THE SOUTH African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the long-awaited semi-finalists for the 40th edition of the prestigious 2026 Car of the Year (COTY) competition, held annually since 1986.
With the 2026 competition kicking off in early November, the confirmation of the 25 jurors—supported by title sponsor Old Mutual Insure—has ignited excitement among manufacturers who launched new vehicles in 2025.
“It is a tremendous honour to be part of this significant milestone in SAGMJ’s annual COTY competition, which has become a widely recognised name among the motoring public and the broader automotive industry,” says Thami Masemola, Chairman of the COTY competition since 2024.
“For the 2026 competition, the stakes are higher than ever, driven by intense rivalry for the hearts and minds of South African car buyers.”
For 2026, 55 eligible vehicles launched in 2025 were considered, spanning compact hatchbacks, family SUVs, performance saloons and bakkies. The surge in new-energy vehicles entering the local market has further broadened the playing field, offering customers more choice than ever before.
The 30 semi-finalists for the 2026 South African Car of the Year competition, in alphabetical order, are:
- Alfa Romeo Junior
- Audi A5
- Audi RS Q8
- BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
- BYD Dolphin Surf
- BYD Shark
- Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV
- Chery Tiggo 9
- GWM Haval H7
- Honda Amaze
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Jaecoo J5
- Jetour T2
- Land Rover Defender OCTA
- Leapmotor C10 REEV
- Lexus GX
- Mercedes-AMG CLE 53
- Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid
- Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E
- MG Cyberster
- MG ZS Pro
- MINI Aceman
- Omoda C7
- Opel Grandland
- Renault Duster
- Suzuki Dzire
- Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI
- Volkswagen Tayron
- Volvo EX90
“The announcement of the COTY semi-finalists is always a heartwarming and exciting period. It represents the very best of innovation, engineering and safety in the South African automotive landscape,” says Presodhini Naicker, Executive of Marketing and Communication at Old Mutual Insure.
“As Old Mutual Insure, our partnership with the Car of the Year competition is rooted in showcasing and encouraging the advancement of safer, more excellent vehicles—a commitment that ultimately benefits all our customers on the road. Congratulations to all the contenders who have reached this significant stage!”
The 2026 COTY selection reflects a vibrant mix of established brands and emerging Eastern manufacturers, echoing the dynamic shifts underway in the local automotive sector.
In such a competitive environment, earning a place among the semi-finalists is an achievement on its own.
Masemola concludes: “We are thrilled for this year’s semi-finalists, especially as we celebrate the 40th COTY anniversary. Each year, the competition intensifies with new technology, improved safety and enhanced user experience, providing meaningful benefits for owners of vehicles across all sizes.”
In January 2026, the COTY Jury will narrow the list down to the finalists.
These vehicles will then be put through an intensive two-day testing programme in March, with judges scoring each contender to determine the category winners and ultimately crown the overall 2026 South African Car of the Year.
The winners will be announced in May 2026.
Also Read:
