Volkswagen Golf wins Car of the Year

The Golf beat off strong competition from seven other finalists - Audi Q5 2.0 TS tronic, Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.8 LS, Hyundai 120 1.6 GLS, Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LS, Suzuki Alto 1.0 Litre GLS, Toyota Prius 1.8 ECVT Advanced and Volvo XC60 3.0T Geartronic.

The vehicles were tested across a variety of categories including value for money, safety, dynamics, technology and aesthetics. The 25 members of the jury, all motoring journalists, scored each of the finalists accordingly and it achieved the highest score across all categories.

Better days ahead

Although 2009 was a very difficult year for the South African motor industry, Brian Riley, CEO of WesBank applauded the resilience of the industry as a whole and said that he anticipates 2010 to be a better year for the motor industry. "It will not be a dramatic recovery, but I hope that growth in this sector will remain at a sustainable rate,” said Riley.

"We celebrate your passion for the industry and greatly appreciate your contribution to the SAGMJ / WesBank Car of the Year. It is the Guild's steadfast dedication to duty and to upholding the integrity of the competition's overall process that make us so proud to be the main sponsor,” he concluded.