It's a long process over many months but the SAGMJ Car of the Year was named during a banquet in Johannesburg. And the winner was... as predicted by Wheels24's reader survey, the — Hyundai Elantra.

The sleek medium sedan was also voted US Car of the Year.

The Elantra is the first Korean car to be named the South Africa's "Car of the Year" though Hyundai has had two finalists — the ix35 and Sonata in 2011

— and the i20 was a finalist in the 2010 Coty competition.

Alan Ross, MD of Hyundai Automotive SA, said after receiving the Car of the Year trophy: "We are extremely proud of the recognition that a world-class product such as the Hyundai Elantra has received from the guild.

"This award, and the fact that we had two finalists in the previous competition, is confirmation of the giant strides Hyundai has made locally and globally. It is also recognition of the quality and emotional appeal that the Hyundai products have developed as part of the brand's 'Modern Premium' strategy."

Since its South African launch in August 2011, the current Elantra has become a leader in its model segment and gained recognition as a sedan more than sufficiently equipped to take the brand to "the next level".

Choosing the SA Car of the Year involves dozens of members of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists, the men and women who monitor the local auto trade throughout the year on your behalf, driving dozens of cars as part of their job and gaining a deep insight into the state of modern automotive technology.

The competition has a heavy weighting towards value for money — not always easy to decide among the 10 finalists whittled down from perhaps hundreds of possibilities from more automakers than ever before in this country. The judges' data is carefully monitored and analysed; the individuals trying hard not to be swayed by high performance, super-luxury and extrovert gadgetry.

The Elantra has also won the following awards:

nHyundai Elantra Won the 'Saloon Car of the Year' Award at 'Bloomberg UTV Auto Car India 2013'

nHyundai Elantra Won the 'Executive Car of the Year' Award at 'Car India & Bike India Awards 2013'

nHyundai Elantra Won the 'Car of the Year' Award at 'Car India & Bike India Awards 2013'

nHyundai Elantra Won the 'Car of the Year' Award at 'CNBC TV18 Overdrive Awards 2013'

nHyundai Elantra Won the 'Executive Sedan of the Year' Award at 'CNBC TV18 Overdrive Awards 2013'

nHyundai Elantra won the 'Mid Size Sedan of the Year' award at 'NDTV Car & Bike Awards 2013'

nHyundai Elantra won the 'CNB Viewers' Choice Car of the Year' award at 'NDTV Car & Bike Awards 2013'