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Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has bagged two trophies – Green and Compact Sedan awards – at the CAR Top 12 Best Buys 2016.
According to a statement obtained by AUTO REPORT AFRICA, the Toyota Corolla Quest was recognised for the combination of incredible value for money, peerless reliability and comfort in the compact sedan category, while Toyota’s global eco-warrior, the Mirai, was awarded Green Car and Toyota Gazoo Racing SA driver Leeroy Poulter clinched Motorsport Person of the Year.
The judging panel, according to the statement, consisted of CAR magazine’s respected journalists who set aside time to debate over the finalists before casting their votes.
“This is a thoroughly engaging process, considering that we live in a country that has more than 1,000 individual models,” the judges were quoted to have said in the statement.
Now in its 17th year, the CAR Top 12 Best Buys – in conjunction with Tracker – continues to recognise the most worthy 12 cars in distinct categories. The awards are geared towards making a difference in the lives of everyday South Africans and recognising the evolving needs and demands of consumers.
The Corolla Quest was crowned Best Compact Sedan for the second year in a row, with the judges heaping praise for its pleasurable drive and punchy powertrain. On the face of it, the Quest is truly a value-filled proposition with a starting price of R190 700. It offers best-in-class interior space and power while still offering an excellent range of standard features.
The Mirai is the first-ever hydrogen fuel-cell car to be offered for sale by a major automaker and is testament to Toyota’s innovative prowess as a leading global car manufacturer. A couple of local journalists had the privilege of experiencing the Mirai at an international event last year. The emissions-free Mirai has the cruising range of a conventional saloon and can be refuelled in less than five minutes.
Poulter was the only person who clinched an award at an event that was mostly dominated by machines. He needs very little introduction after winning almost every Cross Country race – ultimately winning the 2015 Championship, and coming second in the National Rally Championship. He also represented SA very well in the 2016 Dakar Rally, finishing fifth overall in his third year. Poulter is the only driver to have participated in all three disciplines in a single year.
“Being recognised for three distinct awards is an excellent achievement for Toyota as we see ourselves as a multi-disciplinary brand. We are quite pleased to be recognised in categories that acknowledge the strides we are making in producing value-for-money products, green technologies and motorsport,” TSAM General Manager of Communications, Kerry Roodt, said in the statement.
