#CarsAwards: BMW X5 vs Merc GLE vs Lexus RX450h – Comparison Review
There’s a mega battle going down in the #CarsAwards Premium SUV category where the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Lexus RX450h are vying for the category win. In this video, Ciro De Siena takes you on a full comparative review of these cars to help you make the best buying decision! Watch the video!
The Cars.co.za Awards is back for 2024/25 and it’s bigger than ever. With 39 cars in 13 categories, our Awards programme aims to identify the best new cars in the South African market across major segments and price points.
In this video, our video journalist Ciro De Siena compares the finalists in the Best Premium SUV category, namely the BMW X5 xDrive 30d, the Mercedes Benz GLE 300d 4Matic mild hybrid and the Lexus RX450h+ hybrid.
We conducted back-to-back testing at the incredible Gerotek vehicle testing grounds which provided a unique and thorough opportunity for the cars to prove themselves.
Do note however that the winner of this category will be announced at our gala event at the end of February 2025, so stayed tune for that. In this video, Ciro will give his personal opinion on which one appeals to him the most.
SA’s single-digit sellers: the cars hardly anyone bought in 2024
Across the whole of 2024, as many as 21 models on South Africa’s new-vehicle market each sold fewer than 10 units. Meet Mzansi’s single-digit sellers: the cars hardly anyone bought last year…
We’ve already examined South Africa’s best-selling cars and crossovers for 2024, as well as identified the country’s most popular bakkies. Now it’s time to turn our attention to the other end of the market: yes, the new-vehicle market’s single-digit sellers from last year.
Before we dive into the figures, we should point out there are several potential reasons vehicles might have ended up on this list. For instance, some had technically not yet launched (with the handful of registered units arriving for homologation purposes), while others had been completely discontinued (therefore hardly any stock was available).
The Fiat Tipo appears to have quietly left the local market.
In addition, highly exclusive, multi-million-rand supercars tend to be low volume by design. However, for relevant models mentioned on this list (which, for the record, is based on figures reported to industry representative body Naamsa), we’ll try our best to provide some sort of context. Right, let’s take a closer look, from the top down…
Last year, just 9 units of the Fiat Tipo were sold in South Africa, falling from 87 examples in 2023. The last time a Tipo was registered new in Mzansi was August 2024, which leads us to believe this C-segment model – which was offered in both hatchback and sedan guise – has been quietly discontinued locally (in fact, it’s not currently listed on Fiat SA’s website).
Jaguar SA registered 7 examples of the outgoing I-Pace in 2024.
Another discontinued model to feature on the list was the V8-powered Audi R8 (production ended in the opening quarter of 2024), which likewise attracted 9 buyers last year. Interestingly, 8 units of the Mahindra XUV500 were registered locally in 2024, despite the fact this SUV was replaced by the XUV700 as long ago as November 2022.
Next we have the fully electric Jaguar I-Pace (7 units), which is due to ride off into the sunset at some point this year (it’s currently still listed on Jaguar SA’s website), followed by the Ferrari Roma with 6 units (we believe all local allocations for this Prancing Horse have long since been filled). As many as 6 nameplates reached just 4 registrations apiece in 2024, including a trio of axed models: the Honda WR-V, Hyundai Atos and Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
4 units of the R2.9-million Audi S8 were registered locally last year.
The other models to settle on 4 units each across the entirety of 2024 were the Ferrari 812 (set to be supplanted by the incoming 12Cilindri), along with the Audi A8 (well, technically the S8 as the Audi Sport variant is the only derivative available locally) and the fully electric Audi e-tron GT (currently available only in R3.5-million RS guise).
In addition, 2 examples of the BAIC X25 (a small Chinese crossover discontinued in SA back in early 2023) were registered as new last year, along with 2 units of the Hyundai Ioniq (a fully electric model not yet confirmed for Mzansi). Other yet-to-launch models likely brought in for homologation purposes include the imminentMitsubishi Outlander Sport (2 units) and long-promised BAIC B80 (1 unit, though it was interestingly sold via the dealer channel).
The Lexus LC500h hit the local market in early 2024 but soon disappeared.
Most of the remaining single-unit sellers were discontinued models, such as the Ford EcoSport, Haval H9, Mahindra KUV100 and Lexus LC coupé. Similarly, just a solitary example of the Abarth 695 was registered in Mzansi last year, with this model having also been removed from Fiat SA’s website.
