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