Following two rigorous testing days in March, the country’s most respected motoring journalists crowned the BMW X3 as the 2025 South African Car of the Year. This marks a successive victory for the German manufacturer, with the G70 generation 7 Series winning the 2024 title.
BMW holds the record for the manufacturer with the greatest number of SA Car of the Year titles. This honour dates to 1988 when the 735i won the competition. This is the first time the X3 nameplate is awarded the title.
Locally produced at the company’s Rosslyn, Tshwane facility, the latest X3 is a beacon of the local industry’s capabilities and exceptional manufacturing standards. The German sport-utility vehicle edged ahead in the scoring thanks to its high refinement levels, innovative design, high level of digitisation and relative value for money.
As the Fronx did in 2024, Suzuki managed a commendable effort with a respectable second-place ranking for their B-segment Swift. The latest hatchback is the fourth generation of the lineage to be sold in the South African market. It has upped the ante considerably over its predecessor, particularly in the aspect of occupant safety, where six airbags are standard across the range.
Completing the podium is the G90 BMW M5. The adaptation of hybrid technology gives this performance saloon a fresh dimension and increased relevance in the era of electrification. Jurors were wowed by the vivid acceleration, sumptuous cabin execution and dual-personality afforded by the powertrain. This enables zero-emissions driving, complementing the utility of its twin-turbocharged V8 motor. The M5 was also deemed the top pick in the special Jurors’ Choice award.
In addition to the Top 3 overall victors, SA Car of the Year incorporates six main categories: Budget, Family, Premium, Executive, Adventure Utility and Performance.
The BMW X3, Suzuki Swift and BMW M5 are the top finishers in their respective categories: Premium, Budget and Performance.
In the Family category it was the Volkswagen Tiguan that received the highest overall score. The third-generation German model marks a significant evolution over its forebear, with modern styling, a cleverly packaged cabin and the availability of amenities not usually associated with the segment, such as massaging seats.
In the Executive class, it was yet another triumph for BMW, with the G60 5 Series making the best impression on the jury for its polished dynamics, luxurious interior appointments and superior value in relation to its direct competitor.
Japanese manufacturer Toyota secured a win in the Adventure Utility segment with its vaunted latest-generation Land Cruiser Prado. The J250 series charmed the jurors with its retro-themed design character, improved comfort versus its predecessor, effortless off-road ability and stout powertrain.
Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairperson of the SAGMJ, congratulated all the winners and entrants, noting the strong representation of Mzansi’s diverse market. “Each year brings better technology, improved quality, and a stronger focus on safety – showing manufacturers’ commitment to safer roads.”
The Mahindra XUV 3XO took the crown as the 2025 Old Mutual Insure Car of the Year Motor Enthusiast ‘People’s Choice’ Award winner – and it’s easy to see why. Voted for by the public, this compact SUV ticked all the right boxes with its bold looks, feature-packed interior, great fuel efficiency, and unbeatable value for money.
Jerry Anthonyrajah, Chief Commercial Officer at Old Mutual Insure says this category, introduced four years ago, highlights the growing role of public engagement in COTY competition.
“From dual 10.25-inch screens and advanced safety tech, to a panoramic sunroof and smooth drive, it brings big-car energy without the big price tag. It’s the kind of car that gets people talking, and driving. As a brand that is customer-centric and develops products to better service our customers, Old Mutual Insure is thrilled to yet again play a part in celebrating vehicles that resonate with everyday South Africans,” said Anthonyrajah.
Mabuza explained that the COTY expert panel evaluates each finalist on design, technology, engineering, performance, handling, ingenuity, and safety. Lightstone Auto contributes essential market intelligence and data-driven insights. This includes value-for-money assessments relative to market rivals and each finalist’s category sales performance. An independent audit firm has formally verified the 2025 competition results to ensure fairness and transparency.
“We congratulate all the winners and participants on a successful 2025 COTY competition. As a proud sponsor of the awards for three years running, we celebrate excellence that goes beyond what meets the eye. As one of South Africa’s most established and reputable short-term insurers, we’re committed to helping motorists at every stage of their journey – whether they’re buying their first car or investing in a more sustainable, hybrid future.
“This competition showcases the innovation, safety and quality that matter most to our customers, and we’re honoured to support a platform that recognises vehicles making a meaningful difference on our roads,” said Anthonyrajah.
“We deeply thank all manufacturers who took part in the 2025 COTY competition, and we’re especially grateful to our sponsors, partners, and Guild members for honouring the spirit of South Africa’s premier motoring event,” Mabuza concluded.
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