Finally, only 1 unit of the Alfa Romeo Giulia – a sedan that is interestingly still listed as available on the Italian firm’s local website – was sold new in South Africa in 2024. That sale was reported way back in January 2024 (yes, an entire year ago) as a so-called “single” registration rather than through a dealer, meaning Stellantis SA kept and licensed it for its own use…
Many car buyers who achieve reasonable success in their careers desire an Executive SUV, which combines luxury, performance, status and a degree of family-friendly practicality. These are the 3 finalists in this category of the 2025 CarsAwards.
Most premium brands offer road-biased SUVs that combine prestige and practicality in superbly refined packages. The Executive SUV category winner of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) has a refined drivetrain performance and -road manners, while its cabin is comfortable, trimmed in upmarket materials and features the most up-to-date technology.
The Executive SUV category
The Executive SUV category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category included a list price between R1 000 000 and R1 300 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting to ensure both exclusivity and status. Eligible vehicles in this category had to be medium-sized (Audi Q5/Mercedes-Benz GLC size), including their “coupe” variants.
Pillars of success for this category included powertrain technology, luxury, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, as well as space and practicality.
WINNER:
BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport
The previous-gen BMW X3 was still a strong contender in the Executive SUV category of 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, in which it was narrowly pipped by the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Expectations were high that the all-new, locally-built X3 would take the win in 2024/25 and, well, it didn’t disappoint.
Powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine with plug-in hybrid assistance, the BMW X3 30e is a powerful offering with 220 kW, enough for a claimed 0-100 kph time of 6.2 sec.
2025 BMW X3: All You Need To Know, presented by David Taylor:
It also promises good efficiency, with BMW claiming an average consumption of only 1.1 L/100 km (with the batteries fully charged) and 7.9 L/100 km with them discharged.
The X3, which achieved a combined score of 79%, is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty (with an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty) and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
The recently launched 2nd-gen Lexus NX finished tantalisingly close to the summit of the Executive SUV category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa. Its flagship 450h+ F Sport variant’s combined score was only 9 tenths of a per cent lower than that of the BMW X3 (78.1% versus 79%).
The strikingly styled newcomer features a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine as its base. The 450h+ F Sport’s total power output is 227 kW and Lexus claims an average consumption of 1.3 L/100 km (with the batteries charged) for this derivative.
The Lexus NX is backed with a comprehensive 7-year/105 000 km warranty and maintenance plan, as well as an 8-year/195 000km hybrid battery warranty.
The 2nd-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC underwent a facelift in 2023 to keep it competitive in the Executive SUV segment. ‘Benz’s update succeeded, as it went on to win this category of the 2023/24 CarsAwards.
Watch Ash Oldfield’s video review of the Mercedes-Benz GLC:
The GLC 300d 4Matic AMG Line, which achieved a combined score of 73.5%, has a great turbodiesel engine under the bonnet, giving the ‘Benz ample performance that doesn’t come at the expense of fuel consumption.
The variant’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivers 215 kW and a meaty 550 Nm of torque, plus Mercedes-Benz claims an average consumption figure of 5.5 L/100 km.
The GLC is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km warranty.
The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.
Although the rate of EV adoption in South Africa won’t depend solely on the products on offer, it’s likely to be driven by more affordable models, such as the finalists of the 2025 CarsAwards EV category, of which the Mini Countryman SE ALL4 is our winner.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered as future mobility solutions in an evolving motoring landscape. While they are expensive in our market, due to high material costs and additional taxes levied by the Government, demand for these types of vehicles is increasing gradually. Plus, as brands increase the number of EVs in their line-ups, consumers have an ever-growing number of models to choose from.
The Electric Vehicle (EV) category
The winner of the Electric Vehicle (EV) category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) represents the best value EV in this rarefied segment, with enough range to confidently complete the average daily commute, while providing a blend of modern design, interior practicality, adequate performance and up-to-date tech and connectivity features.
This category was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category included a list price below R1 300 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting. Eligible vehicles had to be all-electric (which is to say battery-electric vehicles) and offer a minimum range of 300 km when fully charged. This category excluded hybrids and plug-in EVs.
Pillars of success for this category included power and range, luxury and technology, value for money, design and quality appeal.
WINNER:
Mini Countryman SE ALL4
The latest-gen Mini Countryman has grown significantly and the SE ALL4 shares many components (particularly its EV drivetrain) with its BMW iX1 cousin, which it narrowly defeated in the EV category of the 2025 CarsAwards. The Mini’s combined score (78.6%) pipped that of the BMW (77.5%).
