Stellantis South Africa has secured a strong presence in the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition, with three of its brands earning finalist status in a year that marks a major milestone for the programme.
The Alfa Romeo Junior, Leapmotor C10 REEV and Opel Grandland have all been shortlisted in the 2026 COTY competition, which celebrates its 40th year of recognising the most outstanding new vehicles introduced to the local market. The ultimate winners will be announced in Johannesburg during the first week of May 2026.
Organised annually by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), the Car of the Year competition is widely regarded as the country’s most comprehensive and demanding new-vehicle assessment. Finalists are evaluated across a broad range of criteria, including engineering integrity, performance, innovation, value for money and real-world relevance for South African motorists. With three vehicles across different segments reaching the finalist stage, Stellantis’ multi-brand strategy is firmly under the spotlight.
“Car of the Year is one of the toughest and most credible assessments in the industry,” says Charl Timms, Commercial Director at Stellantis South Africa. “Having three of our vehicles recognised as finalists demonstrates that our products excel under close scrutiny across diverse segments. It highlights the breadth of our portfolio, from extended-range electrification and C-SUVs to compact premium electric performance. This is a clear signal of our growth, market relevance, and the confidence customers place in our brand.”
Alfa Romeo Junior brings Italian character to compact electrification
The Alfa Romeo Junior represents a significant step for the iconic Italian marque, being its first fully electric model. Designed for drivers who value engagement and character, the Junior blends compact dimensions with a distinctly performance-led approach.
The range comprises the Junior Elettrica and the more powerful Elettrica Veloce. The Elettrica produces 118 kW and 260 Nm, reaches a top speed of 152 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just over nine seconds. Its estimated driving range is approximately 410 km on a single charge.
At the top of the line-up, the Elettrica Veloce delivers 207 kW and 345 Nm, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 200 km/h. Despite its performance focus, it still offers an estimated range of around 334 km per charge.
The Alfa Romeo Junior is priced from R799,900 and is sold with a five-year or 100,000 km warranty, positioning it as a premium compact EV with strong credentials in both performance and design.
Leapmotor C10 REEV tackles local mobility realities
The Leapmotor C10 REEV introduces a new take on electrified mobility for South Africa, combining electric-first driving with extended-range capability of up to 970 km. The result is a vehicle designed to deliver the benefits of electric driving while directly addressing range anxiety, a key consideration for many local buyers.
In everyday use, the C10 REEV operates primarily as an electric vehicle, while a 1.5-litre petrol-powered generator supports longer journeys by replenishing the battery when required. This dual-use approach balances performance, efficiency and running costs, making it particularly relevant for South African driving conditions and infrastructure.
Since its local introduction, the C10 REEV has attracted attention for how closely it aligns with real-world usage patterns. The model is priced from R759,900 and is offered with a seven-year extended service plan, reinforcing its value proposition.
Opel Grandland delivers balance in the family SUV segment
Rounding out Stellantis South Africa’s finalist trio is the Opel Grandland, which entered the local market in July 2025. Positioned in the competitive C-SUV segment, the Grandland focuses on comfort, safety and everyday usability, targeting family buyers and long-distance travellers.
The vehicle features Opel’s advanced Intelli-Lux lighting technology, which enhances visibility without compromising oncoming traffic, as well as AGR-certified ergonomic seating designed to support back health on longer journeys. A carefully considered interior layout further contributes to its relaxed, refined driving experience.
The Opel Grandland is priced from R739,900 and comes with a five-year or 100,000 km warranty, making it a well-rounded option for buyers seeking a dependable and comfortable SUV.
As the 2026 South African Car of the Year competition enters its final stages, Stellantis’ presence across three distinct segments underscores the diversity and ambition of its local portfolio. With the winners set to be announced in May, the group’s trio of finalists stands as a clear statement of its growing influence on South Africa’s automotive landscape.
