[imagesource:twitter/@nbrenwin]

The winner of the 2023 South African Car of the Year is a first for the competition and a surprising win, despite South Africa being a bakkie-loving country.

The Old Mutual Insure South African Car of the Year competition is all about excellence and innovation, celebrating vehicles that push the boundaries in their segments.

While this is the first time in the 37-year history of the competition that a bakkie has won, it’s a fitting win in a country that loves a joyride in a good old bakkie.

The winning car was announced at a gala event in Johannesburg yesterday, Thursday, June 1. News24 noted that with 21 finalists vying for this year’s South African Car of the Year title, judging was no easy feat.

Drumroll please: the crowning glory goes to none other than the Ford Ranger:

For the past 37 years sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks have won Car of the Year. Introducing the first bakkie EVER to win SA Car of the Year, a vehicle that truly allows you to Unlimit Your World – The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Double Cab. #SACOTY2023 pic.twitter.com/8ovciq5kZB

— Ford South Africa (@FordSouthAfrica) June 1, 2023

The judging process was rather rigorous, with the new vehicles being judged and evaluated throughout the year whilst also being put through stringent obstacles on a racetrack and off-road track:

Mabuyane Mabuza, the chairperson of the 2023 competition, said this remarkable achievement was a testament to the automotive industry’s commitment to producing high-quality double-cabs which offer unrivalled performance, while seamlessly blending comfort, safety and cutting-edge technology.

“Over the past decade, the popularity of SUVs and double-cabs have skyrocketed at the expense of sedans. Double-cab bakkies have become a common choice for everyday commuting, family adventures and various work applications, providing a popular solution for South Africans’ mobility demands.

Hell yes, bakkies for the win:

Another win for ⁦@FordSouthAfrica⁩ with their Ranger! Congratulations!#ominsurecoty #sacoty2023 pic.twitter.com/bBI0HXEM3x

— SAGMJ (@SAGMJ) June 1, 2023

Mabuza also said that the Ford Ranger’s triumph represents a milestone for the industry, setting a new benchmark, and proudly representing our nation across global markets as “this victory showcases the ingenuity and craftsmanship of South African automotive manufacturers”.

Ford scooped second place as well, with the Everest SUV, while third place was taken by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

@FordSouthAfrica gets a second place for the Ford Everest, this on top of the winner of Old Mutual Insure Car of the Year 2023, the Ford Ranger. This gives them the 1-2 in this prestigious competition. Great tech & all round innovation gave them the leg up on their competitors. pic.twitter.com/1TO8WZVjdH

— Lawrence Smith (@lovingmotoring) June 2, 2023

The 21 finalists were selected from a pool of 55 qualifying vehicles, representing various fiercely-contested categories.

The category winners for this year’s South African Car of the Year competition are:

Compact Family Category:                BAIC Beijing X55
Midsize Category:                                 KIA Sportage
Premium Category:                               KIA Sorento
Adventure SUV Category:                  Ford Everest
Double Cab 4×4 Category:                 Ford Ranger
Luxury Category:                                   Mercedes Benz S-Class
Performance Category:                       Audi RS 3
New-energy Category:                         Volvo XC 40 P8 Recharge

2023 SA Car of the Year:                   Ford Ranger Double Cab 4×4

The South African Car of the Year competition first began in 1986, hosted by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), and has since maintained its unrivalled reputation as the country’s most respected and coveted motoring event.

Last year the Car of the Year was a Toyota Corolla Cross and in 2021 it was the Peugeot 2008.

[source:news24]