Power comes from a 66.45 kW/h battery pack and the Mini’s electric motor delivers 230 kW and 494 Nm of torque. Consequently, the Countryman performs impressively, with a claimed 0-100 kph time of 5.6 sec and a top speed of 180 kph. More importantly, Mini claims a range of between 399 and 432 km.
The Countryman SE is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty, an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Our outgoing category champion (the EV winner of the 2023/24 CarsAwards) still offers an alluring combination of traditional compact SUV packaging, luxury, good dynamics and an efficient drivetrain.
The iX1 xDrive30 M Sport (230 kW/494 Nm) has a 64.7 kW/h battery pack and a claimed range of up to 440 km. It’s also a strong performer, with a claimed 0-100 kph time of 5.6 sec and a 180-kph top speed.
The iX1 is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/100 000 km battery pack warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Designed from the ground up to be an electric vehicle, the Volvo EX30 is a well-priced offering, even in flagship Plus Twin Motor Performance specification. This variant achieved a combined score of 69.3%.
Watch Ash Oldfield’s video review of the Volvo EX30:
With 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque on tap, the EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance packs a strong punch, with a supercar-rivalling claimed 0-100 kph time of 3.6 sec and a top speed limited to 180 kph. Power comes from a 64kW/h battery pack, and the EX30 has a claimed range of up to 450 km.
The EX30 is backed with a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.
Finding a hardcore performance car priced under R2 million is increasingly tough, but these 3 CarsAwards finalists certainly got the blood pumping. After intense test days at Gerotek, the 2025 CarsAwards judges selected the BMW M2 as the champion.
While owning supercars and other “exotics” is bound to remain a pipedream for most car buyers, there are new cars priced under R2 million that offer near-supercar driving thrills. German brands dominated the Performance Car category of 2023/24 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards).
The Performance Car category
In this category, we weren’t only looking for sizzling performance but also driver engagement, whether driven on the track or the road. This category was guided by eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for the Performance Car category of the 2025 CarsAwards included a list price below R2 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting. As in previous #CarsAwards programmes, we instituted a price cap to ensure the category didn’t become dominated by extravagant and unattainable exotics.
Pillars of success for this category included drivetrain engagement, handling, sensory appeal and standard features.
WINNER:
BMW M2 Auto
Widely regarded as one of the most exciting sportscars on the market, the BMW M2 combines muscular styling, engaging rear-wheel drive dynamics and a sizzling turbocharged 3.0-line inline-6 turbopetrol motor mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission to deliver a thrilling driving experience.
The engine pumps out 353 kW and 600 Nm of torque, which is enough grunt to get the M2 to 100 kph in 4 sec (claimed) and a 285-kph top speed. BMW claims an average consumption figure of 9.7 L/100 km.
The BMW M2 Auto, which achieved the highest combined score in this category (76.2%), is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Audi’s fire-breathing RS3 has always been a frontrunner in South Africa’s hot hatch segment, and the latest version remains a highly desirable offering, particularly because of its crackling 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbopetrol engine that delivers a whopping 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque.
That power and torque go to all 4 wheels via Audi’s trademark quattro all-wheel drive system, ensuring excellent traction and blistering acceleration. Audi claims a 0-100 kph time of 3.8 sec and a top speed limited to 250 kph. Efficiency is also impressive, with a claimed average consumption of 9 L/100 km.
The RS3 Sportback, which achieved a combined score of 74.1% in the 2025 CarsAwards, is backed with a 1-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Not so long ago the thought of squeezing 310 kW and 500 Nm out of a production-spec 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine would have been thought of as impossible. And yet that’s what has been on offer from Mercedes-AMG for some time. The A45 S Hatch 4Matic+ achieved a combined score of 73.2%.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the pre-facelift Mercedes-AMG A45 S:
Packaged into the compact A-Class body, the engine delivers explosive performance, with Mercedes-AMG claiming a 0-100 kph time of 3.9 sec for the A45 S, as well as a 270-kph top speed.
Equipped with an 8-speed auto transmission (with drive modes) and a clever all-wheel drive system, the A45 S is not only fast in a straight line, but also around the twisties. And when you’re in a more “chilled” mood, it is also relatively economical, with a claimed average consumption of 8.9 L/100 km.
