Meet the 3 finalists in the Premium Crossover 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 Premium Crossover category
These stylish vehicles offer a popular SUV look but in a smaller, more city-friendly package. They aim to attract attention with eye-catching looks, colours and capable powertrains. Individuality is the name of the game in this segment, where models’ interior and exterior looks can be tailored to buyers’ specific tastes, while still providing the most up-to-date in-car technologies.
This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R700 000 and R1 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023) to ensure exclusivity and status. To be eligible for this category, a model must be a crossover/small SUV in the mould of models such as the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 etc.
Pillars of success for this category include powertrain technology, driving dynamics, design and quality appeal, luxury and brand strength.
Premium Crossovers in SA: CarsAwards Finalists
Audi Q3 Sportback 40TFSI quattro S Line
The Q3 is Audi South Africa’s best-selling model and it’s easy to understand why. The Ingolstadt-based brand’s premium compact crossover offers modern and upmarket exterior styling, a punchy turbopetrol engine, an all-wheel drivetrain, as well as a refined platform. Although its smart cabin feels minimalist, the 40TFSI quattro S Line is sufficiently specced at this price point.
Find an Audi Q3 for sale on Cars.co.za
BMW X1 sDrive18d M Sport
The new BMW X1 feels a lot more substantial than the 2nd-generation model. Even though it’s still a city car first and foremost, the roomier U11 model has shaken off its predecessor’s “bland crossover” image; it presents as a small SUV endowed with the latest BMW infotainment, engines and technology. Its on-road manners are exceptional and the diesel engine perfectly balances performance and fuel economy.
Find a BMW X1 for sale on Cars.co.za
Volvo XC40 B4 Ultimate Dark
In years to come, Volvo’s XC range may be remembered as some of the Swedish brand’s finest products. In the XC40 – the smallest of the trio of models – customers are treated to a compact, yet well-thought-out premium crossover. It has a beautifully finished cabin equipped with an innovative Google-powered infotainment system. The B4 mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine delivers willing performance too.
Read a review of the Volvo XC40
Find a Volvo XC40 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.
