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.

2025 CarsAwards: Best Premium SUV in SA

The Premium SUV category of the 2025 CarsAwards featured 3 of the market’s most sophisticated and luxurious family cars. A Japanese contender came close to stealing the trophy in the 2024/25 programme, but the venerable BMW X5 prevailed…

Premium SUVs may primarily appeal for irrational and emotional reasons such as design and status, but at their core, they are some of the most sophisticated and capable vehicles on the market.

Apart from sheer desirability, the winner of the Premium SUV category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) is spacious, has a high-tech all-wheel drivetrain, a powerful engine, a luxuriously trimmed cabin and, of course, a prestigious badge on its grille.

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalists: BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Lexus RX

The Best Premium SUV category 

This Premium SUV category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors included a list price between R1 300 000 and R1 800 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting. It had to be a large SUV of the BMW X5/Mercedes GLE category (coupe-inspired variants were also considered). It goes without saying that an all-wheel drivetrain was a must-have feature. 

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:

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalist BMW X5 (right)

BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport

About 25 years ago, the 1st-gen BMW X5 helped to establish what is now known as the Premium SUV segment and, after last winning this category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards in 2019/20, the 4th-gen model has won the trophy again (also a xDrive30d M Sport and with a combined score of 77.88%).

With a 219-kW 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel powerplant that balances impressive on-road performance with good fuel economy, the xDrive30d M Sport also offers generous passenger room and cargo-carrying capacity. BMW claims an average fuel consumption figure of 7.8 L/100 km for this variant.

The X5 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 X5 xDrive30d M Sport

Find a BMW X5 for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalist Lexus RX

Lexus RX 500h F Sport

Launched in 2023, the current-gen Lexus RX is a refreshing alternative to its dominant German rivals and the strikingly styled RX 500h F Sport, which combines a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine with a hybrid system to develop total outputs of 273 kW and 460 Nm, came within 2 hundredths of a per cent of beating the BMW X5 to the Premium SUV category title this year (its combined score was 78.86%).

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Lexus RX500h F Sport:

It certainly has all the grunt you would want from an SUV that isn’t a performance-oriented model. Lexus claims the derivative will use 6.5 L/100 km, which compares well with the average consumption figures of 6-cylinder turbodiesels it might compete with. 

The Lexus RX 500h is backed with a 7-year/105 000 km vehicle warranty and maintenance plan, as well as an 8-year/195 000 km hybrid battery warranty.

View the Price & Specs of the Lexus RX 500h F Sport

Read a launch review of the Lexus RX

Find a Lexus RX for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalist Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic

As 1 of the vehicles that created the Premium SUV segment, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a strong reputation and is always a contender, offering sumptuous ride comfort and a particularly striking interior.

Watch Ciro De Siena compare a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE with a BMW X5:

The GLE 300d is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine with peak outputs of 213 kW and 550 Nm of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims an average consumption figure of 6.9 L/100 km.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d, which achieved a combined score of 73% in the 2025 CarsAwards, 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-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic

Read a review of the Mercedes-Benz GLE

Find a Mercedes-Benz GLE 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.

BMW vs Mercedes-Benz: 2024’s premium sales winner crowned!

BMW and Mercedes-Benz both suffered sales declines in 2024. But which of these German giants won the global premium sales race last year? Here are the figures…

With 2024 now firmly in the rearview mirror, it’s time to find out which automaker won the global premium sales race last year. As has been the case for some time now, it was a relatively close-fought affair between the 2 top dogs: BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

That said, both of these German automakers suffered year-on-year sales declines worldwide, with Munich blaming delivery stops related to a massive recall (as well as “subdued demand in China”) and Stuttgart pointing to “global macro-economic challenges”. But which company ended 2024 on top?

BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive

Well, the BMW Group – which, as a reminder, comprises the BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad brands – reported a worldwide sales figure of 2 450 804 units for 2024. For the record, that represents a 4.0% year-on-year decline.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz Group (which includes the Mercedes-Benz brand and the Smart marque as well as Mercedes-Benz Vans) ended the same 12-month reporting period on 2 389 000 units, likewise representing a 4.0% decrease compared with 2023. By our maths, that puts the Stuttgart-based group 61 804 units behind its Munich-based foe.

Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance

What happens if we compare only the 2 core brands? Well, the gulf is wider here, with the BMW marque ending 2024 on 2 200 177 units (a year-on-year fall of 2.3%), enough for the company to claim it “maintained its position as the global leader in its segment”. The Mercedes-Benz Cars brand came in at 1 983 400 units (a year-on-year drop of 3%), though keep in mind the latter figure includes Smart sales, which Mercedes has opted not to list separately. As an aside, Audi’s global sales were down 11.8% year on year to 1 671 218 units.

Meanwhile, the BMW Group says it registered 426 594 units in the fully electric segment in 2024 (a year-on-year improvement of 13.5%), with the Mercedes-Benz Group’s total EV sales dipping 22% year on year to 204 600 units (the company cited “slower EV adoption in core markets” as a reason).

BMW i4

In addition, the BMW M division grew its sales 2.1% year on year to finish 2024 on 206 582 units (note this includes not only full-fat M products but also M Performance models), an all-time high. Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz no longer releases an AMG-specific figure, instead listing a sales total for “top-end” models (comprising Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, G-Class, S-Class, GLS, EQS and EQS SUV registrations). The latter number fell 14% year on year to 281 500 units.

For the record, the Mini brand contributed 244 915 units (down 17.1%, year on year) to the BMW Group’s overall tally, while Rolls-Royce added 5 712 units (down 5.3%, compared with 2023) and BMW Motorrad some 210 408 units (up 0.6%, year on year, for a new record). Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Vans accounted for 405 600 units of its Group’s 2024 total, down 9% year on year, with around 19 500 of those taking the form of electric vans.

In South Africa, it’s unfortunately not entirely clear how each firm performed in 2024, since BMW reports sales figures for only every 3rd month and Mercedes-Benz doesn’t share registrations with Naamsa at all. That said, based on the industry representative body’s “estimates”, the BMW Group (here including only the BMW and Mini brands, and not Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad) managed 12 477 units locally in 2024, while the Mercedes-Benz Group (including Mercedes-Benz Vans) finished on 6 401 units…

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