The 8th iteration of the prestigious Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, proudly sponsored for a second consecutive year by Absa and endorsed by naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, took center stage in 2025. The glamorous Cirque du Soleil-themed event brought together industry leaders, car enthusiasts, and esteemed guests for an unforgettable evening celebrating the finest vehicles in South Africa.
This year, 39 exceptional vehicles competed across 13 categories, showcasing the best in performance, innovation, affordability, and luxury. The #CarsAwards remain one of the most consumer-driven and industry-respected accolades, ensuring that winning vehicles truly resonate with South African motorists.
The awards ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a Cirque du Soleil-inspired theme that added an element of wonder and excitement to the evening. Hundreds of guests gathered to witness the grand unveiling of the 2025 winners, with comedian Nik Rabinowitz and radio personality Khutso Theledi hosting the show, keeping the audience entertained with their wit and charm.
“The Cars.co.za Awards brings together insights of the top motoring experts in the country combined with feedback from real people who drive these vehicles every day to help our users make the best choices for their budget and lifestyle,” says Amasi Mwela, Managing Director of Cars.co.za.
One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments came when Cars.co.za CEO Amasi Mwela shared a nostalgic story about purchasing his first car and the memorable road trip he took with a friend to Limpopo. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed how much the world of motoring has evolved and how significant cars remain in shaping personal experiences and lifelong memories.
Thabisa Mkhwanazi, Absa’s Marketing Executive, also took the stage, emphasizing the evolution of SUVs, elegance, and technology over the years. Having recently led an initiative where Absa gave away 10 cars, she spoke about the importance of family vehicles and how SUVs continue to be a staple for cherished road trips and adventures. Recalling her childhood family holidays, she hoped that today’s families would create equally unforgettable memories with their vehicles.
The 2025 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards once again delivered an exciting lineup of winners. Each vehicle, selected based on expert analysis and real consumer insights, set a benchmark in its respective category. Among the celebrated titles were:
Budget Car of the Year – Recognizing affordability and reliability.
Family SUV of the Year – The ultimate choice for family adventures.
Luxury Car of the Year – A fusion of sophistication and cutting-edge technology.
Performance Car of the Year – A testament to speed, precision, and driving excellence.
Brand of the Year – Honoring overall customer satisfaction and industry impact.
Unlike traditional industry awards, the #CarsAwards integrate real customer experiences and feedback, making them one of the most authentic and respected accolades in the South African automotive sector. By recognizing vehicles that excel in real-world conditions, the awards help guide consumers toward making informed purchasing decisions.
With another successful edition in the books, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards continue to shape the automotive landscape, celebrating innovation and excellence. As the industry embraces new technologies, sustainability, and evolving consumer needs, these awards remain a beacon of recognition for the best vehicles on the market.
The 2025 event set a high standard, leaving the automotive world eagerly anticipating what the next edition will bring. Until next year, the road to automotive excellence continues!
