Since 1986, experienced jurors have recognised vehicles that offer true distinction through innovation, specifications, value for money and customer relevance.
Selected from more than 55 new and qualifying vehicles launched in 2025, the 18 finalists represent the best in their respective segments and have been shortlisted after extensive consideration by the expert jury. Each vehicle was assessed for quality, safety, performance and suitability for South African conditions, and will now advance to a rigorous three-day evaluation at the Zwartkops Raceway outside Pretoria.
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“Reaching our 40th anniversary is an extremely proud milestone for the SAGMJ’s Car of the Year competition,” says Thami Masemola, chairperson of the competition. “This is the third year that the competition is sponsored by Old Mutual Insure.
“These 18 finalists represent the very best new cars of 2025, to be rigorously tested and selected by South Africa’s most trusted motoring jurors.”
“We sincerely congratulate all the finalists of the 2026 COTY competition on reaching the final round,” says Presodhini Naicker, executive of marketing and communication at Old Mutual Insure. “We value SA COTY’s credibility, consistency and relevance. The competition has empowered consumers to make informed vehicle choices for four decades, and it continues to provide a credible platform through which we can meaningfully advance our road-safety message. This alignment speaks directly to our commitment to protecting what matters most: not only vehicles, but the people who use them.”
The 2026 SA COTY finalists represent a diverse mix of vehicles, from affordable compact hatchbacks to family-focused lifestyle SUVs and performance SUVs, ensuring buyers can choose class-leading cars that suit their needs.
This year, one-third of the finalists are Chinese brands, reflecting their growing influence and the increasing presence of new-energy vehicles competing for category wins and the overall title. Traditional brands continue to dominate the performance and luxury segments, setting the stage for another intense rivalry that reinforces their strong position in the local market.
The 2025 SA Car of the Year Finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
- Alfa Romeo Junior
- Audi A5
- Audi RS Q8
- BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe
- BYD Dolphin Surf
- BYD Shark
- Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV
- GWM Haval H7
- Hyundai Santa Fé
- Jetour T2
- Land Rover Defender OCTA
- Leapmotor C10 REEV
- Lexus GX
- Omoda C7
- Opel Grandland
- Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI
- Volkswagen Tayron
- Volvo EX90
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The competition moves to the actual testing phase at Zwartkops Raceway and surrounding routes in Tshwane early in March. The jury will assess finalists over three days under real-world road conditions, on the racetrack, and on dedicated off-road courses for vehicles with off-road capability. The South African COTY competition is among the few globally to retain hands-on testing, adding a distinctive and authentic dimension to the judging process.
The jurors’ scores will be compiled and submitted to the final scoring round. At this stage, Lightstone Auto data will be used to calculate segment share based on sales volumes and to assess specification-adjusted pricing against direct competitors within each segment.
The Motor Enthusiast’s Choice public vote returns for a third consecutive year, giving the public the opportunity to participate in Old Mutual Insure’s SA COTY initiative. Watch out for upcoming social-media posts highlighting road safety, innovation and lifestyle as part of the company’s ongoing road safety campaign.
The 2026 SA COTY winners will be revealed at a glittering gala event in Johannesburg during the first week of May.
