South Africa’s 12 best cars to buy in 2018

CAR magazine has published its annual ‘Top 12 Best Buys’ for 2018, a list of vehicles the publication deemed to be the best within their respective classes.

The list is based on ranges (not individual models) driven by CAR’s vastly-experienced editorial team, with a number of facets including package, personality, performance and value all considered when making the final decision.

The full list published – including special ward winners – will be published in the upcoming March 2018 issue of CAR magazine.

The list of overall category winners and runners is detailed below.

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Best budget car (under R160 000) – Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA

Runners up

• Kia Picanto 1,0 Street
• Nissan Micra Active 1.2 Visia

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Best small hatchback – Volkswagen Polo

Runners up

• Volkswagen Polo Vivo
• Mazda 2

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Best midsize hatchback – Volkswagen Golf

Runners up

• Audi A3
• Ford Focus

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Best midsize sedan – Toyota Corolla Quest

Runners up

• Ford Focus
• Mazda3

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Best premium midsize car – BMW 3 Series

Runners up

• Audi A4
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Best luxury car – Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Runners up

• Porsche Panamera
• BMW 5 Series

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Best performance car – Porsche 911 GT3 PDK

Runners up

• Audi TT RS Coupé Quattro S tronic
• Audi RS6 Avant Quattro S tronic

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Best small SUV/crossover – Honda BR-V

Runners up

• Renault Captur
• Kia Soul

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Best midsize SUV/crossover – Volkswagen Tiguan

Runners up

• Hyundai Tucson
• Mazda CX-5

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Best premium midsize SUV/crossover – Audi Q5

Runners up

• BMW X3
• Range Rover Velar

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Best large SUV/crossover – Range Rover Sport

Runners up

• Volvo XC90
• Audi Q7

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Best double-cab bakkie – Ford Ranger

Runners up

• Toyota Hilux
• Volkswagen Amarok

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Read: Polo Vivo 2018 South African prices revealed