The highly anticipated TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards 2024, in partnership with WesBank, took place last night at The Galleria in Sandton, marking an unforgettable evening in the South African automotive industry.

The event, filled with anticipation and excitement, was a true celebration of excellence, recognising the finest cars, brands, and individuals that have shaped the local automotive landscape in 2024.

Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at Wesbank, said: “The local automotive sector has shown remarkable resilience this year, despite the headwinds that faced the industry for much of the year. The TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards provide a platform to recognise and celebrate the individuals and brands that stood out amongst their peers in driving the resurgence of the sector, and WesBank is proud to be part of this momentous occasion once more.

The ceremony was hosted by renowned comedian and entertainer, Jason Goliath and acclaimed adventurer, published author, fitness and wellness specialist, Letshego Zulu. Together they brought their signature wit and charm to the stage, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.

With 26 awards presented across various categories, the night honoured vehicles that have set new benchmarks in innovation, performance, quality and value, as well as other areas that are sometimes overlooked. In addition to the cars, so too were the dynamic individuals and companies who have contributed to the continued success and growth of the industry.

Avon Middleton, Publishing Partner at TopGear South Africa, explains the significance of these award categories to the automotive industry. “These awards are so unique in that none of them are there to tick a box. Not all awards categories from 2023 featured this year and that is down to the way in which we evaluate and give honours to the cars, individuals and manufacturers that are exceptional, above and beyond the norm”, says Middleton.

The TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards 2024 offered a fresh and exciting approach, highlighting not only the remarkable cars of the year but also the people behind the scenes, the brands, the marketers, and the leaders whose passion and vision have driven the local automotive market forward.

Lerato Matebese, Publishing Editor at TopGear South Africa, believes the future of South Africa's motor industry is promising, especially after hosting the prestigious event. “These awards are merit to the hard work put in by the various manufacturers to ensure the right product for the right audience at the most competitive price. And as a purveyor in reviewing cars and my more than a decade of judging car awards both locally and internationally, I’m proud to present these well-deserved awards to this year’s recipients,” says Matebese.

The awards attracted the “who's who” of the automotive world, with CEOs, brand managers, marketing heads, celebrities and other influential figures in attendance, all eager to witness the crowning of this year’s best and brightest. The evening was filled with camaraderie, and the shared enthusiasm for the future of the South African automotive industry.

As the night came to a close, the TopGear South Africa Awards 2024 proved to be a fitting way to conclude the year on a high note, cementing the event as an essential date on the automotive calendar. This year's ceremony set the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.

TOPGEAR SA AWARDS 2024 CATEGORIES & WINNERS

AWARD 1: EV OF THE YEAR

Winner: Volvo EX30 

AWARD 2: EXECUTIVE SALOON OF THE YEAR

Winner: Mercedes-Benz E220d

AWARD 3: 4X4 OF THE YEAR

Winner: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

AWARD 4: ECO-WARRIOR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Mercedes-Benz GLA200d

AWARD 5: BARGAIN OF THE YEAR

Winner: Hyundai Exter

AWARD 6: BAKKIE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Mitsubishi Triton

AWARD 7: ALL THE CAR YOU NEED

Winner: BMW M3 Touring

AWARD 8: COOLEST FEATURE AWARD

Winner: McLaren Artura—Spinning Wheel Pull-Away

AWARD 9: PERFORMANCE CAR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Aston Martin Vantage

AWARD 10: HATCH OF THE YEAR

Winner: Suzuki Swift

AWARD 11: MOST IMPROVED CAR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro DCT

AWARD 12: TECH INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

Winner: Mercedes-AMG 2.0-litre turbo-hybrid engine

AWARD 13:    Instant Icon Award

Winner:  The BMW M3 Touring

AWARD 14: END OF THE ROAD AWARD

Winner: Audi R8

AWARD 15: GT OF THE YEAR

Winner: Bentley Continental GT Speed

AWARD 16: SURPRISE OF THE YEAR

Winner: BMW M5

AWARD 17: HERITAGE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Toyota Land Cruiser 70-Series

AWARD 18: MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Winner: Volkswagen South Africa

AWARD 19: MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

Winner: BMW South Africa

AWARD 20: NOISE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Jaguar F-Type V8

AWARD 21: MOTORING MOMENT OF THE YEAR

Winner: The Red Bull Show Run

AWARD 22: FLEET COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Winner: JOMU Promotions

AWARD 23: MOTORSPORT PERSON OF THE YEAR

Winner: Jonathan Mogotsi

AWARD 24: PR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Hailey Philander

AWARD 25: MOTORING TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Winner: Toby Venter

AWARD 26: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Winner: Roger McCleery

About TopGear South Africa

TopGear Magazine South Africa is the ultimate destination for motoring enthusiasts, offering a bold and authoritative voice on all things automotive. As the official local adaptation of the globally renowned TopGear brand, the magazine delivers cutting-edge reviews, in-depth features, and dynamic storytelling that captures the essence of motoring passion. From the latest supercars and cutting-edge electric vehicles to practical family options and thrilling road trips, TopGear SA blends global expertise with a unique South African perspective.

With an emphasis on innovation, lifestyle, and performance, the magazine connects readers to the motoring world’s most exhilarating trends and experiences. Beyond the pages, TopGear SA engages its audience through digital content, social media, and exclusive events, making it more than a publication — it’s a hub for car lovers and adrenaline seekers alike. For those driven by the love of cars, TopGear Magazine South Africa is where the journey begins.