The stage is set for the prestigious 2025 Car of the Year (COTY) competition, sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. From an initial list of 29 semi-finalists, the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced this year’s finalists, following meticulous evaluation by expert jurors.
Now in its 39th year, this iconic event celebrates automotive excellence and innovation, highlighting the best vehicles launched in South Africa over the past year. The finalists will now undergo rigorous three-day testing in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they will be evaluated on various performance metrics.
“The prestige of the South African Car of the Year competition has been revitalized, with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) recognizing its significance as a highlight of the local automotive industry,” said Thami Masemola, Chairman of COTY. “This year’s competition has raised the bar, with South African consumers eagerly awaiting the results to guide their purchasing decisions.”
Unlike its earlier format, the COTY competition now features multiple categories alongside an overall winner. This evolution ensures the competition remains relevant to a broad spectrum of car buyers, showcasing models from budget-friendly hatchbacks to luxury sedans and performance vehicles.
The 2025 Finalists (in alphabetical order):
- BMW 5 Series Sedan
- BMW M5
- BMW X3
- Ford Mustang GT
- GAC GS3 EMZOOM
- GWM P500 HEV
- Jaecoo J7
- Mahindra XUV 3XO
- Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E 220d)
- MINI Countryman
- Mitsubishi Triton
- Omoda C9
- Suzuki Swift
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volvo EX30
Diverse Categories and Intense Rivalries
This year’s finalists reflect the diverse and competitive nature of South Africa’s automotive landscape:
- The Performance category pits three iconic contenders—BMW, Ford, and Mercedes-AMG—against each other for top honors.
- The GWM P500 HEV makes history as the first hybrid bakkie to become a COTY finalist, showcasing the rise of new-energy vehicles in South Africa.
- The Volvo EX30 stands out as the only fully electric vehicle among the finalists.
- In the Luxury Sedan category, the long-standing rivalry between the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class takes center stage once more.
Notably, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado aims to secure Toyota’s fourth COTY win, while the Suzuki Swift seeks to translate its global acclaim into a local victory.
“Congratulations to the 2025 finalists,” said Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairman of the SAGMJ. “This competition showcases how rapid technological advancements are now a standard feature across all market segments, ensuring buyers have access to innovative and cutting-edge vehicles.”
Testing Phase: Where the Best Shine
In March, the finalists will undergo rigorous evaluations at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane. This phase involves physical testing—one of the few COTY competitions globally to still include this step. The jurors’ assessments will be supplemented by data from Lightstone Auto, factoring in sales volumes and spec-adjusted pricing to ensure fair and comprehensive scoring.
“The final testing phase is where vehicles must truly prove their excellence,” said Masemola. “Jurors meticulously evaluate every detail, ensuring only the best are crowned winners, setting benchmarks for the South African market.”
Public Participation and Anticipation
The Motor Enthusiast’s Choice Award—voted for by the public—continues to add excitement to the competition. Details on how to vote will be shared on social media soon, giving South Africans a chance to champion their favorite vehicles.
Old Mutual Insure’s Commitment to Automotive Excellence
“Congratulations to the 2025 COTY finalists. These vehicles embody innovation and excellence,” said Jerry Anthonyrajah, Chief Commercial Officer and Interim CIO at Old Mutual Insure. “We are proud to partner with South Africa’s premier car competition and look forward to seeing these finalists demonstrate why they stand out in such a competitive field.”
Stay tuned for updates as the competition progresses. Follow the conversation using #SACOTY2025 and #OMICOTY.
Info supplied by source
