Absa puts data, demographics and purchase decisions under the spotlight at DealerCon
Demand, opportunity and timing – these are some of the key factors driving South African consumers’ vehicle purchasing decisions.
- Industry News
- 18 September 2025
The Top 23 Finalists for the South African Car of the Year contest held by the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists, has been announced.
Besides the overall winner’s crown, the finalists can also win one of nine categories: Budget, Compact, Family Compact, Family, Premium, Performance, New Energy, Adventure SUV and Double Cab. The final category, Luxury, has no contenders.
The most competitive category will be our Compact Family with 6 Finalists: the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Peugeot 2008, Toyota Corolla Sedan and Volkswagen T-Roc.
Audi |
A4 |
Family |
BMW |
4-series |
Premium |
Hyundai |
Grand i10 |
Budget |
Hyundai |
Venue |
Compact |
Hyundai |
i30 N |
Performance |
Hyundai |
Creta |
Compact Family |
Kia |
Seltos |
Compact Family |
Land Rover |
Defender 110 |
Adventure SUV |
Mazda |
CX-30 |
Compact Family |
Mercedes-Benz |
E-Class |
Premium |
Mercedes-Benz |
GLA |
Family |
Opel |
Corsa |
Compact |
Peugeot |
2008 SUV |
Compact Family |
Porsche |
Taycan |
New Energy |
Porsche |
911 Turbo S |
Performance |
Suzuki |
Vitara Brezza |
Compact |
Suzuki |
S-Presso |
Budget |
Toyota |
Corolla Sedan XS and XR |
Compact Family |
Toyota |
Starlet |
Budget |
Toyota |
Hilux |
Double Cab |
Toyota |
Land Cruiser Prado |
Adventure SUV |
Volkswagen |
T-Roc |
Compact Family |
Volkswagen |
Caravelle |
Family |
The Budget category has the Hyundai Grand i10, Suzuki S-Presso and the Toyota Starlet going head-to-head, and the Compact category has the Hyundai Venue, Opel Corsa and Suzuki Vitara Brezza vying for top honours. The Family category includes the Volkswagen Caravelle.
Hyundai and Toyota each has an impressive 4 models that made the finalist list. Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Suzuki have 2 finalists each, and Audi, BMW, Kia, Land Rover, Opel, Peugeot have one finalist each.
The final round of scoring will commence shortly and continue until 11 June 2021, where far more detailed scoring will be done on the vehicles. This round of scoring also includes automated factors based on sales data. The winner will be announced on 26 June 2021.
Demand, opportunity and timing – these are some of the key factors driving South African consumers’ vehicle purchasing decisions.
Mahindra South Africa held its Dealer Conference 2025 in Dubai with a focus on strengthening dealer partnerships, enhancing the customer experience and shaping the future together.
A week of your life disappears into traffic jams every year. But what if artificial intelligence could give you that time back?
Advertisement
Advertisement
Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.
Daniel Pink
JAECOO expanded is local line-up with the addition of the new J5 to the range. The J5 consists of three models, Vortex, Glacier and Inferno.
Since making its debut on South African roads in 1969, the Toyota Hilux has grown into more than just a trusted vehicle. It has become part of the nation’s motoring heritage, a name synonymous with reliability and strength.
GWM South Africa has unveiled the new P300 SX range, an addition that completes the P300 portfolio and strengthens the brand’s position in the commercial vehicle segment.