2025 CarsAwards: Best Performance Car in SA

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).

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalists Mercedes-AMG A45S, BMW M3 and Audi RS3 Sportback

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:

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalist BMW M2 front three-quarter view

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.

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalist BMW M2 on Gerotek skid pan

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.

View the Price & Specs of the BMW M2 Auto

Read a review of the BMW M2

Find a BMW M2 for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

Audi RS3 Sportback quattro

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. 

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalist Audi RS3 Sportback on a skid pan

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.

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalist Audi RS3 rear view

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.

View the Price & Specs of the Audi RS3 Sportback quattro

Read a review of the Audi RS3

Find an Audi RS3 for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalist Mercedes-AMG A45 S

Mercedes-AMG A45 S Hatch 4Matic+

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.

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalist Mercedes-AMG A45 S

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.

View the Price & Specs of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S Hatch 4Matic+

Find a Mercedes-AMG A45 S for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

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.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2025 CarsAwards: Ultimate Double Cab in SA

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.

2025 CarsAwards Ultimate Double Cab finalists: Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Hilux GR Sport

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:

2025 CarsAwards Ultimate Double Cab finalist Ranger Raptor sliding on a gravel road

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%.

2025 CarsAwards Ultimate Double Cab finalist Ranger Raptor wading through a water obstacle

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.

View the Price & Specs of the Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD

Read a review of the Ford Ranger Raptor

Find a Ford Ranger Raptor for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

2025 CarsAwards Ultimate Double Cab finalist Toyota Hilux GR Sport

Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 GR-Sport 4×4 Auto

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.

View the Price & Specs of the Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 GR-Sport 4×4 Auto

Read a launch review of the Toyota Hilux GR-Sport

Find a Toyota Hilux for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Ultimate Double Cab finalist Ineos Grenadier

Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster Trialmaster Edition

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.

Ineos-Grenadier-Quartermaster

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.

View the Price & Specs of the Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster Trialmaster Edition

Read a Launch Review of the Ineos Grenadier

Find an Ineos Grenadier for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

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.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2025 CarsAwards: Brand of the Year

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.

The Prospecton-based manufacturer also bagged three 2024/25 #CarsAwards category wins with the Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto (Budget Crossover), Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR (Compact Family Car) and Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4GD-6 Raider 4×4 Auto (Leisure Double Cab).

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.”

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Related content:

Winners: 2024/25 CarsAwards, sponsored by Absa

2025 CarsAwards: Best Budget Crossover in SA

2025 CarsAwards: Best Compact Family Car in SA

2025 CarsAwards: Best Leisure Double Cab in SA

2025 CarsAwards: Best Compact Hatch in SA

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.

2025 CarsAwards Compact Hatch category finalists: Volkswagen Polo and Honda Fit.

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:

2025 CarsAwards Compact Hatch finalist Volkswagen Polo

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.

View the Price & Specs of the VW Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line Auto

Find a Volkswagen Polo for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

2025 CarsAwards Compact Hatch finalist Honda Fit

Honda Fit 1.5 Elegance Auto

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.

View the Price & Specs of the Honda Fit 1.5 Elegance Auto

Find a Honda Fit for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Compact Hatch finalist Suzuki Baleno

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX Auto

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.

View the Price & Specs of the Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX

Find a Suzuki Baleno for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

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.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

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.

GWM Steed 5
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.

Related content

Haval H7 (2025) Price & Specs

New Haval H9 pencilled in for South Africa

GWM SA says local production is ‘on the cards’

2025 CarsAwards: Best Compact Family Car in SA 

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.

2025 CarsAwards Compact Family Car finalists: Kia Seltos, Volkswagen T-Cross and Toyota Corolla Cross

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:

2025 CarsAwards Compact Family Car finalist: Toyota Corolla Cross

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.

View the Price & Specs of the Toyota Corolla Cros 1.8 Hybrid XR

Read a review of the Toyota Corolla Cross

Find a Toyota Corolla Cross for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

2025 CarsAwards Compact Family Car finalist Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX+

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).

We reviewed the facelifted Kia Seltos in 2024. Read our review of the 1.5T-GDI GT Line.

The Kia comes with an impressive 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX+

Find a Kia Seltos for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Compact Family Car finalist Volkswagen T-Cross

Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI R-Line

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.

Volkswagen T-Cross facelift
Volkswagen Group Africa updated its compact family car last year. Read our VW T-Cross (2024) Price & Specs article.

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.

View the Price & Specs of the Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI R-Line

Volkswagen T-Cross – What it’s like to live with

Find a Volkswagen T-Cross for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

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.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2025 CarsAwards: Best Leisure Double Cab in SA

Given that the prices of the flagship leisure double cab bakkie variants are now well beyond the reach of most households, the 2025 CarsAwards featured a 2nd bakkie category. The winner, however, was a rather familiar offering: the Toyota Hilux.

