Alfa’s Giulia has proven itself a worthy alternative to the established players within the small executive saloon segment.

With a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine along with the monstrous 375kW 2.9-litre turbocharged V6 in the QV version, both mated to the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, this Italian has the style and pace to compete with the best in segment at the moment.

The latest Q5 is Audi at its best. With segment leading ergonomics, quality and a range of powerful and efficient powertrains,  the Q5, for now at least, is the segment leader.

Add in the fact that it’s an SUV, the most favourable vehicle style at the moment, and you have a car with a good chance of taking the title.

The latest 5-series has taken some of the pioneering technology seen in the larger and more expensive 7-series and incorporated it into a more compact and affordable package.

With its emphasis on connectivity, driving dynamics, and quality, the 5-series could steal the show for the brand with the most local COTY titles.

Kia’s latest small city car has come a long way from its humble beginnings as an econo-box to where we find it now, in the final of the Car of the Year competition.

The new Picanto shows that cheap doesn’t have to mean low in quality and that city cars can be stylish, reliable, safe and affordable at the same time.

The latest Discovery is a formidable competitor within its segment, with seating for seven, utterly astonishing off-road ability and comfort that’s equal to that of a large executive sedan.

The overall Discovery package provides a car adept at almost anything, which could sway the judge’s votes and opinions.

The 3008 is the perfect car for Peugeot in South Africa at the moment. Not only does it showcase that the brand is big on technology and specification, but also that it has the right sort of product for our local market.

The 3008, with its unique appeal and undeniably attractive packaging, could just have what it takes to take the crown.

Performance, luxury and now, style, the new Panamera is proof that Porsche knows how to make cars that are as good at providing luxury and occupant infotainment, as they are at making fast cars that are rewarding to drive.

The Panamera’s ability to switch from a luxury saloon to a full-blown performance car  might just see it claim the title.

Suzuki’s Ignis is a great vehicle package for the local market. With an efficient four-cylinder motor and a funky aesthetic design inside and out, the Ignis provides a reliable and stylish form of transportation for a low sticker price.

Don’t discount this micro-machine in this year’s competition, it may just surprise you.

The C-HR is Toyota’s official symbol to the buyers out there that it has gotten with the times. This car has all of the virtues that make a modern crossover appealing to the younger audience.

Its exterior and interior styling could be considered rather bold for the brand, as could its 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine along with a badge synonymous with durability and dependability.

Picking up from where its sibling and 2016 Car of the Year winner, the XC90 left off from, the S90 continues the Swedish car maker’s resounding return to form.

In addition to sporting one of the most stylish interior and exterior design combinations within the sedan segment, the S90 also brings to the fore a raft of semi-autonomous driving features and a safety tech that makes it one of the safest cars on the planet.