logo
Latest News
Follow
Thursday / 6 February 2025
HomeNewsThe 23 best cars in the world right now

The 23 best cars in the world right now

The World Car Awards has just announced the finalists competing for the title of the 2025 World Car of the Year.

It’s an expansive list covering 23 different models of all shapes, sizes, and price brackets, which have been divided into six different categories.

This includes the primary race for the Car of the Year (COTY) Awards, as well as separate groups for the best electric, urban, luxury, performance, and designed models currently in circulation.

The good news for South Africa is that 15 out of the 23 cars battling for these accolades are either on sale here, or will be very soon.

It’s not exclusively relegated to million-rand supercars, either, with the fan-favourite Suzuki Swift being a notable champion for everyday affordable transport in the finals.

Other recognizable entries include the smash-hit next-gen Toyota Prado, and the iconic Ford Mustang.

Also of note is the brand-new BMW X3, which is made right here in Rosslyn, Pretoria, and is one of the badges to make it into the main competition for the COTY title.

Two other nameplates to point out are the BYD Seagull (Dolphin Mini) and Volvo EX90, which are not currently in local showrooms but have been confirmed for an introduction later this year.

The best of the best

Below is a list of all of the World Car of the Year finalists, grouped according to their respective categories.

The vehicles listed in red are either available for purchase in South Africa, or have been confirmed for a release in the near future.


World Car of the Year

  • Audi A5/S5
  • BMW X3
  • Ford Mustang
  • Hyundai Inster
  • Kia EV3
  • Mini Cooper Electric
  • Suzuki Swift
  • Toyota Camry
  • Toyota Prado
  • Volkswagen Tiguan


World Electric Vehicle of the Year

  • Hyundai Inster
  • Kia EV3
  • Porsche Macan Electric
  • Volkswagen ID. Buzz
  • Volvo EX90


World Urban Car of the Year

  • BYD Seagull
  • Hyundai Inster
  • Mini Cooper
  • Mini Cooper Electric
  • Suzuki Swift


World Luxury Car of the Year

  • Lexus GX
  • Porsche Macan
  • Porsche Panamera
  • Volkswagen ID. Buzz
  • Volvo EX90


World Performance Car of the Year

  • Bentley Continental GT Speed
  • BMW M5
  • Ford Mustang
  • Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
  • Porsche Taycan Turbo GT


World Car Design of the Year

  • Baojun Yunduo/Cloud/MG Windsor EV
  • Kia EV3
  • Mini Cooper
  • Toyota Prado
  • Volkswagen ID. Buzz


Show comments