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6 March 2025
On 27 February 2025 Absa proudly hosted its second instalment of the Cars Awards in partnership with Cars.co.za, South Africa’s foremost motoring awards programme, which celebrates the very best in the local new-vehicle market across 13 categories.
The prestigious gala event took place at the renowned Mall of Africa, where 39 exceptional vehicles competed for the coveted titles, and was followed by an exciting exhibition of these best-in-class options over the weekend.
This year’s ceremony showcased a remarkable display of innovation and diversity within the automotive industry, drawing the attention of car enthusiasts, industry leaders, and consumers alike, who braved the weather to attend the Cirque du Cars themed event in their numbers. The awards have become a staple calendar item for the South African car enthusiast and consumer as they continue to deliver insight and market analysis that shape consumer preference.
“These awards create an energy in the industry – challenging manufacturers to refine, reinvent, and reimagine what a great car should be. And ultimately, that benefits every single consumer,” Managing Executive at Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance Charl Potgieter said, addressing the audience at the glamourous ceremony.
Amasi Mwela, Managing Director of Cars.co.za, took the opportunity to outline exactly how the awards process supports consumer choice. “The Cars.co.za Awards combines insights from leading motoring experts with feedback from everyday drivers, providing our users with the information they need to make informed decisions that align with their budgets and lifestyles.”
This year’s awards showcased consumer preference in a manner like no other before with vehicles manufactured across wide-ranging global markets from the USA and Europe to Asia represented in the lineup of finalists. This speaks volumes of the maturity of South Africa’s automotive market spurred by innovation and healthy competition among automotive brands.
“In addition to the offerings of the incumbents, Chinese and Indian car manufacturers are making significant strides in this market with competitive luxury features that resonate with consumers. Our local landscape reflects an increasingly diverse global environment, with 20% of the finalists being manufactured in India and China, and another 20% produced locally,” added Potgieter.
The night belonged to the 13 winners across various categories recognising a range of vehicles from the market’s best affordable option to the best electric vehicle on offer – these 13 winners are:
- Best Brand of the Year: Toyota
- Best Leisure Double Cab: Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4GD-6 Raider 4×4 Auto
- Ultimate Double Cab: Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD
- Best Electric Vehicle and Best Premium Crossover: Mini Countryman SE ALL4
- Best Budget Car: Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX
- Best Compact Car: Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI (85kW) R-Line Auto
- Best Budget Crossover Car: Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto
- Best Compact Family Car: Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR
- Best Family Car: Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT Line Plus
- Executive SUV: BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport
- Premium SUV: BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport
- Adventure SUV: Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE
- Performance Car: BMW M2 Auto
The excitement did not end there, consumers had the opportunity to experience, and test drive, the 39 finalist vehicles which were being exhibited at the Mall of Africa Cars Awards Showcase from 28 February till 2 March 2025. Absa further raised the roof with the introduction of the Absa Cars Awards Competition, giving consumers the opportunity to win a weekend away for two in one of the top vehicles by simply registering and completing a test drive.
To register for a test drive click here. The competition opened on 25 February 2025 and will run until 7 April 2025.
For Ts and Cs apply: Click Here