The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the 18 finalists for the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition, marking 40 years of recognising the very best new cars on South Africa’s roads. 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 of the 2026 SA COTY awards. Shortlisted after extensive consideration by SA COTY’s 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 Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane.
“Reaching our 40th anniversary is an extremely proud milestone for the SAGMJ’s Car of the Year competition, sponsored by Old Mutual Insure for the third consecutive year,” says SA COTY Chairman Thami Masemola. “It reflects decades of independent testing, informed debate and a shared commitment to recognising vehicles that meet South African motorists’ needs. 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.”
Presodhini Naicker, Executive of Marketing and Communication at Old Mutual Insure, congratulates COTY on this milestone: “We sincerely congratulate all the finalists of the 2026 COTY competition on reaching the final round. As a long-standing supporter, we value SA COTY’s credibility, consistency and relevance”.
Naicker adds, “for four decades, the competition has empowered consumers to make informed vehicle choices, 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 across multiple price points 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:
1. Alfa Romeo Junior
2. Audi A5
3. Audi RS Q8
4. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
5. BYD Dolphin Surf
6. BYD Shark
7. Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV
8. GWM Haval H7
9. Hyundai Santa Fe
10. Jetour T2
11. Land Rover Defender OCTA
12. Leapmotor C10 REEV
13. Lexus GX
14. Omoda C7
15. Opel Grandland
16. Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI
17. Volkswagen Tayron
18. Volvo EX90
In early March 2026, the competition moves to the actual testing phase at Zwartkops Raceway and surrounding routes in Tshwane. Over three days, the jury will physically assess finalists under real-world road conditions, on the racetrack, and – where applicable – 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.
Following the test days, 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.
“For 40 years, the SAGMJ-organised SA Car of the Year competition has celebrated the cars South Africans love. The 2026 COTY will continue this tradition, creating excitement as jurors search for the very best vehicles on local roads,” concludes Masemola.
The 2026 SA COTY winners will be revealed at a glittering gala event in Johannesburg during the first week of May.
The official hashtags for this year’s COTY competition are #SACOTY2026 and #OMICOTY.
