In a night shimmering with elegance, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, now in its seventh year and newly sponsored by Absa, dazzled attendees at the Sandton City Mall on the leap day of 29 February 2024.
This prestigious event, under the glow of chandeliers and the watchful eyes of industry giants, was not just a ceremony but a celebration of automotive excellence.
Hosted by the charismatic duo of comedian Nik Rabinowitz and radio sensation Khutso Theledi, and uplifted by the harmonious tunes of the Ndlovu Youth Choir, the evening was a fitting tribute to the best in the automotive world.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its inception in 2015, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, affectionately known as the #CarsAwards, has steadfastly pursued a mission to guide consumers to the best automotive choices. Sponsored by Absa and endorsed by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), the awards have become a beacon of trust and a hallmark of quality for car buyers nationwide.
The Winners Circle
This year's awards saw a diverse array of vehicles taking home the coveted trophies across 13 categories, alongside the esteemed Brand of the Year title. Here's a glance at those who roared to the top:
Entry-level Hatch Winner:
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX, outshining its peers for its unmatched value and performance.
Budget Hatch Winner:
Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX, a testament to Suzuki's commitment to delivering quality at an affordable price.
Compact Hatch Winner:
Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI 85kW R-Line, continuing Volkswagen's legacy with its impeccable design and engineering.
Entry-level Crossover Winner:
Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 GLX, marking Suzuki's dominance in providing versatile and reliable vehicles.
Compact Family Car Winner:
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR, a symbol of Toyota's innovation and commitment to family-friendly motoring.
Family Car Winner:
Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi EX, Kia's breakthrough win, showcasing its superior design and comfort.
Premium Crossover Winner:
BMW X1 sDrive18d M Sport, a luxury statement by BMW, blending performance with elegance.
Executive SUV Winner:
Mercedes-Benz GLC220d 4Matic Avantgarde, epitomizing sophistication and advanced technology.
Premium SUV Winner:
BMW iX xDrive40, a beacon of BMW's pioneering spirit in the realm of electric vehicles.
Adventure SUV Winner:
Ford Everest 3.0 V6 Wildtrak, Ford's triumphant return, offering unmatched adventure capabilities.
Performance Car Winner:
Toyota GR Yaris Rally, Toyota's engineering marvel, delivering exhilarating performance.
Leisure Double Cab Winner:
Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost Raptor 4WD, Ford's testament to power and durability in the leisure category.
Electric Vehicle Winner:
BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport, leading the charge in the electric revolution.
Brand of the Year Winner:
Toyota/Lexus, a dual win celebrating consistent excellence and innovation.
Highlights and Historic Wins
This year’s #CarsAwards saw BMW and Suzuki each taking home three category wins, a significant achievement showcasing their industry leadership.
Notably, BMW's win in the Electric Vehicle category with the iX1 xDrive30 M Sport marks a milestone as the manufacturer continues to lead in the electric vehicle space since its first win with the i3 model.
Meanwhile, Suzuki's victory in the Budget category with the Baleno 1.5 GLX underscores its unyielding dedication to affordability without compromise.
Ford's win in both the Adventure SUV and Leisure Double Cab categories underscores a significant comeback, marking its first wins since the 2016/17 awards. T
his achievement not only highlights Ford's exceptional offerings in these categories but also its resurgence as a contender in the South African automotive landscape.
A Night to Remember
The 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards was more than an event; it was a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in the automotive industry.
As winners celebrated and guests enjoyed an evening filled with laughter, music, and applause, the awards once again proved to be a cornerstone in guiding consumers to the best car choices.
In the journey of automotive excellence, the #CarsAwards remain a pivotal milestone, celebrating the best, guiding consumers, and shaping the future of motoring in South Africa.
Keep on following The Go To Guy Car talk, cause in the next following articles, we will be highlighting each vehicle that won and share with you their specifications and features.
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