Finding a hardcore performance car priced under R1 million is increasingly tough, but these three CarsAwards finalists certainly get the blood pumping. In the end, it was Toyota’s GR Yaris that took the chequered flag in the Performance Car category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa.
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.
The Performance Car category
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 eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for the 2024 Best Performance Car title include a list price below R1 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023). As in previous #CarsAwards programmes, we institute a price cap to ensure the category doesn’t become dominated by extravagant and unattainable exotics.
Pillars of success for this category include drivetrain engagement, handling, sensory appeal and standard features.
2024 Best Performance Car: CarsAwards WINNER
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
RUNNER-UP: 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
RUNNER-UP: 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.
Read a launch review of the Toyota GR Corolla
Find a Toyota Corolla 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) were named on 29 February 2024.
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