2025 South African Car Of The Year Winners Revealed

South Africa’s most prestigious automotive award ceremony has wrapped, and the results are in for the 2025 South African Car Of The Year!

Locally-built G45 BMW X3 crowned 2025 SA Car of the Year whilst budget champion Suzuki Swift clinched the second place.
Mahindra XUV 3XO voted as Old Mutual Insure Motor Enthusiast “People’s Choice”.
SA Car of the Year is organised under the auspices of the SA Guild of Mobility Journalists.
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The locally-built BMW X3 G45 has been crowned the 2025 South African Car of the Year (COTY). This victory not only marks another notch in BMW’s already illustrious belt – its 14th win since 1988 – but also highlights the rising quality of vehicles built right here in Mzansi.

The 2025 competition, organised by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) and sponsored by Old Mutual Insure since 2023, saw a range of vehicles put through their paces over two intense testing days in March. The aim? To recognise innovation, value, engineering, safety, and the X-factor that speaks to South African motorists.

Assembled at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane, the X3’s win is more than just a feather in the cap of the premium SUV. It’s a nod to South Africa’s automotive manufacturing prowess. The G45 model impressed judges with its sleek design, next-level digital integration, refined ride quality, and strong value proposition in its segment.

This is also the first time the X3 nameplate has taken the top honour, making it a landmark win for the Bavarian automaker, following the success of last year’s 7 Series G70. Punching well above its weight, the Suzuki Swift claimed second place overall, earning applause for its affordability, compact design, and safety features. It mirrors the 2024 success of the Suzuki Fronx, cementing the Japanese brand’s status as a favourite among budget-conscious buyers.

In third place, BMW strikes again with the G90 M5, an electrified performance sedan that fuses zero-emissions driving with ferocious twin-turbo V8 muscle. The plug-in hybrid wowed judges with its dual personality: luxurious cruiser on the one hand, ballistic track weapon on the other. It also claimed the Jurors’ Choice Award, showcasing its widespread appeal among seasoned motoring scribes.

South African Car Of The Year — The latest iteration of the B-segment hatchback – now with six airbags standard across the range – continues Suzuki’s streak of producing reliable, value-packed contenders. Image: Suzuki South Africa

Alongside the top three overall, the COTY awards honour excellence in six key categories:
• Budget: Suzuki Swift
• Family: Volkswagen Tiguan – This third-generation family SUV impressed with its smartly packaged interior, sleek looks, and segment-defying features like massaging seats.
• Premium: BMW X3
• Executive: BMW 5 Series (G60) – Rewarded for its elegant cabin, advanced tech, and refined ride.
• Adventure Utility: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J250) – The off-roader’s throwback styling and formidable capabilities earned it top marks in a category close to South African hearts.
• Performance: BMW M5

In a growing tradition of audience participation, the Old Mutual Insure Motor Enthusiast People’s Choice Award went to the Mahindra XUV 3XO. This compact SUV, with its bold styling, feature-rich cabin, and wallet-friendly fuel economy, struck a chord with the South African public.

From dual 10.25-inch screens and a panoramic sunroof to its smooth drive and standout design, the 3XO delivers big-car energy without the price tag.

// Chief Commercial Officer at Old Mutual Insure, Jerry Anthonyrajah

Now in its fourth year, the People’s Choice Award is a reflection of what South Africans want – smart features, affordability, and a sense of personality on the road. The judging panel, made up of South Africa’s top motoring journalists, assesses each finalist across multiple criteria, including engineering, safety, technology, handling, design, and value. Crucially, Lightstone Auto contributes data-driven insights, ensuring finalists are measured against real-world performance and market trends.

BMW X3 — With three wins, BMW dominated this year’s COTY, underlining its versatility across market segments, from performance to practicality. Image: BMW South Africa

An independent audit ensures that results remain fair and transparent, reinforcing the integrity of the COTY programme. Chairperson of the SAGMJ, Mabuyane Mabuza, applauded the calibre of entrants and noted how the competition reflects the country’s diverse and evolving motoring landscape.

Every year we see advances in technology, improved quality, and stronger emphasis on safety. It’s encouraging to see manufacturers responding to South Africans’ needs with innovation and value.

// Chairperson of the SA Guild of Mobility Journalists, Mabuyane Mabuza

The 2025 South African Car of the Year awards not only spotlight top performers but also celebrate the evolving tastes of a nation where budget, performance, luxury, and practicality must coexist. It’s a testament to just how varied – and exciting – the South African motoring landscape has become.

Whether you’re in the market for a city-friendly hatch, an electric rocket ship, or a rugged off-roader, this year’s winners prove there’s something for everyone on South Africa’s roads.

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