The 2014 WesBank/ South Africa Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) car of the year (COTY) finalists have been unveiled at the Johannesburg International Motor Show and the question on every motorist lips is who will snatch the number one spot.
Some car motor fans have already made their predictions.
“I like Clio and I think it will win. I also like the design and it has power'” says Rozaan Watts.
Dewald Dippernaar disagrees with his girlfriend as he believes that the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG will make it through. “Mercedes-Benz has done pretty well this year and I think they will win. The car has good technology features and I would advice anyone to buy it.”
Another motorist, Gerhard Schoombee also bets that Clio will win: “Due to the current economic condition, I don’t think Porsche will make it. I think Clio will take it because its value is reasonable.”
The 2014 WesBank/SAGMJ Car of the Year Finalists were announced on Sunday.
The nine finalists are:
2013 Audi A3 Sportback 1.4T FSI Manual
2013 Jaguar F-TYPE 3.0 V6 S
2013 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport
2013 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG
2013 Peugeot 208 GTI
2013 Renault Clio4 66kW Turbo Dynamique
2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 1.4 TSI 90kW Comfortline DSG
2013 Volvo V40 D3 Geartronic Excel
A two-day evaluation session, which will take place in January 2014, will offer judges an opportunity to reacquaint themselves with vehicles and specific aspects such as build quality, ergonomic, fuel consumption, environment friendliness, safety features and value for money.
WesBank and car representative, Charles West, says: “SAGMJ journalists will have a two-day session to evaluate the cars. This includes test driving the cars, checking performance of the cars and whether it is well suited to be driven in certain routes.”
The winner of the 2014 WesBank/ SAGMJ COTY will be revealed at gala banquet in February 2014.
– By Sthembiso Sithole.