The A45 S is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.
With double-cab bakkies regarded as desirable lifestyle vehicles in South Africa, the very best of them have become dream machines for many consumers. In the Ultimate Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards, the Ford Ranger Raptor nailed the brief.
From luxurious touring vehicle to hardcore off-roader, capable carry-all, family do-all and lifestyle activity machine, the winner of the Ultimate Double Cab Bakkie category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) isn’t too utilitarian and/or rough around the edges. In fact, it is a highly sophisticated offering with the performance and design that discerning customers demand.
The Ultimate Double Cab Bakkie category
The Ultimate Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category included a list price above R750 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting. The vehicle had to be a double-cab (four-door) pick-up/bakkie with 4-wheel drive, an automatic transmission and a ground clearance of at least 200 mm.
Pillars of success for this category included performance, space & practicality, in-car entertainment, comfort, performance, all-surface ability and safety. Towing ability was also tested.
WINNER:
Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD
If you’re looking for the new-vehicle market’s most performance-oriented double cab, look no further than the Ford Ranger Raptor, which won the Leisure Double Cab category in the 2023/24 programme and won the Ultimate Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards with a combined score of 73.7%.
With a bespoke off-road racing suspension, muscular looks and a howling twin-turbo V6, the 2nd-gen Ranger Raptor makes an unequivocal statement. Inside, the Raptor boasts comprehensive safety tech and connectivity, and an appropriately themed cabin.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Ford Ranger Raptor and Wildtrak variants:
Delivering all that performance is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that delivers 292 kW and 583 Nm of torque, which is unrivalled in this segment. Its claimed average fuel consumption is 11.5 L/100 km.
The Ford Ranger Raptor is backed with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and optional service or maintenance plans of up to 8 years or 165 000 km are available.
There are few predictable slam-dunks in the automotive industry, but a Hilux GR-Sport is one of them. The Hilux is already one of the most desirable double cabs on the market, and adding a muscular, wide-body variant with some Dakar “fizz” was always going to have enthusiasts queuing.
Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the Toyota Hilux GR-Sport:
Power comes from the proven 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, developing 165 kW and 550 Nm in this instance. Toyota claims an average consumption figure of 8.7L/100 km for this model, but the Hilux is not so much about performance figures – it prioritises high-speed off-road work.
The Toyota Hilux GR-Sport, which achieved a combined score of 72.9% in the 2025 CarsAwards (only 8 tenths of a per cent behind the Ranger Raptor), is backed with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and the first 9 services are included. Note, however, that service intervals are only 10 000 km apart.
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is the most expensive double-cab you can buy in South Africa and not a vehicle one can easily ignore. It achieved a combined score of 62.3% in the 2025 CarsAwards.
Conceived to be a no-nonsense and extremely capable off-road machine, but with a luxurious cabin and strong power, the Ineos Quartermaster oozes desirability.
This variant is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol that develops 210 kW and 450 Nm, enough to propel this juggernaut to 100 kph in 8.8 sec. Ineos claims an average consumption of 12.8 L/100 km.
The Quartermaster is backed with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and optional 5-year/75 000 km service or maintenance plans.
The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.
By winning the most prestigious #CarsAwards title for the 3rd consecutive time at the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, Toyota now has 5 Brand of the Year wins – the most in the history of our awards programme, followed by Suzuki (2) and Volkswagen (1).
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) received the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa Brand of the Year trophy from naamsa | The Automotive Business Council (of South Africa) CEO Mikel Mabasa and Cars.co.za Managing Director Amasi Mwela at the annual automotive awards programme’s gala event at Waterfall City Park at Mall of Africa on the evening of 27 February 2025.
The Toyota South Africa Motors team received the 2024/25 Brand of the Year trophy at the Mall of Africa gala event.
As opposed to the category winners, which are determined by a combination of judges’ scores and consumer feedback, the recipient of the #CarsAwards Brand of the Year title was determined solely by market data and the findings of the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey – how owners rated the dealer sales-, after-sales service- and product experience of their vehicles’ brands – and the percentages of purchase-price value the brands’ finalists retained after 3 years of ownership.
Toyota, which won the 1st #CarsAwards Brand of the Year title in 2015/16 and again in 2018/19, is now on a run of 3 consecutive Brand of the Year victories. This year, TSAM again achieved the highest brand score (77.2%) to back up its Brand of the Year title wins in the 2020/21 and 2023/24 programmes.
