The finalists for the 2026 Car of the Year (COTY) competitors have been introduced – and a 3rd of the autos are from Chinese manufacturers.
Announced by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) yesterday, the 18 finalists embody autos from BYD, Chery, GWM, Jetour, Leapmotor, and Omoda.
The lineup options an elevated variety of new-energy autos competing throughout classes and for the general title, whereas established producers stay distinguished within the efficiency and luxurious segments.
Selected from greater than 55 qualifying autos launched in 2025, the finalists characterize the most effective of their respective segments of the 2026 SA COTY awards. Shortlisted after in depth consideration by SA COTY’s skilled jury, every car was assessed for high quality, security, efficiency and suitability for SA circumstances.They will now advance to a rigorous three-day analysis at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane.
The 2026 SA COTY finalists characterize a various mixture of autos, from inexpensive compact hatchbacks to family-focused way of life SUVs and efficiency SUVs. The awards purpose to make sure patrons throughout a number of worth factors can select class-leading automobiles that swimsuit their wants. Winners shall be revealed at a gala occasion in Johannesburg through the first week of May.
Sheryl Goldstuck, GadgetWheels editor, will serve on the SA COTY jury for a 3rd consecutive 12 months.
The 2025 SA Car of the Year finalists 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 Fe
- Jetour T2
- Land Rover Defender OCTA
- Leapmotor C10 REEV
- Lexus GX
- Omoda C7
- Opel Grandland
- Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI
- Volkswagen Tayron
- Volvo EX90
Legacy and Old Mutual Insure sponsorship
“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, Old Mutual Insure govt of selling and communication, says: “We sincerely congratulate all of the finalists of the 2026 COTY competitors on reaching the ultimate spherical. As a long-standing supporter, we worth SA COTY’s credibility, consistency and relevance.
“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.”
Hands-on testing and closing scoring
In early March 2026, the competitors strikes to the precise testing section at Zwartkops Raceway and surrounding routes in Tshwane. Over three days, the jury will assess the autos beneath real-world highway circumstances, on the racetrack, and – the place relevant – on devoted off-road programs for autos with off-road functionality. The SA COTY competitors is among the many few globally to retain hands-on testing, including a particular and genuine dimension to the judging course of.
Following the check days, the jurors’ scores shall be compiled and submitted to the ultimate scoring spherical. At this stage, Lightstone Auto knowledge shall be used to calculate section share primarily based on gross sales volumes and to evaluate specification-adjusted pricing in opposition to direct rivals inside every section.
The Motor Enthusiast’s Choice public vote returns for a 3rd consecutive 12 months, giving the general public the chance to take part in Old Mutual Insure’s SA COTY initiative. The firm will share social media content material centered on highway security, innovation, and way of life as a part of its ongoing highway security marketing campaign.
Masemola says: “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.”
Winners shall be introduced throughout May 2026 at a gala occasion in Johannesburg. Previous editions of the SA COTY competitors have proven how total winners mirror broader shifts within the native market, corresponding to BMW’s X3 taking the 2025 title after the 7 Series’ win the 12 months earlier than. Recent protection has highlighted how know-how and security options have turn into more and more influential within the judging course of.