While the category was not new to the CarsAwards, for the 2024/25 iteration of the Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) programme, “Leisure Double Cab” catered for more affordable double-cab derivatives priced below R750 000. We were looking for a high-value offering that combined genuine off-road capability (4×4 was required) with comfort (an automatic transmission was a must).

2025 CarsAwards Leisure Double Cab finalists: Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max

The Leisure Double-Cab category 

The Leisure Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligible vehicles had to be priced under R750 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting, and offer 4-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. 

Pillars of success for this category included all-surface ability, towing, comfort and a good balance of performance and efficiency.

WINNER:

Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4GD-6 Raider 4×4 Auto

Even though the current-gen Toyota Hilux is nearing the end of its product lifecycle, it has managed to retain its top-seller spot – and win the Leisure Double Cab category with a combined score of 73.5%.

Its reputation for toughness is simply unmatched in the local market, and the fact that it is further backed by a 5-time Brand of the Year winner, and all that that means, says pretty much all you need to know.

Watch our epic 7-way double-cab bakkie drag race featuring a Toyota Hilux:

The Hilux variant that competed in the final stage of this new-for-2025 CarsAwards category was the 2.4GD-6 Raider XLT 4×4 Auto. It is powered by Toyota’s proven 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers 110 kW/400 Nm and its claimed average fuel consumption figure is 7.7 L/100 km.

The Toyota Hilux 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).

Price & Specs

Find a Toyota Hilux for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

Isuzu D-Max Double Cab 1.9 TD LS 4×4 Auto

Isuzu’s D-Max has a very strong reputation in South Africa and is widely admired for its blend of comfort and toughness. The locally-built D-Max also benefits from ongoing local improvements. In this category of the 2025 CarsAwards, the 1.9 TD LS 4×4 was the 1st runner up with a combined score of 72.4%.

Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider and AT35:

This D-Max variant is powered by a 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque. Isuzu claims an average consumption figure of 7.6 L/100 km for the variant.

The D-Max is backed with an impressive 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.

View the Price & Specs of the Isuzu D-Max Double Cab 1.9 TD LS 4×4 Auto

Read a review of the Isuzu D-Max

Find an Isuzu D-Max for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Leisure Double Cab finalist

Ford Ranger Double Cab 2.0SiT XLT 4×4 Auto

Launched late in 2022, the current-gen Ford Ranger is one of the most desirable pick-ups in the local market, particularly in double-cab guise, because it offers arguably the best on- and off-road comfort levels of any bakkie and the most attractive interior. In 2024/25, it achieved a combined score of 70.8%.

In this category, the Ranger variant was the so-called “single-turbo” variant in XLT specification. Its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivers peak power of 125 kW and a substantial 405 Nm of torque. Ford claims an average consumption figure of 7.7 L/100 km.

The Ranger, which achieved a combined score of 70.8% in the 2025 CarsAwards, is backed with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and (optional) service plans of up to 8 years or 165 000 km.

View the Price & Specs of the Ford Ranger Double Cab 2.0SiT XLT 4×4 Auto

Read a launch review of the Ford Ranger Double Cab

Find a Ford Ranger for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

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.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2025 CarsAwards: Best Budget Crossover in SA 

Shopping for an affordable car, but don’t want a traditional hatchback? There may be plenty of competition in the Budget Crossover segment, but in the 2025 CarsAwards, the Toyota Urban Cruiser defeated its many rivals with a combined score of 74.2%.

South African new-vehicle buyers now prefer crossovers over hatchbacks, sedans and MPVs. This category represents the entry point to SUV-inspired vehicles with a modicum of raised ride height.

Besides having additional body cladding and ground clearance (“kerb-hopping capability”), the Best Budget Crossover of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) offers the best combination of practicality, spaciousness, safety, technology, fuel efficiency and flexibility.

2025 CarsAwards finalists: Suzuki Fronx, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Kia Sonet

The Budget Crossover category

The Budget Crossover category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for this category included a list price between R300 000 and R400 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting, ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), a minimum of 4 airbags, aircon and a service plan. 

Pillars of success for this category included engine flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, comfort and safety. 

WINNER:

2025 CarsAwards Budget Crossover finalist Toyota Urban Cruiser

Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto

The Suzuki Grand Vitara won this segment of the 2023/24 CarsAwards, which was then known as the Entry-Level Crossover category. In 2024/25, however, the Suzuki’s Toyota-badged Urban Cruiser cousin emerged victorious because of its size (it’s larger than the other finalists) and a good spread of features. 

Watch Ash Oldfield compare the Toyota Urban Cruiser with its Suzuki Grand Vitara cousin:

Powered by Suzuki’s trusty 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 77 kW, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is also efficient, with a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 6.1 L/100 km.

