JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng – The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been voted 2019 South African Car of the Year by a wide variety of motoring journalists and the award presented at a function in Johannesburg.
The identity of the winner was kept secret until the announcement at a similarly secret venue.
The runners-up were the Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC40.
George Mienie, CEO of the magazine that sponsored the event said: ”It was a truly deserving winner. the Coty must represent innovation and ingenuity while setting benchmarks in its market segment – as the A-Class does.”
READ MORE Coty features on Carman’s Corner
Mercedes-Benz last won Coty in 1987 with the Mercedes-Benz 260E. Porsche has won twice in a row (which caused some consternation among motoring fans) and Volvo back in 2016 with its XC90.
Rubin van Niekerk, chairman of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists, reported that the test crews were particularly impressed with the A-Class’interior comfort, design, technology, road manners, and safety features.
”The engine showed an optimal blend of efficiency, performance, and driving fun.”
CHECK THE full list / images of the 2019 Coty entrants here
Mienie added: ”the first time in the competition’s 34-year history the public were allowed to cast a vote via the sponsor’s website – they also voted for the A-Class.”
Another 2019 first: the category winners were also revealed – here’s how it went down… with two of the class wins going to Suzuki:
Urban Compact: Suzuki Swift
Medium Sedan/Hatch: Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Premium Sedan: Lexus ES 250
Lifestyle Utility: Suzuki Jimny
Leisure SUV/Crossover: Porsche Cayenne
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