10 impressive vehicles from a number of different classes have been selected as the finalists for the South African Car of the Year Award. These vehicles will now under go various tests before the panel of experts and journalists will vote on which vehicle will be named the South African Car of the Year. The vote will take place in March 2011.

The lineup of the nominated finalists is quite a mixed bag, with a few surprises thrown in to shake things up. The top 10 cars include:

• Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI

• Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 BiTDI 4×2

• Hyundai Sonata

• Hyundai iX35

• BMW 530d

• Ford Figo 1.4 Ambiente

• Opel Astra 1.4T

• Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi GLS AWD

• Citroen DS3 1.6 THP Sport

• Honda CR-Z Hybrid

It’s quite a surprise that the Volkswagen Golf hasn’t made this list, with it being so popular in South Africa and the previous winner. It’s good to see the Amarok made the cut, there has been so much hype around this vehicle, and it will be interesting to see how it turns out.

One has to assume that the Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI is the odds on favourite to win the whole thing. Not only is it a great vehicle all round but it’s the current World Car of the Year as well, which has got to mean something.

Check back in March 2011 when the South African Car of the Year is announced.