With the
South African Car of the Year competition fast approaching we have decided to look at a few of the competitors that we think have a good chance in winning.
South African Car of the Year 2023 is a highly anticipated annual competition that recognizes the best cars available in the South African market.
The competition is organized by the
South African Guild of Motoring Journalists and is held annually to determine the best car in various categories, such as performance, design, safety, and value for money. The competition is a benchmark for car buyers and manufacturers alike, as it highlights the latest advancements in automotive technology and design.
With the test days of the 21 finalists for the title of South Africa's car of the year done, all eyes are now on the awards ceremony in June when the winners will be announced.
Here are our favorites
In the
Compact Family category the
Volkswagen Taigo definitely stands out. The
Volkswagen Taigo is a sporty and stylish subcompact car that offers great value and an enjoyable ride. It has a modern and sporty exterior, comfortable interior and is fuel efficient. It is equipped with a variety of advanced safety features, including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The
Taigo is offered locally with a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine. This little crossover is perfect for those looking for a reliable and affordable car that still offers plenty of fun.
In the
Mid Size category there are a number of strong players. A standout for us is undoubtedly the new
KIA Sportage. The
2023 KIA Sportage offers a stylish exterior design, a spacious and well-equipped interior, and advanced safety features. It is powered by a range of efficient engines. The
Sportage also offers a comfortable ride and a variety of cutting-edge technologies for entertainment and convenience, making it a strong contender in its segment.
In the
Premium SUV segment it is the all-new
Jeep Grand Cherokee that has grabbed our attention. The
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a full-size
SUV that offers a bold and rugged design, spacious and luxurious interior, and exceptional off-road capability. It comes with a choice of powerful engines, including a plug-in hybrid option, and is available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The
Grand Cherokee L also features advanced safety and technology systems, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, advanced driver assist features, and a premium sound system. With its impressive blend of comfort, capability, and technology, the
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a top choice for
SUV buyers who want it all.
When it comes to the
Double Cab category it has to be the new
Ford Ranger. The
2023 Ford Ranger offers a versatile and capable design, powerful engines, and a range of features for work and play. It features a bold exterior design, a spacious and comfortable interior, and advanced safety and technology systems. The engine options include a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel as well as a new V6 turbo diesel. It is available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. With its impressive towing and payload capacities, its range of advanced technologies, and its rugged and reliable design, the
2023 Ford Ranger is a great choice for anyone in the market for a bakkie.
Lastly we have the
New Energy category that looks at alternative forms of vehicle energy. From fully electric cars to hybrids. While we do enjoy a fully-electric vehicle, a hybrid seems to be the answer for
South Africa. A favorite of ours is the
Toyota RAV4. The
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a compact
SUV that offers a stylish exterior design, a well-equipped interior, and exceptional fuel efficiency. It is powered by a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering both power and efficiency. The
RAV4 Hybrid also features a spacious and comfortable interior, with a range of advanced technologies for entertainment and convenience. Additionally, the
RAV4 Hybrid offers a smooth and refined ride, with excellent handling and a well-tuned suspension. With its impressive combination of efficiency, comfort, and technology, the
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a top choice for anyone in the market for a compact
SUV.
Credit: Justin Jacobs
