If you’re looking for a premium motoring experience from a car that combines luxury, performance and style in a compact shape, the 2025 CarsAwards Premium Crossover category winner – the Mini Countryman S ALL4 – should be top of your shortlist.
These stylish vehicles offer a popular SUV look in a smaller, more city-friendly package. The winner of the Premium Crossover category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) attracts attention with eye-catching looks, colours and a punchy powertrain.
Individuality is the name of the game in this segment, where models’ interior and exterior looks can be tailored to buyers’ specific tastes, while still providing the most up-to-date in-car technologies.
The Premium Crossover category
The Premium Crossover category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category included a list price between R700 000 and R1 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting to ensure exclusivity and status. To be eligible for this category, a model must be a crossover/small SUV in the mould of models such as the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 etc.
Pillars of success for this category included powertrain technology, driving dynamics, design and quality appeal, luxury and brand strength.
WINNER:
Mini Countryman S ALL4
The 3rd-gen Mini Countryman, which achieved a combined score of 79.9%, offers loftier levels of sophistication in its biggest, most spacious package yet. It has also become a very refined offering.
Watch David Taylor’s video review of the Mini Countryman:
The Countryman S is powered by a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine that delivers a strong 150 kW and 300 Nm of torque, yet promises good efficiency, with a claimed average consumption figure of 6.5 L/100 km.
It is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
View the Price & Specs of the Mini Countryman S ALL4
Read a review of the Mini Countryman S ALL4
Find a Mini Countryman for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNERS UP:
BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport
A relatively recent arrival on the South African new-vehicle market, the 2nd-generation BMW X2 has grown in size, compared with its predecessor.
The newcomer, of which the sDrive18i M Sport achieved a combined score of 76.2%, is longer (by 194 mm), wider (by 21 mm) and stands 64 mm taller. This gives it a more practical and comfortable cabin.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the BMW X2:
Powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the X2 delivers a good balance of performance (115 kW/230 Nm) and efficiency, with the focus falling on the latter – BMW claims an average consumption figure of 6.7 L/100 km for this derivative.
The X2 is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
View the Price & Specs of the BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport
Read a Launch Review of the BMW X2
Find a BMW X2 for sale on Cars.co.za
Volvo XC40 B4 Plus Dark
In years to come, Volvo’s XC range may be remembered as some of the Swedish brand’s finest products. In the XC40 – the smallest of the trio of (non-electric) models – customers are treated to a compact, yet well-thought-out premium crossover. It achieved a combined score of 70% in the 2025 CarsAwards.
Watch Ciro De Siena compare a Volvo XC40 with a Jaguar E-Pace:
It has a beautifully finished cabin equipped with an innovative Google-powered infotainment system. The B4 mild-hybrid 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine delivers willing performance too, with 145 kW and 300 Nm of torque. Volvo claims an average fuel consumption of 7.3 L/100 km for this variant.
The Volvo XC40 is backed with a 5-year/100 000km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
View the Price & Specs of the Volvo XC40 B4 Plus Dark
Find a Volvo XC40 for sale on Cars.co.za
More about the #CarsAwards
The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.
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