Meet the 3 finalists in the Performance 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 Performance Car category
While owning supercars and other “exotics” is bound to remain a pipedream for most car buyers, there are new cars that are priced under the R1-million mark that offer near-supercar thrills and performance.
In this category, we are not only looking for sizzling performance but also driver engagement, whether driven on the track or on the road.
This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors include a list price below R1 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023) to ensure that this doesn’t become a category dominated by extravagant and unattainable exotics.
Pillars of success for this category include drivetrain engagement, handling, sensory appeal and standard features.
Performance Car: CarsAwards Finalists
Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R is a revered hot hatch. Every iteration of the Type R has delivered driving thrills and performance in abundance, and this new-gen model is no different. It may lack the outrageous styling of the predecessor, but it makes up for it with an even more focused driving experience.
The Japanese hatchback’s grip levels are staggering; its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol develops a stonking 235 kW/420 Nm and the sheer level of driver engagement it offers serves as a reminder that rip-snorting front-wheel-drive hot hatches such as these won’t be around for all that much longer.
Find a Honda Civic for sale on Cars.co.za
Toyota GR Corolla Circuit
Toyota’s GR division took its learnings from the world rally championship-inspired GR Yaris, applied them to the Corolla and turned up the wick. The 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol motor now delivers 221 kW and 370 Nm, combined with all-wheel-drive grip that feels out of this world. With a notable feel-good factor and head-turning looks, there’s nothing quite like the GR Corolla. Will it beat its smaller sibling, though?
Read a launch review of the Toyota GR Corolla
Find a Toyota Corolla for sale on Cars.co.za
Toyota GR Yaris Rally
The GR Yaris is the result of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing arm developing a car for motorsport homologation and, if you were to enter a racing series, you wouldn’t have to do much to convert this mighty mite into a championship-winning race car. All the elements are there: a revvy turbocharged 3-pot motor, all-wheel drive and a sweet-shifting 6-speed manual ‘box. If ever a car epitomises this category, it is this one.
Read a review of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally
Find a Toyota Yaris 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.
