SA mobility guild announces 2026 Car of The Year finalists
The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the 18 finalists for the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition.
The competition is 40 years old this year, with South Africa’s first COTY announced in 1986.
This year’s finalists were selected from more than 55 new (and qualifying) vehicles launched in 2025.
SAGMJ says the finalists were evaluated by an expert jury, with each vehicle assessed for quality, safety, performance and suitability for local conditions.
The finalists will now move on to a three-day evaluation process at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane in March, with the winner announced in May.
“Reaching our fortieth anniversary is an extremely proud milestone for the SAGMJ's COTY competition, sponsored by Old Mutual Insure for the third consecutive year,” says COTY chairperson Thami Masemola.
“It reflects decades of independent testing, informed debate and a shared commitment to recognising vehicles that meet South African motorists' needs.”
Masemola says the 2026 finalists represent a diverse mix of vehicles, from affordable compact hatchbacks to family-focused lifestyle sports-utility vehicles (SUVs) and performance SUVs, which ensures that 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, he adds.
Traditional brands, however, continue to dominate the performance and luxury segments.
The 2025 COTY finalists are, in alphabetical order:
Alfa Romeo Junior
Audi A5
Audi RS Q8
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
BYD Dolphin Surf
BYD Shark bakkie
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
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