Nafisa Akabor is a well-known technology and Electric Vehicle (EV) journalist and she also happens to be a veteran #CarsAwards judge! Her experience in the tech world is invaluable when applied to the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards and we’re keen to hear what she thinks about this latest iteration of the awards programme. 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
Nafisa Akabor: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
We asked #CarsAwards judge, Nafisa Akabor, a few questions to learn more about what she thought about the testing process for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Here’s what she had to say!
1. Introduce yourself and briefly tell us what you do for a living.
I’m Nafisa Akabor, a freelance technology and EV journalist who’s been writing about tech for more than 16 years. I launched my own platform this year called Recharged.co.za (a rebrand of my 15-year-old blog Wired to the Web) with lots more in the pipeline.
2. How many #CarsAwards have you judged and what does it mean to you to be chosen as a judge?
I have been a judge for six instalments now and I love participating. It means the work I do in tech is recognised and my opinion counts, which is an honour.
3. What #CarsAwards categories did you judge?
This year I got the first ever EV category; Premium SUV; and Executive SUV.
4. You’ve just returned from extensive testing at Gerotek, how was it? Briefly tell us about your experience!
Firstly, I’m so excited that electric vehicles finally have their own category! I’m a lot more confident now than when I first started, it all feels familiar in terms of putting these cars through their paces and what needs to be done. It’s not a walk in the park, I love how intensive it is. It allows me to test some aspects I can’t typically do on the roads. I also appreciate how well-organised it is. We just have to show up.
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?
Having to drive all three finalists back-to-back gives you a perspective you would never get otherwise. It’s very different when you drive a car at a launch or for a few days on test. This lets you assess things by going through the same conditions, in the same weather, etc. to be as accurate as possible, with scoring fresh from these conditions.
6. What test obstacles at Gerotek did you find to be the most illuminating in terms of testing the finalists and why?
I think we can all agree the mountain pass is the stretch you can assess so many things properly and tick so many boxes to get that proper feel, after the other shorter tracks. This is what a test drive should entail for any potential customer and why it’s so crucial in this competition.
7. Out of all the cars you tested, what car stood out the most for you and why?
It has to be the GWM Ora because it is currently the ‘cheapest EV in South Africa’ (read: least expensive) and I hope it sells! It is the perfect city EV because nobody needs that much power when you need to be efficient. It’s retro cute, packed with tech, and parts of it look… somewhat familiar!
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 – Toyota Starlet
Compact Hatchback – VW Polo
Entry-Level Crossover – Cherry Tiggo
Compact Family Car – Corolla Cross
Family Car – Haval H6
Premium Crossover – Volvo XC40
Executive SUV – BMW X3
Premium SUV – Land Rover Defender
Adventure SUV – Ford Everest
Leisure Double Cab Bakkie – Ford Ranger Wildtrak
Performance Car – Toyota GR Yaris
Electric Vehicle – GWM Ora
Brand of the Year – Suzuki – I think they’ve nailed the prices, service and overall package by keeping South Africans happy.
9. If you attended the Cars.co.za #CarsAwards Roadshow at Mall Of Africa, tell us what you enjoyed most about the experience!
I popped in briefly to shoot a video, but didn’t stay for the show. The little bit I saw proved that the EVs were attracting a lot of attention.
10. Give us 3 words that capture the essence of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards.
Thorough. Fun. Rewarding.
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?
MrHowMuch: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
