For the first time in the competition’s 33 year history, consumers are helping to choose the AutoTrader South African Car of the Year!
The list of vehicles eligible for the 2019 contest has been published. Now the members of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists, and the public, are casting their votes for semi-finalists.
An initial analysis of the consumer vote reveals that anything from an affordable hatchback to a bakkie, could take the laurels!
AutoTrader CEO George Mienie reveals that there are some surprises so far. “For instance, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class appears in the top 12. It could be quite appropriate for a bakkie to win this prestigious competition, as South Africa is, after all, a big bakkie market,” he notes.
Another interesting front runner is the Nissan Micra which will enjoy some stiff competition from the Toyota Yaris and Suzuki Swift.
Not surprisingly, the reigning World Car of the Year – the Volvo XC60 – is finding favour with consumers. Included in the top 12 line-up is the Maserati Levante S which is powered by the same 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine found in the Ghibli and Quattroporte, which happens to be built by Ferrari.
Thousands of consumers are expected to be cast their votes at www.autotradercoty.co.za, with the final votes accepted up until close of business on Monday November 5. Thereafter the highly authoritative jury of 25 , which comprises the country’s leading motoring journalists, will cast their votes along with all the full members and Fellows of the Guild to determine the list of 20 semi-finalists.
All consumers voting will be entered in to a competition to win one of five R10 000 cash prizes. Winners will be selected via a random draw.
Semi-finalists and finalists will be announced in November with jurors conducting back-to-back testing of the vehicles in March 2019. The results are expected to be announced shortly thereafter.
Provided by AutoTrader SA
