South African Guild of Motoring Journalists Car of the Year Finalists

The finalists for the 2016 Car Of The Year were announced to much fanfare at the Langham Lifestyle Estate. Wesbank, who has partnered with the SAGMJ for over 30 years, returns as title sponsor and Motul and Hollard are now on board for this year as well.

The guild and judging panel have recently revised and revamped the judging criteria to ensure a free and fair result when the winner is announced next year in March. One of the largest changes effected will be that the win will be awarded to an entire model range not just a particular vehicle. The jury aims to put each vehicle through its paces in a number of fields such as value for money, safety and technology, performance, overall excellence, interior design and practicality, handling and dynamics, exterior aesthetics and efficiency.

The manufacturers waited with baited breath to see if their vehicle had made it into the finals. Roger McCleery took to the stage to announce the finalists as the vehicles drove into the venue to applause from all in attendance.

The finalists in no particular order were as follows:

• Opel Corsa
• Jaguar XE
• Peugeot 308 GT
• Land Rover Discovery Sport
• Mazda 2 Hatch
• Kia Sorento
• Citroën C4 Cactus    
• Honda HR-V
• Ford Fusion 
• Opel Adam        
• Volvo XC90
• BMW i3

Many of the fleet managers and PR people from the various brands were overjoyed to have their models make it into the finals while others left, hoping for better luck next year. The next 6 months of rigorous testing will see one vehicle rise above the others and take the title.

The 2016 WesBank / SAGMJ Car of the Year will be announced at a black-tie event on 8 March 2016.