2026 South African Car of the Year: These are the finalists
The 2026 SA Car of the Year competition is reaching its most exciting phase as the cars now face intense evaluation.
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The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has revealed the 18 finalists for the 2026 South African Car of the Year (SA COTY) awards, marking 40 years of recognising vehicles that stand out in the local market.
Selected from more than 55 new vehicles launched in 2025, the finalists were assessed on quality, safety, performance, and suitability for South African conditions.
The next stage of the competition involves a three-day testing period at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane, which will include public road drives, racetrack assessments, and off-road evaluation where applicable.
The 2026 finalists cover a broad range of vehicle types, from affordable hatchbacks to family and performance SUVs, as well as luxury models. One-third of the entries are Chinese brands, with several new-energy vehicles among the mix. Traditional European and Japanese models continue to dominate performance and luxury categories.
The 18 finalists.
Image: Supplied
2026 South African Car of the Year Finalists
Following the testing phase, the jury’s scores will be combined with sales data and specification-adjusted pricing to determine category winners. The competition also includes a public vote through the Motor Enthusiast’s Choice segment, allowing consumers to have a say in the outcome.
Commenting on the milestone, SA COTY Chairman Thami Masemola said: “Reaching our 40th anniversary reflects decades of independent testing and informed debate. These finalists represent the very best new cars for South African motorists.”
Presodhini Naicker, Executive of Marketing and Communication at Old Mutual Insure, which sponsors the awards, added: “The competition provides a credible platform for consumers to make informed choices and continues to highlight innovation and safety in vehicles available locally.”