Category – BMW i3
Whether the topic is cars, architecture, furniture or even mobile devices, good design is never restricted to only premium products. The finalists in this category each brought fresh thinking to their respective market segments and demonstrated you don’t have to spend millions to turn heads. While there was no price limit to exclude exotica, our focus fell on more mainstream products.
Game-changing products can have a significant impact on the new vehicle market in a variety of ways: by increasing sales volumes, introducing new technology, improving brand perception or simply representing a vast product improvement. Judges selected the finalists in this category
from all the new vehicles that were launched in the South African market during 2015.
Runners-up: Ford Everest, Volvo XC90
Brand of the Year – Toyota
The prestigious Brand of the Year was determined solely by the manufacturers’ ratings in the Cars.co.za’s Owner Satisfaction Survey, allied with market share change and resale value statistics per vehicle brand (supplied by Lightstone Auto) during the period January to December 2015.
“We believe that Cars.co.za (in conjunction with Lightstone Consumer) has developed the fairest and most credible formula for determining the winner in this category. It is entirely data-driven, and entirely determined by what consumers and the market believe to be happening in South Africa. Toyota, of course, is a much-loved brand in this country, and our data confirms that its customers believe it is tops where it really matters. It is truly the people’s champion.” — Hannes Oosthuizen
The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Judging Process
The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards is different to other automotive-themed award programmes in a number of ways… The Cars.co.za editorial team considered each and every model in the new vehicle market — candidates were evaluated as individual models and not as parts of complete model line-ups. What’s more, candidates were eligible for an award irrespective of when they were launched.
During the first phase of judging, the editorial team (Hannes Oosthuizen, David Taylor, Ciro de Siena and Ashley Oldfield) researched, analysed and debated each of the cars on sale in South Africa. Contenders were measured against predetermined “pillars of success” to determine if they were eligible for an award in their categories. Five finalists were selected in each of nine categories.
For the second phase, the Cars.co.za editors completed comprehensive scoring sheets to assess the semi-finalists in terms specific criteria, such as interior comfort, performance, efficiency, packaging etc. The weightings of the criteria were adjusted to reflect the requirements of the target markets of each category. Once the scores were tallied, the finalists were trimmed to three in each category.
For the ultimate phase of the judging process, the Cars.co.za editorial team was complemented by three guest judges who were selected based on their reputations for being no-nonsense fact finders and because they are not necessarily active in the automotive space. They were consumer journalist Wendy Knowler, The Daily Maverick editor, Branko Brkic and Business Day editor, Songezo Zibi.
The final judging day, which was attended by the combined jury, was hosted in Johannesburg in late 2015. It presented the judging panel with an opportunity to re-evaluate all the vehicles that were chosen as finalists for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. However, instead of completing the in-depth scoring sheets (with the weighted criteria points system) based on only their assessments, jurors awarded their scores by referring to the findings of the Cars.co.za Owner Satisfaction Survey.
The Importance of Incorporating Consumer Input
The Cars.co.za Owner Satisfaction Survey, developed in association with leading automotive data specialists Lightstone Consumer, incorporated feedback from thousands of South African owners (of vehicles newer than five years old), who rated their own cars for reliability, after-sales service, cost of ownership and general satisfaction. This credible, invaluable consumer input, allied with resale value data per vehicle brand supplied by the Auto division of Lightstone, allowed the jurors to adjust their final scores to reflect consumers’ experiences as well as vehicle brands’ market performance.
“There are many awards programmes out there that claim public participation, but what we mean when we talk of consumer input, is not a popular voting mechanism,” said Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager Hannes Oosthuizen. “We didn’t want a ‘beauty pageant’… we wanted 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. The only way the public can impact the results of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards is by completing our survey, done in partnership with Lightstone Consumer.”
The results of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards were verified by respected auditing firm KPMG.
About the Event
The gala event, hosted at Shine Studios, was attended by approximately 150 guests including prominent South African motor industry executives, including representatives from vehicle manufacturers and importers, dealer groups, the finance sector, media agencies, social influencers and celebrities.
The head of Cars.co.za’s video division Ciro de Siena and comedian John Vlismas presented the awards (handcrafted car-key shaped trophies made from stainless steel, titanium, aluminium and acrylic); Mike Sharman — the owner of Retroviral Digital Communications — was the guest speaker. The event was digitally broadcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and, in a first for an automotive-themed awards ceremony in South Africa: the Periscope Live Stream App. The significance of the multi-platform broadcast was that it allowed consumers, who are at the core of Cars.co.za’s awards programme, to actively participate in the event. Furthermore, the #CarsAwards hashtag was one of the top trending topics in South Africa on Twitter during — and immediately after — the event.
Visit http://www.carsawards.co.za for more information about the Consumer Awards, including the winners and finalists, and view images of the award recipients that were taken at the event.
About Cars.co.za
Leading online automotive retail portal Cars.co.za, which lists tens of thousands of new vehicles stocked by hundreds of vehicle dealers countrywide, delivers in excess of 25 million page views per month to more than a million unique users. Cars.co.za has a presence on multiple digital platforms and it’s ranked in the top 10 branded South African Youtube channels with 6 million views to date.
In 2015, Cars.co.za repositioned itself as a consumer champion by optimising its editorial content for the purposes of engaging and empowering its users. The recent Cars.co.za Consumer Satisfaction Survey, in association with Lightstone Consumer, and now, the inaugural Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, underline the company’s objective to become the most comprehensive resource available to South African vehicle buyers, so that they can make the most-informed buying decisions.
Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Ceremony: Follow it live!
The winners in the first annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards will be announced at a glittering event on Thursday, January 14th. We've gone to great lengths to ensure that the public will be able to see it unfold in real time.
For a quick recap on the Awards, the judging process, the various categories and finalists, visit the Awards site
The awards event will take place in Johannesburg on Thursday, January 14, and will be attended by around 150 motor industry representatives, CEOs, members of the finance sector, press, media agencies, social influencers and celebrities. And, thanks to modern technology, the most important guest will also be able to watch it live – you!
The awards event will be digitally broadcast across many platforms and you're encouraged to join in the conversation from around 7pm. Follow and subscribe to the following channels and remember to look out for (and use) the hashtag #CarsAwards. The awards ceremony will be hosted by our very own Ciro de Siena, along with comedy legend, John Vlismas. Also look out for an illuminating chat on digital and consumer trends by Mike Sharman.
Just to recap, we have 9 product categories ranging from Budget Car to First Class luxury vehicles as well as 3 special categories for Design of the Year, Game Changer of the Year and Brand of the Year. Visit the Cars Awards website here for more information.
