From left Chris-Mari Botes, Koushik Mitra, Rajesh Gupta (CEO), Carmen Davis (OldMutualInsure) and Grizelda Goosen.

Mahindra South Africa has made history by becoming the first manufacturer to win the coveted Motor Enthusiast Award for two consecutive years at the 2025 South African Car of the Year competition, powered by Old Mutual Insure.

The XUV 3XO AX7L, which received the most votes from South African car fans, set a new standard for vehicles in its class. It offers a 1.2-litre turbo-charged petrol engine, paired with a pure six-speed automatic transmission as opposed to the rudimentary automated manuals (AMT) or the continuously variable transmissions (CVT) typically found in this segment.

Add to this list, six airbags across the range, disc brakes on all wheels, air conditioning and electric windows on all models and it starts to become clear how Mahindra is democratising technology.

"The XUV 3XO sets a new benchmark for its class, offering large-vehicle luxuries, advanced driver assistance systems, performance and ride quality at a price that cannot be beaten," says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

"The XUV 3XO stands out by democratising technology, safety and design—bringing premium features once reserved for higher segments to a wider range of customers."

The category award at the SA Car of the Year Awards caps an exceptional period of growth for Mahindra, which has established itself as the fastest-growing automotive brand in South Africa for the third time in seven years. The company has achieved several significant milestones recently:

• Breaking into the top 10 selling vehicle brands in South Africa
• Setting new sales records across its product line-up
• Construction of a new state-of-the-art assembly facility in Durban, which will soon produce over 1 000 Pik Up models monthly

In the past year, Mahindra also hosted thousands of fans at its first Mahindra Fusion Festival, held at a sold-out SunBet Arena in Menlyn, Pretoria. With this unique fusion of South African music, art, design and, of course, Mahindra vehicles, the brand took a step closer to its fans and to the growing number of auto enthusiasts who are turning to Mahindra’s unique mix of performance and accessibility.

“Winning the Motor Enthusiasts Award at the SA COTY for the second consecutive year — first with the Scorpio N and now with the XUV 3XO — is a proud moment for us. It reflects not just the passion behind our products, but also Mahindra’s emergence as South Africa’s fastest-growing automotive brand. This recognition is especially meaningful as we mark 20 years in South Africa — our second home outside India.

“That this recognition comes directly from South African motorists makes it even more meaningful as we continue redefining the SUV space,” says Rajesh.