JOHANNESBURG, 29 January 2026 – The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has unveiled the 18 finalists for the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY), marking a milestone 40 years of celebrating excellence in the local automotive industry. Since 1986, the competition has recognised vehicles that combine innovation, specification, value for money, and relevance for South African motorists.
Selected from more than 55 new models launched in 2025, the 18 finalists represent the very best in their respective segments. Each vehicle was assessed rigorously by SA COTY’s expert jury for quality, safety, performance, and suitability for South African roads, and will now advance to a three-day practical 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, and they will undergo rigorous testing by South Africa’s most trusted motoring jurors.”
Presodhini Naicker, Executive of Marketing and Communication at Old Mutual Insure, congratulated the finalists: “We sincerely congratulate all the finalists of the 2026 COTY competition. As a long-standing supporter, we value SA COTY’s credibility, consistency, and relevance. For four decades, the competition has empowered consumers to make informed vehicle choices, while also providing a platform to advance our road-safety message. Protecting what matters most—both vehicles and the people who use them—remains at the heart of this partnership.”
The 2026 SA COTY finalists reflect a diverse mix of vehicles, from affordable compact hatchbacks to family-focused SUVs and high-performance models, ensuring that South African buyers across all price points can find class-leading cars suited to their needs. Notably, one-third of the finalists are Chinese brands, reflecting their growing presence in the local market and the rise of new-energy vehicles. Traditional manufacturers continue to dominate the performance and luxury segments, setting the stage for an intense competition across all categories.
The 2026 finalists, listed alphabetically, 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
In early March 2026, the finalists will face the real test at Zwartkops Raceway and on surrounding roads in Tshwane. Over three days, jurors will evaluate the vehicles under real-world driving conditions, on the racetrack, and on dedicated off-road courses for capable models. SA COTY remains one of the few competitions worldwide to retain hands-on testing, giving a unique and authentic perspective on each finalist.
After testing, scores will be compiled for the final round, with Lightstone Auto data applied to analyse segment share, pricing, and specification-adjusted competitiveness. For the third year running, the public can participate in the Motor Enthusiast’s Choice vote, engaging consumers in celebrating innovation, lifestyle, and road safety through Old Mutual Insure’s ongoing awareness campaign.
“For 40 years, the SAGMJ-organised SA Car of the Year competition has celebrated the cars South Africans love,” Masemola concludes. “The 2026 COTY will continue this tradition, generating excitement as jurors identify the very best vehicles on local roads.”
The winners of the 2026 SA Car of the Year will be announced at a gala event in Johannesburg during the first week of May. The official hashtags for this year’s competition are #SACOTY2026 and #OMICOTY.
