The BMW X3, crowned this year’s South African Car of the Year, stands as a symbol of high performance, innovation, and local manufacturing excellence. These are the very qualities Old Mutual Insure proudly supports through its ongoing sponsorship of the prestigious awards, now in its fourth consecutive year.
“It’s fitting that this year’s winner reflects our own commitment to excellence, delivering the ultimate experience through quality, safety, and innovation,” says Presodhini Naicker, Executive of Marketing and Communication at Old Mutual Insure.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Car of the Year awards are independently adjudicated by South Africa’s leading motoring journalists and showcase the best vehicles across multiple categories. The competition continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of the automotive industry and its critical role in the national economy. “The automotive sector supports over 100,000 jobs in South Africa. By backing these awards, we’re not only celebrating innovation, we’re helping to strengthen a vital part of our economy,” Naicker adds.
Old Mutual Insure’s sponsorship enabled the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) to conduct two rigorous testing days in March, evaluating vehicles across categories including Budget, Performance, Family, Executive, and Adventure Utility.
Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairperson of SAGMJ, congratulated all winners and entrants, noting the industry’s growing focus on safety and technology. “Each year brings better engineering and a stronger commitment to safer roads,” she said. Naicker echoed this sentiment, highlighting Old Mutual Insure’s deep concern for road safety.
“We see the devastating impact of road accidents far too often in our business. That’s why we’re proud to champion vehicles that prioritise safety. As we enter our fourth year of sponsorship, we’re looking forward to deepening our commitment to road safety and helping build a culture of responsible driving across South Africa.”
According to the Department of Transport, South Africa tragically witnessed 1,502 deaths resulting from 1,234 fatal crashes during the 2024/25 festive season. deaths occurred during the most recent festive season, with reckless driving and speeding contributing to over 80% of crashes. The awards’ emphasis on safety features is a timely reminder of the role that engineering and education play in saving lives.
Category Winners:
Premium: BMW X3 – Overall winner, combining local pride with world-class engineering.
Budget: Suzuki Swift – Safety-focused with six airbags standard across the range.
Performance: BMW M5 – Hybrid innovation, speed, and sustainability.
Family: Volkswagen Tiguan – Comfort, style, and segment-leading features.
Executive: BMW G60 5 Series – Luxury, dynamics, and value.
Adventure Utility: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – Off-road capability and retro-inspired design.
“South Africa’s roads are home to world-class vehicles, and we’re honoured to support this celebration of automotive excellence. Congratulations to all the winners - we look forward to continuing this journey and driving forward a safer, more innovative future,” concludes Naicker.