If you’re looking for a premium motoring experience, with all the luxury, performance and style in a compact shape, then any of the 3 finalists in the Premium Crossover category in the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa, is worthy of consideration. In our view, however, the BMW X1 is the pick of the bunch.
These stylish vehicles offer a popular SUV look in a smaller, more city-friendly package. The 2024 Best Premium Crossover must attract attention with eye-catching looks, colours and a punchy powertrain. 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.
The Premium Crossover category
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.
2024 Best Premium Crossover: CarsAwards WINNER
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
RUNNER-UP: 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
RUNNER-UP: 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) were named on 29 February 2024.
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