Meet the 3 finalists in the Family Car category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa. The winner of this #CarsAwards category will be announced on 29 February 2024.
The 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa is the 7th iteration of SA’s definitive consumer-driven automotive awards programme that aims to identify the best new vehicles on sale in Mzansi across 13 categories.
Judges first compiled a list of 65 semi-finalists – then trimmed it to 39 finalists. Following that, all #CarsAwards finalist vehicles were subjected to a rigorous 2-day test at Gerotek at the beginning of November 2023, after which they starred in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Roadshow at the Mall of Africa where, for the first time, the public could experience the cars – and meet the judges – in the flesh.
See the complete list: 2023/24 CarsAwards – The 39 finalists
Read more about the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards
The Family Car category
A medium crossover or SUV, which we’ve categorised under “family car” ever since the #CarsAwards programme began in 2015, must perform a wide variety of duties; it needs to be a practical all-rounder. The winner of this category should excel on the school run, but also be able to transport a family to a distant holiday location. In this category, interior flexibility, comfort and, of course, safety are paramount.
This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R600 000 and R800 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023). The following features must be standard: ABS and electronic stability control (ESC), aircon, a minimum of 6 airbags, split-folding rear seats, as well as a service plan.
Pillars of success for this category include powertrain flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, design and quality appeal, comfort and safety and in-car entertainment.
Family Cars: CarsAwards Finalists
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDi 390 Executive
Chery recently enhanced the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which was quite a compelling offering to begin with. The 2.0TGDi 390 Executive represents incredible value for money (considering it has a standard 7-year/90 000 km service plan) because, when it comes to features and comforts, it is comprehensively specced.
A 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine provides plenty of performance and it appears the Chinese carmaker has addressed some of the fuel-economy concerns. Will its keen price point and 3rd row of seats, the latter of which is the exception to the rule in this popular segment, give the Tiggo 8 Pro Max the edge?
Read a Launch Review of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
Find a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro for sale on Cars.co.za
Haval H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury
The H6 is one of 2 models that have propelled Haval up SA’s new-vehicle sales charts. This is not a run-of-the-milll H6 derivative, however – it’s a self-charging petrol-electric hybrid. The 2.0-litre turbopetrol has been swopped for a 1.5-litre engine with an electric battery and motor. The result is a similar level of performance, but better fuel economy. Ultra Luxury trim includes a dazzling array of features and tech.
Watch a Video Review of the Haval H6 HEV
Find a Haval H6 for sale on Cars.co.za
Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi EX
The 5th-gen Kia Sportage burst onto the scene with bold and futuristic good looks, but under its shapely sheet metal you’ll find a well-packaged family SUV. Initially offered with petrol engines only, the Sportage range was recently bolstered by the addition of a turbodiesel powerplant, which promises excellent fuel economy. The EX grade includes most of the convenience features expected of a mid-spec derivative.
Read a review of the Kia Sportage
Find a Kia Sportage for sale on Cars.co.za
More about the #CarsAwards
The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) will be named on 29 February 2024.
Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
