Take a look at the semi-finalists in the Compact Hatchcategory of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank!

The second annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – now powered by WesBank, is underway and the semi-finalists across 13 categories have been chosen. Make sure you visit the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank website for all the vehicle and category information and also be sure to follow us on Twitter (@CarsSouthAfrica), Facebook (CarsSA) and Instagram (carssouthafrica) for the latest updates.

The Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, in partnership with leading data specialists, Lightstone Consumer, forms an integral part of the awards programme, with the survey accounting for 50% of the final result in each category. The brand-specific data incorporates feedback from thousands of South African new vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles (must be less than 5years old and serviced through franchised outlets).

Have your say and complete the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey now!

The Compact Hatch category isextremely competitive, and we’re looking for a balanced offering that is excellent across the board. Cars in this segment must appeal to a very wide audience – from the young professional or family buying up from an entry-level car, to pensioners buying down from something larger and expensive. The winner of this award must truly reflect what is best about modern automotive design and engineering, but present it in a concentrated, reasonably affordable form.

The semi-finalists in the Compact Hatch category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank are as follows (in no particular order):

Peugeot 208 1.2 Active

French brand Peugeot has been through tough times the past few years, but in Europe, at least, appears to have turned the corner. Great cars such as the 208 and its bigger sibling, the 308, have put the famous Lion emblem back in the limelight. This 1.2 Active derivative is well priced given its good balance of features and offers space that belies its size. And, like small Peugeots of many years ago, it’s very good to drive…

This model is powered by a 1.2-litre engine that delivers 60 kW/118 Nm and an outstanding claimed economy figure of 4.3 L/100 km.

More information on the Peugeot 208 1.2 Active

Search for new/used Peugeot 208 for sale on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline

The Volkswagen Polo 1,2 TSI Comfortline is one of South Africa’s favourite cars. The appeal is very obvious – it offers the desirable Volkswagen badge, an upmarket cabin finished in quality materials, good standard specification and the promise of good resale value. Furthermore, the relatively new 1,2-litre turbopetrol remains one of the more impressive small-capacity engines on the market – it endows the Polo with great driveability characteristics.

As its name indicates, this Polo is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre engine that delivers a strong 66 kW/160 Nm and a claimed combined cycle economy figure of 4.9 L/100 km.

More information on the VW Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline

Search for a new/used VW Polo for sale on Cars.co.za

Honda Jazz 1.2 Comfort

The Honda Jazz has built itself a solid reputation for reliability, spaciousness and general owner satisfaction. In its latest form it attempts to offer all its usual strengths, but in a more youthful package. In the end, however, it is the Jazz’s incredible space utilisation that secures its place on this shortlist.

Unlike many of its rivals, the Jazz uses a normally aspirated 1.2-litre engine that delivers 66 kW/110 Nm of torque, and Honda claims a combined cycle economy figure of 5.6 L/100 km.

More information on the Honda Jazz 1.2 Comfort

Looking for a new/used Honda Jazz?Find one on Cars.co.za

Opel Corsa 1.0T Enjoy

The Corsa was also in the running last year, and remains a strong (and underestimated) competitor in this segment. In its latest form the Corsa has matured into a strong all-rounder that is hard to fault. Ignore the conservative exterior design and inside you’ll find an impressively upmarket contender stocked with high-tech features (some optional). And when it comes power and economy, the Corsa benefits from what is arguably the pick of the new-generation small engines.

The perky 1.0-litre turbocharged engine underneath the Corsa's bonnet pumps out an impressive 85 kW/170 Nm, yet still returns 5.0 L/100 km!

More information on the Opel Corsa 1.0T Enjoy

Opel Corsa 1.0T Enjoy(2015) Review

Interested in an Opel Corsa? Seach Cars.co.za for stock

Ford Fiesta 1.0T EcoBoost Trend

Ford’s Fiesta is not the freshest car on sale in this segment, but it was arguably ahead of its time when it was launched, so remains very popular. As part of its previous facelift it received an Aston Martin-esque front-end that boosted its desirability in the design stakes significantly. But it was the fitment of the 1.0-litre, turbocharged EcoBoost engine that made people sit up and take notice. This feisty Fiesta remains one of the most powerful cars in its class, and one of the best to drive.

The Fiesta's acclaimed engine delivers no less than 92 kW/170 Nm, and Ford claims an economy figure of 4.3 L/100 km.

More information on the Ford Fiesta 1.0T EcoBoost Trend

Search for a new/used Ford Fiesta on Cars.co.za