Wesbank and the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) announced the Porsche Cayman S as South Africa’s 2014 Car of the Year (COTY) at the Sandton Convention Centre, on Wednesday 19 February.
The announcement follows a stringent process of voting and physical testing at the world-renowned Gerotek Vehicle Testing Facility outside Pretoria. Each vehicle’s final score is determined by assessing aesthetics, dynamics, performance, fuel efficiency, safety, technology, parts pricing and cost of ownership, to name but a few, with the overriding criterion to which each vehicle is scored, being overall excellence.
Having scooped the 2013 COTY title with Boxster, Porsche is the second manufacturer, since inception of the competition in 1986, to score successive wins. It is also only the second year that Porsche has been nominated as a COTY finalist.
A delighted Toby Venter, Chief Executive of Porsche Centre South Africa, said: “This is a memorable day for Porsche customers and staff in South Africa. Thank you all for being an integral part of the Porsche family. I also commend the tireless efforts of engineers and designers at Porsche; these dedicated people create cars with leading technology and styling, not just in a clinical way, but with passion and magic. I also wish to thank the Guild of Motoring Journalists for the courage of their convictions by bestowing this honour on Porsche.”
The SAGMJ Car Of the Year has delivered a number of firsts in recent years. Apart from the Porsche Boxster in 2013 (first Porsche, the first sports car and first roadster to win the competition), the Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS took the title in 2012, in what was a first for a Korean manufacturer. In 2011, the competition caused a stir when the BMW 530d and Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI shared the crown.
In 2014, the results and points were as follows:
- Porsche Cayman S (199)
- Volkswagen Golf 7 1.4 TSI 90kW Comfortline DSG (192)
- Audi A3 Sportback 1.4T FSI Manual (168)
- Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG (143)
- Jaguar F-Type 3.0 V6 S (136)
- Renault Clio4 66kW Turbo Dynamique (133)
- Lexus IS 350 F-Sport (123)
- Peugeot 208 GTI (106)
- Volvo V40 D3 Geartronic Excel (100)
In the interest of transparency the judges choose to make their votes and comments public, which you can find on the SAGMJ website. Read our editor’s comments on the votes he cast in this year’s competition
As a first time juror for the WesBank/SAGMJ Car of the Year competition, the responsibility has been an onerous one, not helped by the quality of the finalists and the fact that just one will grab the spotlight while another eight, excellent, vehicles will stand in its shadow. For this reason, I sincerely hope the achievement of being nominated as a COTY finalist is not forgotten by our buying public and perhaps this is a message that can be more strongly communicated throughout the competition in future.
The Volkswagen Golf 7 1.4 TSI DSG received a maximum of 10 points from me because it punches above its class in all areas. The Golf’s blend of refinement, quality, practicality, safety, performance and technology, mean it sets the benchmark. Its pricing and cost of ownership are entirely fair considering the aforementioned points and I consider it a stand out achievement that Volkswagen are able to offer such a thoroughly competent product within the price sensitive constraints of one of the toughest market segments.
I also awarded the Porsche Cayman S a full 10 points, for its superb engineering in all areas. The Cayman boasts an impeccable level of overall build quality. The engine, PDK transmission, suspension, steering and the chassis that houses them, are all special in their own right, but never fail to leave me with a slight feeling of disbelief after experiencing them in unison. Like the VW Golf, the Porsche Cayman S represents fair value within its class, however, it trounces the competition when it comes to the sports car driving experience. Considering the above, the Cayman S must currently be the jewel in Porsche’s crown.
The Audi A3 Sportback 1.4T FSI is another solidly engineered vehicle from the German camp, blending practicality with style and a drivetrain that’s as sweet as they come. The ride quality is great and the handling deft, but the Audi can’t match the Golf for overall value.
The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG earns 7 of my votes for its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that sets a new benchmark in power output for the hot hatchback segment. Not only that, but the A45 is equipped with one of Mercedes’ slickest transmissions. The 4Matic all-wheel drive system, together with the sports suspension, offers impressive levels of grip. It’s this year’s technological tour de force, but very focused in its approach.
Six of my points go to the Jaguar F-Type V6 S, as it’s undoubtedly the most emotive car in this year’s competition. It looks and sounds fantastic, while also having the ‘go’ to match the ‘show’, but doesn’t quite deliver the handling and dynamic driving experience alluded to by these traits.
I’ve awarded 4 points to the feature-packed Renault Clio 4 Dynamique for its value for money. The testing at Gerotek added substance to Renault’s claims around the Clio’s safety, with the active systems working quickly and predictably to remedy potentially dangerous situations.
Three of my points have been awarded to the Lexus IS350 F Sport. The Lexus is a good compact executive saloon, offers unique styling and lacks little in luxuries, yet there remains room for improvement in the areas of efficiency and ergonomics.
The Peugeot 208 GTi receives 2 points from me for offering a solid feature list, strong 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and bringing renewed French flair to the sub-compact hot hatch class.
