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Cape Town - Hyundai’s new Tucson SUV, launched in March 2016, has been named the overall 2016 Women's Car of the Year.
The Tucson proved to be a top choice among an all-female judging panel comprising of ten South African female motoring journalists, including Wheels24's Janine Van der Post.
The Hyundai Tucson took top honours due to its "affordability, practicality and overall value for money", says organiser of the award, Women On Wheels editor Juliet McGuire.
“The judges’ votes were based on things such as good value for money, practicality, comfort and performance,” McGuire adds.
McGuire is also the driving force behind the awards.
READ: Which car tops the list for SA's motoring women?
The ten judges voted for cars in each category, via a point system, and the car with the highest number of votes was then crowned the winner of that category. Judges were then asked to vote for their overall car of the year with the Hyundai Tucson beating tough competition for the title.
Earlier 2016, Wheels24 reported on the launch of the third-generation in Cape Town. Curiously, Hyundai ditched its ix35 moniker and reverted to the original Tucson name. Its name is about the only thing it has in common with its predecessors as the new Tucson is even more radical, feature-packed and refined than before
March 2016 saw the launch of the revived Tuscon and since then 1290 units were sold within two months. Since its launch, Hyundai says its local dealers are selling an average of 400 units per month.
Wheels24 asked some of the female judges why they chose the Hyundai Tucson as their 2016 WCOTY title:
Wheels24's Janine Van der Post: "I'm excited that the Hyundai Tucson has won. I based my vote on vehicles which I considered to be practical and offer great value for money. The Tucson embodies these qualities and it's a great-looking SUV too."
Read her review here: 10 things to know about Hyundai's Tucson
Judges respond
Juliet McGuire, editor of Women on Wheels, said: "My vote is with the Tucson based on affordability, plus it is newer and I think a huge step up from the previous Tucson/ix35. I am happy with the Tucson winning, I would be happy/secure/confident recommending it to a friend and I often base my choices on this."
Ane Theron, AutoTrader SA, said: "It's super refined. Glad it won!"
Melinda Ferguson, motoring journo, author and publisher: "I have driven Tucson on an international and local launch and it's a worthy winner. It combines versatility, efficiency and it's damn hot to look at."
Mabuyane Kekana, co-fonder of M&L Media: "Tucson is that perfect balanced vehicle not only for a woman, but for families. It is well priced, well specced, spacious and has solid built quality. You won't find anything that's more balanced in this segment."
the Hyundai Tucson has been named the 2016 SA Women's Car of the Year? Do you agree? Email us your thoughts.
Hyundai responds
Stanley Anderson, Hyundai SA's marketing director, said: “We are very proud of the Women On Wheels award for the Tucson, and we feel it is well-deserved. If you look at the criteria that the judges’ votes were based on — among others good value for money, practicality, comfort and performance — the award confirms that the Tucson easily ticks all those boxes.
"The fact that the Tucson is also the top-seller in its market segment, confirms that many car buyers in South Africa recognise it for the solid, roomy and very practical family car that it is, with a very attractive design and outstanding ride quality.”
