The TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards, in partnership with WesBank, concluded its third edition at the prestigious STAY at Inimitable in Muldersdrift last night, hosting leading figures from the local automotive industry for an evening dedicated entirely to excellence.
Now firmly established as one of, if not the most anticipated events on the local motoring calendar, the Awards once again recognised the cars, individuals, and defining moments which made the TopGear South Africa team sit up and take notice over the past year.
The motoring award categories spanned performance, innovation, usability, and, of course, people who positively impacted the industry. The ceremony highlighted the depth and diversity of the South African automotive space, which is fast evolving in response to shifting consumer expectations that now increasingly favour electrification alongside traditional economy and lifestyle versatility.
Similarly, the TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards are keeping pace with the times, bestowing accolades that are relevant in the given year.
Avon Middleton, Publisher at TopGear South Africa: “Last night’s Awards were a sign of how diverse the industry has become. The theme of “Tomorrow Loading…” was a recognition that the local motor industry is changing at a faster rate than ever before. These awards reflect standout products and people, in an incredibly competitive landscape. Congratulations to all of them.”
Evaluation for the awards takes place throughout the year as the TopGear South Africa editorial team reviews and ranks vehicles based on metrics including performance, ownership experience, quality, design, and innovation.
Other key awards on the night included 4×4 of the Year, Utility Vehicle of the Year, EV of the Year, Crossover of the Year, Hatch of the Year, the Marketing Excellence Award, as well as the Instant Icon Award, which is given to a vehicle the TopGear SA team deems a future icon.
WesBank, South Africa’s leading provider of asset-based finance solutions, once again served as the title sponsor for the event.
“We congratulate all the award winners and finalists who were celebrated for their outstanding achievements, innovation, and passion for automotive excellence. The evening was a true reflection of the energy, talent, and progress driving the industry forward,” says Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication for WesBank.
The evening, hosted by celebrated South African comedian Jason Goliath and Ignition TV’s Ziphorah Masethe, was attended by key automotive figures, celebrities and industry partners. It once again reinforced the Award’s role as a platform for recognising merit and continues to serve as a benchmark for South African motoring achievements.
Award Winners
AWARD 1: Timeless Luxury Award
WINNER: Rolls-Royce Spectre
AWARD 2: 4×4 of the Year
WINNER: Defender Octa
AWARD 3: Coolest Feature
Mercedes-AMG G-Turn
AWARD 4: Performance Car of the Year
WINNER: Porsche 911 Carrera T
AWARD 5: Eco Warrior of the Year
WINNER: Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV
AWARD 6: EV of the Year
WINNER: Volvo EX30 Cross Country
AWARD 7: Surprise of the Year
WINNER: Mercedes-AMG CLE53
AWARD 8: Instant Icon Award
WINNER: Ford Mustang Dark Horse
AWARD 9: Noise of the Year
WINNER: Lamborghini Urus SE
AWARD 10: Manufacturer of the Year
WINNER: BYD South Africa
AWARD 11: Marketing Excellence Award
WINNER: Suzuki Auto South Africa
AWARD 12: Most Improved Car
WINNER: Opel Grandland
AWARD 13: End of the Road
WINNER: Volkswagen Touareg
AWARD 14: Crossover of the Year
WINNER: Renault Captur
AWARD 15: Hatch of the Year
WINNER: VW Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI
AWARD 16: Car We Are Most Looking Forward to Driving in 2026
WINNER: Toyota Hilux
AWARD 17: All the Car You Need
WINNER: Defender Octa
AWARD 18: Motoring Moment of the Year
WINNER: Nissan Navara Warrior Guinness World Record
AWARD 19: Utility Vehicle of the Year
WINNER: BYD Shark 6
AWARD 20: Sleeper of the Year
WINNER: Audi RS Q8 Performance
AWARD 21: SUV of the Year
WINNER: BMW X3
AWARD 22: Motorsport Personality of the Year
WINNER: Chloe Stuart
AWARD 23: Fleet Company of the Year
WINNER: Torque the Talk
AWARD 24: PR of the Year
WINNERS:
- Courtney Knowles, Brand & PR Manager – Jetour South Africa
- Christo Kruger, Group PR Manager – Porsche South Africa
- Eileen Gengan, PR & Events Manager – Suzuki Auto South Africa
- Justin Jacobs, Media & PR Specialist – Mercedes-Benz South Africa
AWARD 25: Trailblazer of the Year
WINNER: Stanley Anderson
AWARD 26: Lifetime Achievement Award
WINNER: Viviene Ward
