These are the best cars in South Africa across every major category

 ·27 Sep 2021

The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the 2021 car of the year finalists across 11 major categories.

The winning vehicles were selected based on an online scoring system available to all SAGMJ members. The jurors had access to this scoring system and were encouraged to score vehicles as they experienced them on launch or during test drives.

Public voting was also considered and effectively held the weight of a single juror. The ‘Motor Enthusiast’s Choice Award’ was also based on a public vote.

Once the expert panel concluded scoring, automated scoring factors that cover sales performance, segment share and value for money were applied.

The automated scoring information was provided by Lightstone Auto, which provides data-driven insight, online market intelligence and new vehicle sales data to the South African automotive industry.

Based on these metrics, the top three winners of the 2021 South African Car of the Year competition are:

  1. Peugeot 2008
  2. Toyota Hilux Double Cab
  3. BMW 4 Series

These are the winners in each major category:


Budget Category: Toyota Starlet


Compact Category: Hyundai Venue


Compact Family Category: Peugeot 2008 SUV


Family Category: Audi A4


Premium Category: BMW 4 Series


Adventure Category: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado


Double Cab Category: Toyota Hilux Double Cab


Performance Category: Porsche 911 Turbo S


New Energy Category: Porsche Taycan


Motor Enthusiast’s Choice: Mercedes-Benz E-Class


Jurors Excellence Award: Peugeot 2008 SUV


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