It is backed with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty (a bit lacklustre compared with some rivals) and also has a service plan that covers you for 4 scheduled services.

View the Price & Specs of the Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto

Read a Launch Review of the Toyota Urban Cruiser

Find a Toyota Urban Cruiser for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Auto

Kia’s recently-refreshed Sonet, which achieved a combined score of 73.2%, is a stylish, somewhat more premium offering in this category, as indicated by its higher list price. It is, however, a well-executed compact crossover with stylish looks inside and out, and a well-considered standard specification.

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of a pre-facelift 2022 Kia Sonet 1.0T EX+

Powered by an 85 kW 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, the Kia is the most powerful of the 3 finalists here, but there is a slight price to pay at the pumps – a claimed average consumption of 6.2 L/100 km.

It comes standard with an impressive 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.

View the Price & Specifications of the Kia Sonet 1.5 LX auto

Read a review of the Kia Sonet

Find a Kia Sonet for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Budget Crossover finalist Suzuki Fronx

Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX Auto

A great example of how preferences are changing in the new-vehicle market, the Fronx is essentially a more fashionable “crossover” variant of the popular Baleno light hatchback. Suzuki has been clever in its design, however. This is not merely a raised Baleno – it looks entirely different, even SUV-coupe-ish.

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Suzuki Fronx:

The highly popular, well-priced, and decently-specced Fronx achieved a combined score of 71.9% in the 2025 CarsAwards. As is the case with the Toyota Urban Cruiser, the Fronx is also powered by a 77-kW 1.5-litre petrol Suzuki engine. Fuel consumption is excellent, with a claimed efficiency of 5.7 L/100 km.

Like most Suzukis, it carries a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX auto

Read a Review of the Suzuki Fronx

Find a Suzuki Fronx for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the 2025 CarsAwards

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.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2025 CarsAwards: Best Budget Car in SA

The most popular new cars in SA are purchased at the “affordable” end of the market, which is why “Budget Car” is such a vital awards category. In the 2025 CarsAwards, Suzuki’s Swift 1.2 GLX successfully defended its predecessor’s Best Budget Car title.

Does buying an affordable new car in 2025 mean that you have to compromise on safety, technology and quality? No, not necessarily. The winner of the Best Budget Car of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards (CarsAwards), sponsored by Absa represents “as much new car as you can get for your money”.

Value for money, running costs and other “common sense” considerations were taken into account. Also, for the 2025 CarsAwards, the segment was not restricted to hatchbacks, as affordable crossovers (such as the Hyundai Exter and Mahindra XUV 3XO) have become immensely successful in the local market.

The Hyundai Exter, Mahindra 3XO and Suzuki Swift are the 3 finalists in the Budget Car category of the 2025 CarsAwards

The Budget Car category

The 2025 CarsAwards Budget Car category was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for this category included a list price below R300 000. What’s more, eligible vehicles had to have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual front (or more) airbags and a service plan.  

Pillars of success for this category included fuel economy, value for money, practicality and brand strength (service network backup). 

THE WINNER:

The Suzuki Swift – a finalist in the Budget Car category of the 2025 CarsAwards – in action at Gerotek.

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX

The Swift is Suzuki’s most popular model in the new-vehicle market and a multiple #CarsAwards category winner. And, following the recent launch of the new-gen Swift, the Hamamatsu-based brand has taken the trophy in the Budget Car category for the 6th time out of 8 iterations of the #CarsAwards.

The Suzuki Swift – a finalist in the Budget Car category of the 2025 CarsAwards – in action at Gerotek.

The previous-gen Suzuki Swift (also a 1.2 GLX) won the Entry-level Hatch trophy for a 2nd consecutive time in 2023/24. All in all, a Swift variant has won a #CarsAwards category 5 times.

Watch a video in which Jacob Moshokoa compares the old and new Suzuki Swift:

The Swift 1.2 GLX is powered by a 60 kW/112 Nm 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine. Both fun to drive and frugal, the Swift has a claimed average consumption figure of 4.4 L/100 km.

With a good spread of standard comfort and safety features, as well as an impressive 5-year/200 000 km warranty from a brand that has built a solid reputation for excellent after-sales service, it is no wonder the new Swift has set the sales charts on fire; it won its category with a combined score of 73.3%.

View the Price & Specs of the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX

Find a Suzuki Swift for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

The Hyundai Exter – a finalist in the Budget Car category of the 2025 CarsAwards – in action at Gerotek.

Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive 

Another all-new contender for 2024/25 was Hyundai’s highly compact budget offering, the Exter. With its SUV-inspired looks, the Exter is well-positioned to cash in on consumers’ preference for crossovers.

