And the finalists are:

* Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4i Turbo Petrol
* Audi Q5 2.0 T S tronic
* Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LS
* Hyundai i20 1.6 GLS
* Suzuki Alto 1.0 Litre GLS
* Toyota Prius 1.8 ECVT Advanced
* Volkswagen Golf VI 1.4 TSI 90 kW Comfortline
* Volvo XC60 3.0T Geartronic

The next step in the process is to determine the winner from a two-day test session to be held in February 2010 at the Gerotek test facility near Pretoria, where the cars will be assessed independently by the jury members.

The evaluation includes high speed dynamic assessment; an autokhana test to mark maneuverability, parking prowess and general ease of control; driving tests under various conditions on track and road, in town and on gravel, all the while taking fuel economy into account.