Most of you would know by now that I started my career at CAR magazine back in the day. The CAR magazine Top 12 Best Buys awards was always a highlight…and also a ball-ache. Can you imagine trying to choose the best 12 cars in the country? It is an exercise I am happy to leave up to the very experienced team I left behind.

Speaking of this team, collectively they have over 100 years of experience within the motoring world. How insane is that?! These guys are the experts of experts. Can you imagine my excitement when I was asked to be the Master of Ceremonies for the awards?! Yoh, what an honour. And what a night. If you want to see some pics of that night, head on over to my Instagram.

Before you peak at the winners below, be sure you know what the criteria for judging was. But now, for the real juice of this story…

CAR magazine’s Top 12 Best Buys 2019:

Budget car (under R170 000): Suzuki Swift 1,2 GA

Small car: Volkswagen Polo Vivo

Midsize car: Volkswagen Golf

Premium midsize car: Audi A4

Luxury car: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Performance car: McLaren 720S

Small SUV/crossover: Renault Duster

Midsize SUV/crossover: Volkswagen Tiguan

Premium midsize SUV/crossover: Volvo XC60

Large SUV/crossover: Kia Sorento

Luxury SUV/crossover: Range Rover Sport

Double-cab bakkie: Ford Ranger

Company of the year: BMW Group South Africa

For runners up and more info, look out for the April issue of CAR magazine which goes on sale on Monday 18 March 2019.