Top 12 Best Buys
LOOKING TO BUY A NEW CAR IN 2021? THESE ARE THE TEAM’S TOP PICKS BY CATEGORY
01 Budget car ( 02 Small car 03 Small Suv/crossover 04 Midsize car 05 Midsize Suv/crossover 06 Premium midsize car 07 Premium midsize Suv/crossover 08 Large Suv/crossover 09 Luxury car 10 Luxury Suv/crossover 11 Performance car 12 Double-cab bakkie JUDGING CRITERIA Only vehicles that at least five of the seven-member CAR editorial team have driven We factor in the ndings of road tests and driving impressions published up until this April issue. Don’t see your favourite – such as the Opel Corsa or Peugeot 2008 – in the running? The majority of the CAR team would not have experienced it at the time this issue went to print. Ranges, not individual models Except in the Budget and Performance car segments, we consider an entire range, not one speci c model.while it may appear odd to have an Audi A3 and Toyota Corolla Quest gunning for the same award, remember, we measure cars against their direct rivals in their classes and rule on their relative levels of excellence within a broader category that considers both size, capability and price. We consider all the facets We look at packaging, personality, performance and, most importantly – in the more value-led COVID-19 world – affordability. The argument … and then the vote We set aside a day for the team to debate and arm wrestle over the contestants. Then we draw up a list of six nalists per award and vote. Here are our 2021 winners …