A panel of judges selected winners based on factors such as interior quality, standard features, durability, performance, fuel and maintenance economy and resale value.

A total of 20 automobile brands were nominated across 12 categories. The Volvo XC90 won the best large luxury SUV under R700 000 category.

Charmagne Mavudzi, Head of Marketing and Communications at Volvo Car South Africa, notes that this is the latest in a long line of accolades for Volvo’s flagship model, the XC90. “We are very grateful for the Gumtree Award, which confirms what our customers are telling us. They love the XC90’s award-winning exterior design, class-leading active and passive safety features and luxurious interior (which, of course, takes its inspiration from the country of Volvo’s birth, Sweden). They have also commented favourably on the tablet-style touchscreen that removes any clutter from the dashboard, the vehicle’s powerful yet efficient powertrains and the advanced connectivity of the XC90. Clearly, the Gumtree judges agree!” she concludes.