You might have seen our social media channels awash with Cars.co.za Consumer Awards content and you might be wondering what it’s like to be a #CarsAwards judge. We interviewed #CarsAwards judge, Brendon Staniforth, for some behind-the-scenes insight into what the judging process entails and what it’s like to be a judge. Take a look!
The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards is now in its 7th iteration and with South Africa’s most comprehensive and authoritative motoring awards programme reaching its zenith, we saw no less than 20 judges descending on the Gerotek Testing Facility in Gauteng to put all 39 finalists through their paces.
More than this, all 39 finalists also went on public display at the Mall Of Africa in Midrand this weekend to give the public the opportunity to see the cars in the metal and to engage with the judges.
Earlier this year, a pool of 65 semi-finalist vehicles in 13 categories were chosen by Cars.co.za’s respected, highly knowledgable and experienced editorial team. The team put all the semi-finalists through a rigorous scoring process based on “Filters of Eligibility” and “Pillars of Success” to arrive at 39 finalists represented in 13 categories (3 vehicles per category).
The physical testing of all 39 finalists is a major component in the #CarsAwards programme with judges from all walks of life and varying professional backgrounds convening to cast their critical eyes and minds on the contenders.
The scores from all 20 judges represent 50% of the final result while the remaining 50% is determined by the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey that includes feedback from thousands of vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles and the service they receive (less than four years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
The winners in each category as well as the coveted Brand Of The Year Award will be announced in early 2024.
Click here for more information on the #CarsAwards
What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
We asked our #CarsAwards judge, Brendon Staniforth, a few questions to learn more about what it’s like to test cars for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Here’s what Brendon had to say!
1. Introduce yourself and briefly tell us what you do for a living.
Howdy. I am Brendon Staniforth, father of 3, husband of 1 and full-time motoring journalist (Maroela Media). This year I had the privilege of racing in the GR-cup. Most of the time I tow a caravan away on holiday – so towing and going quickly have become specialities of mine. LOL.
2. How many #CarsAwards have you judged and what does it mean to you to be chosen as a judge?
This was my first. It is a huge privilege to pop my #CarsAwards cherry. I believe this competition to be the gold standard in the South African landscape.
3. What #CarsAwards categories did you judge?
Compact Family, Electric Vehicle and Leisure Double Cab.
4. You’ve just returned from extensive testing at Gerotek, how was it? Briefly tell us about your experience!
Gerotek offers a unique assortment of facilities allowing one to test every aspect of the vehicle in a controlled environment in a short period of time, repeatably. When one tests finalists back-to-back on identical terrain – the differences in similar cars are eye-opening!
5. The #CarsAwards is regarded as the most respected motoring awards programme in South Africa. In your opinion, what makes the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards unique?
The assortment of judges is vast. Lay that over actual consumer data and you have an infallible competition.
6. What test obstacles at Gerotek did you find to be the most illuminating in terms of testing the finalists and why?
I have to pick two. The suspension track shows a car’s shortcomings very well – but the wet section on the dynamic handling track all but disqualified one of the cars in one of the categories I judged. How that car behaved in wet weather is absolutely unacceptable!
7. Out of all the cars you tested, what car stood out the most for you and why?
Toyota’s Corolla Cross. For a few reasons. Firstly, it is locally built. Secondly – it perfectly illustrates why a perfectly calibrated car will always win over “good value” but poor refinement in my opinion.
8. What cars do you think will win in each category (share your predictions with us) and importantly what car brand do you think will win the Brand Of The Year Award and why?
Entry-Level Hatchback – Suzuki Swift
Budget Hatchback – Renault Clio
Compact Hatchback – Volkswagen Polo
Entry-Level Crossover – Suzuki Grand Vitara
Compact Family Car – Toyota Corolla Cross
Family Car – Kia Sportage
Premium Crossover – BMW X1
Executive SUV – Mercedes-Benz GLC220d
Premium SUV – Land Rover Defender
Adventure SUV – Ford Everest
Leisure Double Cab Bakkie – Ford Raptor
Performance Car – Honda Civic Type R
Electric Vehicle – BMW iX1
Brand of the Year – BMW: They have the highest number of finalists in the respective categories.
9. If you attended the Cars.co.za #CarsAwards Roadshow at Mall Of Africa, tell us what you enjoyed most about the experience.
Seeing the public engage with all the finalists and listening to some of their questions. Quite insightful.
10. Give us 3 words that capture the essence of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards.
Huge. Organized. Transparent.
