THE 2025 Westgate Motor Show, held at Westgate Shopping Mall last Saturday, delivered an enjoyable and well-attended automotive showcase that appealed to families, enthusiasts and industry followers alike.
Spread across three expansive bays, the event combined formal vehicle exhibitions with a lively motoring pop culture section featuring vintage cars, modified machines and high-energy biking displays.
Organised by Automotive Event Africa, the show benefited from free entry, encouraging strong attendance from morning through late afternoon. The crowd grew particularly dense after lunchtime as more shoppers and families flowed in.
Overall, it was a well-balanced event that successfully merged entertainment with practical motoring insight.
Afritractors
Afritractors represented the agricultural segment with two Farmtrac tractors: The 75HP 4x4 and 30HP 4x4.
As Zimbabwe’s sole distributor for Farmtrac — a brand grounded in classic Ford tractor engineering — the company added welcome diversity to the show’s line-up, drawing farmers and machinery enthusiasts into the mix.
Amtec
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Amtec brought five Nissan models, reaffirming the brand’s long-standing presence in the local market. The Nissan Navara remained a major point of interest, especially given speculation about whether the newer Asia – Pacific model will reach African markets.
Visitors appreciated the familiar range and Amtec’s consistency across both sales and service.
Champions Insurance
Champions Insurance used its space to engage visitors on motor insurance solutions and risk management. Friendly, informed representatives highlighted policy options and vehicle cover, reminding motorists of the value of safeguarding their investments.
Their approachable style made the stand one of the most accessible on the showroom floor.
Chery Zimbabwe
Chery Zimbabwe attracted heavy foot traffic with a strong line-up of the Tiggo Cross Elite, Tiggo 7 1.5L 7DCT, and Tiggo 7 Legacy 1.6 7DCT.
Attendees praised the design, build quality, and surprising refinement of the brand’s latest models — a reflection of Chery’s rapid rise in local perception. The display remained one of the busiest at the show throughout the day.
Hyundai
Though compact, Hyundai’s display was among the most visited. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe drew continual interest for its bold new styling and upgraded cabin. Visitors spent time exploring the interior and capturing photos — few models commanded such consistent curiosity.
Mazda Motor Industries
Mazda Motor Industries showcased three BT50 variants, offering visitors a clear look across the range. The standout was the top-spec red BT50, whose sharp styling and solid stance attracted pick-up enthusiasts.
Mazda’s team handled a steady stream of visitors, its display ranking among the busiest of the formal exhibition bays.
Old Mutual with Omari
Old Mutual used its stand to showcase Omari, its lifestyle and financial well-being offering built around the idea of walking with customers through all stages of life.
Omari provides practical solutions across insurance, money, food, education, and health. The “O” in O’Mari symbolises the circle of life — the people and challenges that inspire Old Mutual’s purpose. The display effectively linked motoring with broader themes of planning and support.
Principle Truck Sales
Principle Truck Sales gave the show its heavy-duty presence, displaying the Foton Auman 400HP manual and Foton Aumark 5ton dropside. The towering Auman was impossible to miss and added engineering heft to the exhibition.
While foot traffic was lighter in this section, professionals interested in logistics and haulage spent time inspecting the models closely.
Zimnat
Zimnat emphasised its Personal Motor Insurance Cover, positioning it as more than just vehicle protection — it is about peace of mind. Coverage includes accidental damage, fire, theft, malicious damage and third-party liability.
With the message “Trust us to make life better”, the company reinforced its reputation as a dependable and customer-centred insurer.
Zimoco
Zimoco’s stand featured the Haval Jolion City Automatic and the Mitsubishi ASX, drawing strong interest for their blend of affordability, reliability, and style.
The Jolion drew shoppers looking for modern SUV practicality, while the ASX appealed to those valuing straightforward dependability.
Zimoco’s long-established market presence lent both credibility and familiarity to the show.
Zinara
The Zimbabwe National Road Administration offered on-site licensing services, allowing attendees to renew vehicle licences while touring the show. The service proved popular, seamlessly connecting administrative convenience with the excitement of the display halls.
Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe
Operating under the Traffic Safety Council Act (Chapter 13:17), the TSCZ promoted awareness around responsible road use, accident prevention, and driver discipline.
Staff engaged visitors throughout the day, reinforcing a message of safety and vigilance — an important grounding presence amid the spectacle of new vehicles and roaring engines.
Pop culture bay
The third bay was the heartbeat of the day — energetic, noisy and bursting with personality. Crowds gathered around vintage classics, modified Golfs, tuned Nissans and custom BMWs, while bikers heelies and rev-offs also proved attractive.
The lively atmosphere made this section a crowd favourite and a sharp contrast to the polished corporate displays in the other bays.
Verdict
The 2025 Westgate Motor Show proved to be a well-organised, inclusive and enjoyable event.
With diverse exhibitors, solid attendance and a balanced mix of technical content and entertainment, it struck the right tone for both enthusiasts and the general public.
If the free-entry format continues, future editions could attract an even broader audience while maintaining the relaxed, community-driven charm that defined this year’s successful showcase.
