One contender we can?t accuse of that is the wildcard of the field ? our bright orange Australian-made Chev Ute. We use the term bakkie very lightly with this vehicle because in spirit it?s really more of a muscle car. Although it does provide a proper ?bakkie? load bin, perfect for loading your quads or dirt bikes for the weekend?s activities.

The drive there is certain to be a stirring one, with a 270kW/530Nm 6-litre American V8 brute beating beneath. Naturally, Bruce the Ute is a strong performer and, for what it is, sure holds its own in road holding, while also delivering a comfy ride. That two-seat interior is really pleasant too, barring the cheapish textures on the dash.

Best of all is the price tag of R375K, before the VAT claim-back, that you pay for this true sports car-cross-bakkie. Kinda makes the other contenders look silly.

An even more affordable contender comes in the form of Opel?s Corsa OPC. Even after being thrilled by the far more expensive and dynamic machinery here, jumping into the little Opel was never a let-down.

For that, we?ll consider overlooking its R238K price tag - steep for a hot hatch its size. But Corsa OPC is truly desirable. Its shape, body kit and interior make it look and feel like the serious performer it is. That turbo-charged 1.6-litre four-pot punches above its weight and makes all the right noises, while this car also has the point-and-squirt handling to match without too much torque steer to ruin the fun. The only irritation is the rev over-run experienced when leaving the throttle.

This little David really deserves its place amongst the Goliaths here, but will it deliver the killing blow?

Or will that honour belong to what?s arguably the most exciting car here ? the Subaru Impreza STi. Here we have a car that thrills and excels in almost every dynamic respect.

It hasn?t gone soft like the WRX. Rather STi has evolved into a hatchback that strikes fear into supercars, with that grumbly 221kW turbo boxer four-pot delivering ably to all four wheels through the zenith of Subaru?s rally-bred symmetrical transmission, which even give the driver control over the centre diff.

It?s not exactly pretty but the unique-to-STi styling does shout this car?s intention, far better than the plain-jane interior.

In essence, this car combines R700K performance and dynamics with a R150K cabin, which might make its R489 000 price tag seem reasonable, except this car is far cheaper overseas!

After all was considered an re-considered, it was time to narrow down the field, so hold your breath to see what made the podium.

All will be revealed on Friday!