Mazda2 is South Africa’s Motoring Journalists Car of the Year

South African Guild of Motoring Journalists elected the Mazda2 1,5 as 2008’s Car of the Year. The large gathering at the glitzy event consisted of CEOs of all major motor companies, motor industry representatives and journalists.

The shocking and amazing part is that it came ahead of the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI, Lexus LS 460 and even the Land Rover Freelander 2.2 TD4 HSE!!

The annual competition is happening for the 23rd time. The 2 is a popular car in SA and only recently, won in the best light car category in CAR Magazine’s annual Top 12 Best Buys.

The Mazda2 is credited with impressing even the harsh Jeremy Clarkson. It is by far one of the safest cars to travel in as it attained maximum 5 Euro NCAP stars. It looks cute, it is light in weight hence easy to handle, and the frugal gasoline engine is easy on your pocket. The 1.3 is offered along side the 1.5 variant in South Africa and this award adds to the mighty brand image of Mazda in that country.