Kumbi Mtshakazi is a local automotive content creator and he forms part of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards judging panel. He recently experienced the rigorous car testing procedure at Gerotek Test Facility and with the dust settled, we were keen to hear what Kumbi had to say about his experience of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards thus far. 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
Kumbi Mtshakazi: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
We asked #CarsAwards judge, Kumbi Mtshakazi, a few questions to learn more about what he thought about the testing process for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Here’s what he had to say!
1. Introduce yourself and briefly tell us what you do for a living.
My name is Kumbi Mtshakazi, a freelance automotive content creator and writer and I contribute to quite a few publications.
2. How many #CarsAwards have you judged and what does it mean to you to be chosen as a judge?
This was the first one, and what a special one it was.
3. What #CarsAwards categories did you judge?
I evaluated the Budget Hatchback, Entry-Level Crossover as well as the Leisure Double Cab categories which are extremely important in our market as we see most of these cars all over our roads.
4. You’ve just returned from extensive testing at Gerotek, how was it? Briefly tell us about your experience!
The experience was mind-blowing and insightful. While we receive these cars on test, we rarely put them through such conditions that Gerotek provided. Things like the skidpan, dynamic handling as well as the brake tests are not things we usually do when we have the cars on test, unless you’re forced to perform an emergency braking test because a taxi driver decided to jump in front of you 🙂
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 fact that the actual buyers, the consumers, get involved in the voting process makes it quite unique. It shows just how important the consumers are, since they are the reason we are in the industry.
6. What test obstacles at Gerotek did you find to be the most illuminating in terms of testing the finalists and why?
Personally, it has to be the dynamic handling track as well as the skid pan. With the recent unseasonal rains, it showed me just how some of these vehicles handle in the wet and boy did some of these vehicles shock me!
7. Out of all the cars you tested, what car stood out the most for you and why?
The Suzuki Baleno stood out for me, a true testament to what a budget car should be. It’s affordable, handles well and drives excellently and offers low fuel consumption. It shows you just how much Suzuki has grown and why they’re doing so well in our country. It’s a well-rounded product!
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 – Suzuki Baleno
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 – BMW X3 20d
Premium SUV – Land Rover Defender 110
Adventure SUV – Ford Everest
Leisure Double Cab Bakkie – Ford Ranger Wildtrak
Performance Car – Honda Civic Type R
Electric Vehicle – Volvo XC40 Twin
Brand of the Year – Suzuki
9. If you attended the Cars.co.za #CarsAwards Roadshow at Mall Of Africa, tell us what you enjoyed most about the experience!
The mall activation was exhilarating. With people seeing all the cars in the same segment, they could actually compare the various cars and that gave them a lot of insights. Being the MC and hyping the crowd on Sunday so they could come and win prizes was also interesting.
10. Give us 3 words that capture the essence of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards.
Informative. Fun. Fair.
Related Content
2023/24 CarsAwards – The Finalists
Cars.co.za Consumer Awards — Tough Testing, The Consumer Wins!
Brendon Staniforth – What’s It Like Being a #CarsAwards Judge?
Rebaneilwe Semakane – What’s It Like Being a #CarsAwards Judge?
Juliet McGuire: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