But whereas TSAM was a significant 9.2% ahead of the runner-up in 2023/24 (2-time Brand of the Year winner Suzuki), Toyota finished only 0.6% ahead of Mini (76.6%), which had moved up 4 places in the past year to take 2nd spot. Isuzu, which improved by 5 places in 2024/25, finished 3rd with 75.3%.
Still, winning the Brand of the Year title for the 5th time out of 8 iterations of the #CarsAwards was an immense achievement by TSAM. “The Brand of the Year trophy is the ultimate accolade in the local automotive industry and represents validation from the people who matter most: car owners,” said Hannes Oosthuizen, the manager of the Cars.co.za Awards’ scoring process.
“By providing consistently superior after-sales support through the most extensive dealer network in the country, Toyota has put South African consumers first and – based on the feedback by thousands of vehicle owners – they appreciate that,” he added.
“We are incredibly honoured to once again be recognised as South Africa’s leading automotive brand, said Glenn Crompton, the Vice President of Marketing at TSAM.
“This award is a testament to the trust and loyalty of our customers, as well as the dedication of our employees and dealer network. Thank you for making Toyota the brand of choice in South Africa.”
Looking for a light hatchback that is slightly more sophisticated and upmarket than a budget crossover? If so, a Compact Hatch still holds much appeal and, as it has since 2018/19, the Volkswagen Polo topped this category in the 2025 CarsAwards.
The winner of the Compact Hatch category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) had to be a well-balanced car that reflected what is best about modern automotive design and engineering, but present it in a distilled, reasonably affordable form.
Cars in this segment appeal to a diverse audience – from young professionals to family-car buyers trading up from entry-level vehicles and pensioners buying down from something larger and expensive.
The Compact Hatch category
Eligibility factors for the Compact Hatch category of the 2025 CarsAwards included a list price between R300 000 and R500 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting, an anti-lock braking system, a minimum of 4 airbags, aircon, USB support, Bluetooth connectivity and a service plan.
Pillars of success for this category included a balance of fuel economy and power/performance, value for money, practicality, brand strength, design and quality appeal, ride and handling and safety.
WINNER:
Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI (85kW) R-Line Auto
The locally assembled Volkswagen Polo helped to establish South Africa’s compact car segment and remains a frontrunner – and benchmark – in the segment. Although it had stiff competition from the Honda Fit and Suzuki Baleno (both of which achieved combined scores of 72.3%), the Polo edged them by 0.1%. It was the 5th straight time that a 1.0-litre turbopetrol variant of the model won this category.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the 2022 1.0 TSI Life:
The facelifted 6th-gen model is the biggest and most advanced Polo yet and comes with an array of engines suited to our market. The 1.0 TSI R-Line Auto has a claimed fuel consumption of 5.4 L/100 km.
We’d argue that it is the most modern-looking car in the segment, but all of this excellence comes at a price premium. A 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan are included.
The Honda’s Fit – previously known as the Jazz – is very solidly-built compact Japanese hatchback retains its cute city looks and incredibly practical setup, replete with those legendary “magic seats”.
Watch Ciro de Siena’s video review of the (pre-facelift) Honda fit:
A 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine offers decent performance and fair economy (a claimed 5.5 L/100km).
The Fit, which achieved a combined score of 72.3%, has a strong reputation for reliability, and locally the car is backed with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 service plan.
With the reshuffling of our categories, the 2023/24 Budget Car winner, the Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX found itself among more sophisticated rivals in the Compact Hatch segment of the 2025 CarsAwards.
Significantly more affordable than its competitors, the Baleno is a spacious, well-thought-out and generously equipped budget hatchback that doesn’t cost a fortune to buy or own.
Watch our “Toyota Starlet vs Suzuki Baleno – Which one should you buy?” video:
Although it still utilises the underpinnings of its predecessor, the 2nd-gen Baleno, which achieved a combined score of 72.3%, is one of very few “oversized” small hatchbacks that offer good rear legroom.
The Suzuki’s well-made, suitably comfortable, has a proven, fuel-frugal powertrain and is renowned for its reliability. A 5-year/200 000 km warranty and 4-year/60 000 km service plan are included in its price.
The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.
GWM SA introduces 7-year warranty for all models (except 1)…
GWM South Africa has announced the introduction of an extended 7-year/200 000 km warranty for all but 1 of the several models in its local range…
GWM South Africa has introduced an extended 7-year/200 000 km warranty for all models across its line-up – except one, that is.