The Exter, which achieved a combined score of 71.2%, is powered by a 61 kW/114 Nm 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine. Hyundai claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5.7 L/100 km.

Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the Hyundai Exter: 

As is the case with pricier Hyundais, the Exter also boasts a confidence-inspiring 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty applicable to the drivetrain. A 3-year/45 000 km service plan is also included in the purchase price.

View the Price & Specs of the Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive

Find a new/used Hyundai Exter listed for sale on Cars.co.za

Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX3  

The rise of Mahindra continued with the arrival of the Indian brand’s first-ever #CarsAwards finalist, the reworked Mahindra XUV 3XO – a stylish compact crossover loaded with features and a more powerful engine than its same-price rivals. In the 2025 CarsAwards, it achieved a combined score of 69.2%.

The Mahindra 3XO – a finalist in the Budget Car category of the 2025 CarsAwards – in action at Gerotek.

Power comes from a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine (it’s the only boosted finalist) that delivers 82 kW and 200 Nm (notably higher outputs than those of its 2025 CarsAwards Budget car category rivals).

This gives it livelier performance than its rivals, but not with too much of a fuel efficiency penalty; the model’s claimed average consumption figure is 5.3 L/100 km.

Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the Mahindra 3XO:

It comes backed with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/55 000 km service plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Mahindra 3XO 1.2T MX3

Find a Mahindra XUV 3XO for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

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.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2025 CarsAwards: Best Adventure SUV in SA

Adventure SUVs have long been a staple of the local market, but the 2025 CarsAwards finalists in this category must also double as comfortable family cars. As it turned out, the Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE defeated its acclaimed rivals.

In this revised category, we were looking for the ultimate recreational vehicle to transport a family (and their holiday/lifestyle gear) in comfort to almost any destination (on- or off-road). The Best Adventure SUV of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) offers notable off-road-, towing- and long-distance cruising ability, plus practicality and comfort.

2025 CarsAwards Adventure SUV finalists: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Land Rover Defender and Ford Everest

The Adventure SUV category 

The Adventure SUV category of the 2025 CarsAwards (updated in 2024/25 to have no price limit or 7-seater restriction) was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligible vehicles had to be equipped with an electronic stability programme, a minimum of 6 airbags, split-folding rear seats, all-wheel-drive capability, as well as a minimum ground clearance of 200 mm. 

Pillars of success for this category included performance, space & practicality, in-car entertainment, comfort and all-surface ability. 

WINNER:

2025 CarsAwards Adventure SUV finalist Land Rover Defender

Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE

Although it’s a far cry from its utilitarian progenitor, the new Defender is a kingpin in Jaguar Land Rover’s stable. In terms of sheer versatility, it simply blows the opposition away – so it’s no surprise that there’s still a waiting list for this Landy. It achieved the highest combined score in the 2025 CarsAwards: 81.8%.

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Land Rover Defender:

The Defender 110 blends luxury, practicality and off-road ability in an eye-catching package. The D350 X-Dynamic HSE derivative is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel that makes 257 kW and 700 Nm.

The Land Rover Defender 110 is backed with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE

Read a review of the Land Rover Defender 110

Find a Land Rover Defender 110 for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

2025 CarsAwards Adventure SUV finalist Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R

An all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado doesn’t come around very often, so when one does, you sit up and take notice. The South African market has certainly noticed, with strong sales straight off the bat and a growing waiting list. The 2.8GD VX-R achieved a combined score of 80% in the 2025 CarsAwards.

Jacob Moshokoa compares the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with a GWM Tank 500:

The new Prado boasts rugged, handsome styling and proven mechanicals (including the widely admired 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine) and, of course, it offers superb off-road ability. The Prado’s motor delivers 150 kW/500 Nm and Toyota claims an average consumption of 7.9 L/100 km for this variant.

The Prado is backed with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and the first 9 services are included (note that service intervals are every 10 000 km, however).

View the Price & Specs of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R

Read a Launch Review of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Find a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Adventure SUV finalist Ford Everest

Ford Everest 3.0 TD V6 4WD Wildtrak

The 3rd-generation Ford Everest has brought new levels of space, comfort and technology to the bakkie-based 7-seater segment. The 3.0 TD V6 4WD Wildtrak achieved a combined score of 71.3%.

With a powerful 184 kW/600 Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, the Everest provides excellent performance, both for driving and towing (it has a 3 500-kg braked tow rating).

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Ford Everest:

The cabin is a plush place to be, providing luxury and comfort in abundance. Ford claims an average fuel consumption figure of 8.5 L/100 km.

The Everest is backed with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and (optional) service plans of up to 8 years or 165 000km.

View the Price & Specs of the Ford Everest 3.0 TD V6 4WD Wildtrak

Read a review of the Ford Everest Wildtrak

Find a Ford Everest for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

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.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.