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2018 SA Car of the Year: Which model deserves to win?

<i>Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post</i>
<i>Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post</i>

Midrand - The finalists participating in the 2018 SA WesBank Car of the Year competition were put through their paces during a two-day test programme in Gauteng earlier this year.  

The two test days marked the final round of the competition before the 26-member jury locked in their votes for this year's winner. The top cars follow a vote cast by Jury, from an original list of 35 eligible vehicles.

The 2018 winner will be announced on Tuesday, March 13, at a gala event in Midrand. 

Readers poll

Audi has been leading the Wheels24 Readers' poll so far but competition has remained fierce between the Q5 and the Alfa Romeo Giulia's for the past few months. 

Wheels24 will continue to run our annual Readers' SA Car of the Year poll until Tuesday 8:00am. Last chance to Vote here.


Last chance to enter our Readers' Car of the Year poll - Vote here.

Wheels24's Janine van der Post, part of the 26-member jury, shares her thoughts on the 2018 Car of the Year competition: Click here for the full story

Here are her thoughts on the 10 finalists:  Click here for the full story


Audi Q5

Pros: Awesome technology, simplistic design, dynamic handling. 

Cons: The Q5 did not rank as high as I thought it would; not that there was anything wrong with Audi's superb SUV, some rivals stood out more during testing.

Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Pros: Absolutely beautiful. Extremely dynamic in terms of handling and performance.

Cons: Pricey compared to rivals, sells in limited numbers (although that could be a good thing).

Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post

BMW 5 Series

Pros: Excellent driver-assistance programmes, innovative technology, smooth driving, efficient.

Cons: Rivals give the 5 Series a run for its money in the looks department.
  

Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post

Porsche Panamera

Pros: Design, technology and creature comforts are exceptionally good. Opulent and terrific to drive.

Cons: Other than the price, there really is nothing else to crit this car on. 

Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post

Kia Picanto

Pros: Affordable, offers great value for money and it's a solid performer. Easy to drive, and even easier to park!

Cons: Boot space is obviously limited - although it has extra space below the load tray - but that's a given due to its size and segment.

Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post

Suzuki Ignis

Pros: Adorable, funky, comes with stop/start technology and drives a charm.

Cons: Lacks some power especially going uphill.  

Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post

Land Rover Discovery

Pros: Best-in-class offroading capabilities, luxurious to drive.

Cons: Styling has taken a new direction and for fans is an acquired taste.   

Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post

Volvo S90

Pros: Extraordinarily beautiful; technology and design is top class.

Cons: Pricey and it's up against rival BMW 5 Series in its class.

Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post


Toyota C-HR

Pros:  Thrilling 1.2-litre engine, packed with features.

Cons: Pricey, its disparate looks is not everyone's cup of tea.

Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post


Peugeot 3008

Pros: Beautiful design, innovative technology for Peugeot, quality finishes and materials.

Cons: Controls behind the steering could be more refined, such as smaller or more integrated paddle shifts and there's some wind noise that could use some tweaking. 

Image: Wheels24/Janine Van Der Post

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