ON THE COVER

Looking to buy a new car this year? this is your definitive guide

We pick the best new vehicles in the local market … and then select the best used buys, too (page 112)

01 Budget car 02 Small car 03 Midsize car 04 Premium midsize car 05 Luxury car 06 Performance car 07 Small Suv/crossover 08 Midsize Suv/crossover 09 Premium midsize Suv/crossover 10 Large Suv/crossover 11 Luxury Suv/crossover 12 Double-cab bakkie

JUDGING CRITERIA

Only vehicles that at least six of the eight-member CAR editorial team have driven

We factor in the findings of road tests and driving impressions we’ve published up until this April issue. Don’t see your favourite – such as the Porsche Cayenne or Renault Clio – 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 merely one outstanding example. While it may appear odd to have a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Corolla Quest gunning for the same award, for example, remember we measure cars against their direct rivals in their classes and then rule on their relative levels of excellence within a broader category that considers both size and price. We consider all the facets

We look at package, personality, performance and, most importantly in the more value-led categories, price. The bun fight … and then the vote

We set aside a day for the team to debate, argue and arm wrestle over the contestants. Then we draw up a list of six finalists per award and vote.

BUDGET CAR

Criteria: any model that costs R185 000 or less, regardless of size or body shape. Value is key, which is why we’ve increased the budget over the last four years by just R25 000, but so too is safety. No ABS or at least one airbag? No chance.

Consistently racking up more than 200 sales a month since its local introduction last year, the new Atos has highlighted there are budget-oriented consumers who also value build quality, comfort and convenience. When we tested the 1,1 Motion in February, we praised Hyundai’s littlest offering’s fresh styling, fizzy engine and upmarket packaging. It’s a real joy to thread through bumper-to-bumper traffic. There are a few things we’d improve – lack of adjustment on the steering column hampers seating comfort for taller drivers; and where’s the rear-window wiper and demister? – but this is a class act in a segment teeming with talent.

SMALL CAR

Criteria: this category includes city cars such as the VW Up! and Toyota Aygo, all the way to such practical fare as the Honda Jazz, notchbacks such as the Kia Rio Sedan and premium offerings from Audi and Mini.

Edging its newer Polo sibling for the second year in a row, in the eyes of local consumers, the Polo Vivo can do no wrong. SA’S bestselling passenger car offers an extensive range of models – four engine options and two transmission choices, plus a hiked-up Maxx derivative – all in a vehicle that strikes a fine balance between value for money and that dose of sophistication VW drivers adore. Our Comfortline choice sits in the middle of the range, costs R209 900 and offers all the necessary mod-cons. Still, we’d love to see a three-year/45 000 km service plan ship standard instead of being a R4 821 option.