Johannesburg – Opel South Africa is celebrating a major win, as the new-look Opel Grandland has been named Most Improved Car of the Year at the 2026 Top Gear South Africa Magazine Awards, powered by WesBank. The accolade underscores Opel’s renewed commitment to design, technology, and family-oriented comfort, cementing its growing momentum in the South African market.
“The Opel Grandland SUV being named Most Improved Car of the Year at the TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards, powered by WesBank, shows that Stellantis’ recent investments in Opel design, technology and local line-up renewal are paying off and being noticed by one of the country’s most influential motoring titles,” said Tumelo Rantsane, Head of Brand at Opel South Africa.
Top Gear South Africa Publisher Avon Middleton added, “This year’s awards were a sign of how diverse the industry has become. The theme of ‘Tomorrow Loading…’ recognised that the local motor industry is evolving faster than ever. These awards reflect standout products and people in an incredibly competitive landscape. Congratulations to all of them.”
Launched locally in July 2025, the new Opel Grandland combines German-engineered design, comfort- and safety-focused technology, and reliable performance in a package tailored for family buyers and long-distance drivers. Highlights include advanced Intelli-Lux LED lighting, AGR-certified ergonomic seating, and an interior layout optimised for extended journeys, all contributing to a refined daily driving experience.
“The new-generation Opel Grandland features a significant design update, inside and out, with larger dimensions and slick features,” Rantsane said. “This award is a tangible recognition of Stellantis’ refreshed product strategy and Opel’s renewed relevance for South African motorists.”
Top Gear South Africa’s judges praised the Grandland for its practicality and design, noting that the SUV now offers a larger boot space of 550 litres and a modern, family-friendly layout. Middleton commented, “The Opel brand is certainly young and energetic, delivering a fresh take on German luxury with a focus on producing greener cars. The Grandland’s new design, first seen on the Mokka, is larger than its predecessor but cleverly packaged. It’s an honest, good-looking, fully loaded vehicle – ideal for families.”
The Opel Grandland is available in South Africa from R739,900 and comes with a five-year/100,000 km warranty, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and peace of mind for local drivers.
This recognition at the Top Gear South Africa Magazine Awards marks a milestone for Opel, reflecting the brand’s ongoing evolution and strong presence in the competitive South African automotive landscape.
