Selecting car of the year no easy task

Driving a vehicle that has scooped a car of the year (Coty) title carries undeniable prestige. But what criteria must a vehicle meet to earn such an accolade? Top Revs sat down with Daphna Muller from Audi Centre Windhoek after the Audi A5 won the premium category at the 2026 Coty awards earlier this month. To an outsider, the A5 exudes style, performance, and elite design. However, Muller says the panel of judges faces a daunting task when selecting a winner. “Various factors are considered, such as the vehicle’s excellence and relevance in the global market,” she says. For performance enthusiasts, the selection is not merely about identifying the fastest or most expensive model. “It is all about how best the vehicle performs in its own segment,” Muller says. Judges evaluate interior design, the cabin environment, practicality, technology, engineering, and ride quality. Top Revs put the A5 through its paces in both urban and open-road conditions, and the premium contender delivers on every front. Audi needs no introduction to southern Africa, having established a footprint in the regional market in the early 1960s. This decades-long history continues to foster strong local consumer trust. Beyond the award hype, the A5 matches its physical aesthetic with impressive mechanical credentials. Under the bonnet lies a powerful 2-litre TFSI engine, mated to a seven-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox. It is available in either front-wheel drive or Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive. The upscale interior features an organic light-emitting diode panoramic display alongside a premium sound system. The S-line variant adds a sport suspension, ambient lighting, and park assist. Standard 19-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers further emphasise its performance orientation. The A5 range includes the entry-level TFSI S-line pushing out 146kW, up to the more luxurious TFSI Quattro black edition pushing out 200kW. Fuel consumption ranges from a highly efficient 7.7l to 8.1l per 100km. While pricing varies depending on specific specifications, the range starts at about N$1.1 million. Performance metrics remain a key talking point for local buyers. The A5 sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 7.8 to 9.1 seconds, depending on the derivative, with top speeds ranging from 210km/h to an electronically governed 250km/h. Owners can customise their A5 to personal preferences, down to soft-touch button controls for the adjustable panoramic sunroof. It is a vehicle that truly brings sportiness and elegance to your driveway. The post Selecting car of the year no easy task appeared first on The Namibian .