Yes, the Chinese firm has ditched its previously standard 5-year/100 000 km arrangement in favour of a new 7-year/200 000 km warranty, applying the latter to the Haval Jolion, H6 and new H7 as well as the P-Series, Tank 300, Tank 500 and Ora 03 – but interestingly not to the long-in-the-tooth Steed bakkie.
The Steed misses out on GWM SA’s new extended warranty.
GWM SA describes this new extended warranty as “comprehensive and transferable”, seemingly in a thinly veiled swipe at rival firm Chery, which offers a 10-year/1-million km engine-specific warranty that is “exclusive to the original owner” (and is thus not transferable should the vehicle subsequently be sold).
Fully electric and hybrid derivatives in GWM’s range, meanwhile, still feature an additional 8-year/150 000 km warranty specific to the battery pack. As a reminder, the hybrid versions of the Jolion and H6 gained the 7-year/200 000 km new-vehicle warranty coverage back in February 2024.
The soon-to-be-facelifted P-Series has seemingly had its service plan downgraded.
Furthermore, GWM SA has now standardised its service-plan offering, meaning all models – again, bar the Steed – now ship with a 7-year/75 000 km service plan. Before this change, certain variants in GWM’s stable (such as petrol-powered versions of the Jolion and H6) featured a 5-year/100 000 km service plan, while the P-Series upgraded to a 10-year/100 000 km service plan about a year back. But the 7-year/75 000 km service plan now seemingly replaces these.
Having just launched the new H7 locally, GWM SA will soon roll out facelifted versions of the H6 and P-Series (the latter switching to the P300 badge), while a 2.4-litre turbodiesel version of the Tank 300 is also scheduled for a local introduction.
Looking for a spacious, reasonably affordable small crossover? Compact family cars rule the roost these days and, in one of the most competitive categories of the 2025 CarsAwards, the Toyota Corolla Cross defended its title, but this time, in hybrid guise.
With household budgets stretched to breaking point, a reasonably affordable compact family car needs to wear many hats. The winner of the Compact Family Car category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) excels at being a compact urban runabout, a sufficiently spacious school-run vehicle and, on occasion, a source of transport for weekend getaways.
Practicality and spaciousness are important considerations, but so are safety, technology, fuel efficiency and load-carrying flexibility.
The Compact Family Car category
The Compact Family Car category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors included a list price between R400 000 to R600 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC), a minimum of 4 airbags, aircon and a service plan.
Pillars of success for this category included powertrain flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, design and quality appeal, comfort and safety.
WINNER:
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR
Toyota took its time to enter the small crossover market, but now offers several models in that segment. The locally-assembled Corolla Cross is the crowning achievement in that line-up; by going the raised body route with the Corolla platform, the nameplate has captured a new audience.
The Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR, which achieved a combined score of 76.1%, offers the best of Toyota: spaciousness and comfort, allied with excellent reliability, service and backup.
Watch Ciro de Siena’s video review of the 2022 Corolla Cross:
The Corolla Cross 1.8 XR won this category in the 2023/24 programme, but in 2024/25 it was its Hybrid sibling’s turn to take home the silverware. It is powered by a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain that delivers 90 kW and excellent fuel efficiency (claimed fuel consumption is 4.3 L/100 km).
The Corolla Cross is backed with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty (plus an 8-year/195 000 km warranty for the hybrid battery) and the cost of the first 6 services is covered.
Another recently-refreshed segment favourite is the Kia Seltos, which achieved a combined score of 73.2%. Rivalling the Corolla Cross in size, the Seltos looks a bit more SUV-ish, with its higher ground clearance.
It is also unique among the 3 finalists in being the only turbodiesel offering. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder mill offers great torque around town, combined with excellent fuel consumption (a claimed 5.2 L/100 km).
Recently refreshed, the ever-popular Volkswagen T-Cross may be one of the smaller cars in its segment, but it punches above its weight by delivering a sophisticated, comfortable ride quality, good looks and surprising spaciousness. It achieved a combined score of 69% in the 2025 CarsAwards.
The flagship (and selected finalist) T-Cross 1.0 TSI R-Line, is powered by an 85-kW 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine that delivers a good balance of performance and efficiency, with a quoted average consumption figure of 5.6 L/100 km.
It is backed with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.
The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) will be announced on 27 February 2025.
