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 the 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

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AWARD 2: 4×4 of the Year

WINNER: Defender Octa

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AWARD 3: Coolest Feature

Mercedes-AMG G-Turn

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AWARD 4: Performance Car of the Year

WINNER: Porsche 911 Carrera T

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AWARD 5: Eco Warrior of the Year

WINNER: Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV

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AWARD 6: EV of the Year

WINNER: Volvo EX30 Cross Country

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AWARD 7: Surprise of the Year

WINNER: Mercedes-AMG CLE53

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AWARD 8:  Instant Icon Award

WINNER: Ford Mustang Dark Horse

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AWARD 9: Noise of the Year

WINNER: Lamborghini Urus SE

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AWARD 10: Manufacturer of the Year

WINNER: BYD South Africa

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AWARD 11: Marketing Excellence Award

WINNER: Suzuki Auto South Africa

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AWARD 12: Most Improved Car

WINNER: Opel Grandland

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AWARD 13: End of the Road

WINNER: Volkswagen Touareg

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AWARD 14: Crossover of the Year

WINNER: Renault Captur

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AWARD 15: Hatch of the Year

WINNER: VW Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI

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AWARD 16: Car We Are Most Looking Forward to Driving in 2026

WINNER: Toyota Hilux

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AWARD 17: All the Car You Need

WINNER: Defender Octa

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AWARD 18: Motoring Moment of the Year

WINNER: Nissan Navara Warrior Guinness World Record

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AWARD 19: Utility Vehicle of the Year

WINNER: BYD Shark 6

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AWARD 20: Sleeper of the Year

WINNER: Audi RS Q8 Performance

AWARD 21: SUV of the Year

WINNER: BMW X3

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AWARD 22: Motorsport Personality of the Year

WINNER: Chloe Stuart 

AWARD 23: Fleet Company of the Year

WINNER: Torque the Talk

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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

AWARD 25: Trailblazer of the Year

WINNER: Stanley Anderson

AWARD 26: Lifetime Achievement Award

WINNER: Viviene Ward