The WOW awards are unique in that they’re the only car awards in South Africa designed and run by women, for women.

This year the field has been whittled down by the seven female jurors to eight possible winners in each category. Of interest is the fact that the panel of judges, headed up by South Africa’s first Lady of Motoring, Charleen Clarke, has seen fit to nominate not one but two Italian models from the Fiat Group stable in the ultimate fun rides category.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Fiat 500 by Diesel will be vying for The Incredibles title in this year’s WOW Women’s Car of the Year awards. (The category winners will be chosen by the seven judges in conjunction with WOW readers.)

"In the case of the Giulietta, it’s easy to become an addict because it’s simply one of the most beautiful cars," said the WOW judges. "Of course, you’re not really taking any chances if you buy one as it comes with a five-year/150 000km warranty.” Of the 500 by Diesel the panel of judges said: "The Fiat 500 has received a makeover from fashion label Diesel! The result is a quirky, stylish and utterly fun car that is bound to drive most fashionistas wild with delight.”

Oscar Rivoli, the Managing Director of Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa, expresses why the WOW nominations are important to the Fiat Group: “It’s a fact that women have a significant influence on the purchase of a new car. Even men who do not include a woman in the purchase decision are definitely swayed by the fairer sex – or, rather, what they perceive will be a woman’s impression of what car they buy. The Giulietta and the 500 make perfect sense to men and women alike because they strike the perfect balance between rational and emotional appeal.”

WOW (Women on Wheels) is published by Associated Magazines and the latest copy which features all the details of the finalists, is bagged with the July issues of Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, House and Leisure and O, The Oprah Magazine. Charleen Clarke, President of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists, is the editor of WOW and she’s joined on the panel of judges by Vuyi Jabavu (Managing Director and the brains behind “Driving in Heels”), Helene Griffiths (motoring journalist, rally driver and motorsport announcer), Mabuyane Kekana (the Editor of Motor Mania), Peta Lee (a motoring journalist with more 20 years’ experience), Lindsay Vine (Ignition TV) and Janine-Lee Gordon (City Press Motoring Editor).