CAR, the biggest-circulating auto magazine in Southern Africa – read by around a million people – has released its best cars of 2007 in the March 2008 issue. Known as the CAR Top 12 Best Buys Awards, the 9th edition of the event used the 8-man CAR editorial team to determine a winner in 12 set categories that generally cover just about every vehicle segment.

Honda Motor took the top honours when it was named Motor Company of the Year, while the Audi R8 took New Car Design of the Year. The winners in the categories section were:

Best Budget Car: Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT
Best Light Car: Mazda2
Best Compact Car: Honda Civic
Best Compact Executive: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Best Executive Saloon: Lexus GS300
Best Grand Saloon: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Best Hot Hatch: Audi S3
Best Sports/Performance Car: Porsche 911
Best MPV/Station Wagon: Nissan Livina
Best Compact SUV: Honda CR-V
Best SUV: Toyota Fortuner
Best Double-cab/Pick-up: Toyota Hilux