THE BUDGET-CAR CHAMP

I always enjoy reading CAR. It is interesting and informative and based on your detailed test report of the Suzuki S-presso in your July 2020 issue, I bought one of these cars. As you described on your July cover, it is “Cheap & Cheerful!” Our experience thus far is that it is an excellent buy as a city car: spacious, fun to drive, generously equipped and low on fuel consumption. Your test summary ended with: “Will Suzuki once again win the coveted budget car crown when we vote for the Top 12 Best Buys winners early next year? Only a fool would bet against it.”

The Top 12 Best Buys for 2021 was published in your April 2021 issue. I read the judging criteria on page 39 where you say, “We look at packaging, personality, performance and, most importantly, affordability," and I was surprised to learn your team had chosen the Hyundai Atos 1,1 Motion, priced at R169 500, as the winner of the budget car segment. The Hyundai is no doubt also an excellent car but based on your criteria and closing comments of the test summary of the Suzuki S-presso (priced at R145 900), I think I have reason to question your choice of the winner of the budget car section. THOMAS HUMAN Via email [Hi Thomas, thanks for getting in touch. Yes, the budget car segment was closely fought this year between the S-presso and Atos. I can tell you, this author rated the S-presso very highly. However, as always, the vote is democratic across the whole of the CAR team and it went the way of the Hyundai by a tiny margin. So, in the end, I guess we are the fools who bet against it. Nevertheless, I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying your Suzuki, it’s an excellent vehicle – editor.]