Late last year, 29 models were announced as semi-finalists in the prestigious 2025 Car of the Year (COTY) competition sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. This marks the 39th edition of the annual event, organised by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), a non-profit organisation of automotive media specialists.
The semi-finalist list was then thoroughly assessed by SAGMJ’s elected expert Jurors, who are recognised leaders in their respective fields. Today, the finalists selected from that group of 29 have been announced, and the next step is for them to undergo an intense three-day evaluation process to test their capabilities in Johannesburg, South Africa
“The prestige of the South African Car of the Year competition has made a comeback, with numerous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) regarding the 2025 event as a significant highlight of the South African automotive industry. This has placed considerable pressure on the COTY committee and respected Jurors to elevate the standard of excellence that the competition provides,” stated Thami Masemola, Chairman of COTY. “Additionally, South African car buyers will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of the best vehicles launched in South Africa throughout 2024, enabling them to make informed purchasing decisions.”
While the previous format of the COTY award focused on a single model, the introduction of categories alongside an overall winner in recent years has enhanced the competition’s relevance to the public. The finalists showcase a diverse range of vehicles, from compact hatchbacks to family-sized SUVs and performance saloons, ensuring that buyers at various price points can find cars of class-leading excellence.
Across multiple categories of the 2025 COTY competition, intense rivalries will emerge. The Performance category features three long-anticipated competitors from BMW, Ford and Mercedes-AMG, all vying for coveted category honours.
The newly-launched Mitsubishi Triton and GWM P 500 HEV will aim to repeat Ford’s victory in 2023 when the Ranger became the first bakkie in history to be crowned the overall winner. As the first Hybrid bakkie to ever make COTY Finalist, the P500 HEV is one of four new-energy vehicles, alongside the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E performance and Volvo EX30, the latter being the only full EV that made the finalist list this year. The luxury sedan category sees one of the longest automotive rivalries in South Africa rekindled, with the BMW 5 Series fighting it out with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is set to strive for a fourth COTY trophy for the Japanese manufacturer, following previous victories in 1986, 1987, and 2022. Meanwhile, the Suzuki Swift might prove a fierce competitor, having received global acclaim and a coveted position as a finalist for the 2025 World Car of the Year. This budget-friendly hatchback is aiming high, with a singular goal of clinching the overall winner’s trophy.
The 2025 SA Car of the Year Finalists are (in alphabetical order):
- BMW 5 Series Sedan
- BMW M5
- BMW X3
- Ford Mustang GT
- GAC GS3 EMZOOM
- GWM P500 HEV
- Jaecoo J7
- Mahindra XUV 3XO
- Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E 220d)
- MINI Countryman
- Mitsubishi Triton
- Omoda C9
- Suzuki Swift
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volvo EX30
“Congratulations to the finalists selected from the highly competitive semi-finalist group across all COTY categories,” says Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairman of the SAGMJ. “Rapid technological advances intensify the annual competition, with innovative features becoming commonplace, even in entry-level vehicles, showcasing the evolution of automotive technology.”
In early March, the competition enters the testing phase at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane, where the jury will physically assess the vehicles. The South African COTY competition is one of the few in the world where physical testing with all the Finalists still takes place. Subsequently, the final scoring round incorporates data from Lightstone Auto, utilising automated scoring based on market segment sales volumes and spec-adjusted competitor pricing.
“The culmination of the COTY competition is its most thrilling phase. Using their expertise and experience, Jurors meticulously evaluate every aspect of the cars. Their discernment determines the crème de la crème that caters to diverse market needs and elevates local mobility standards,” concluded Masemola.
The Motor Enthusiast’s Choice (public vote), which returned in the 2024 COTY competition, has become more relevant. Watch out for upcoming social media posts for the public competition launch.
“Congratulations to the 2025 COTY finalists. These vehicles represent innovation and excellence across all categories. As Old Mutual Insure, we are proud to partner with South Africa’s premier car competition, celebrating the strides made in advancing mobility. We look forward to seeing which vehicles set themselves apart during the next stage, where these finalists will showcase their capabilities and demonstrate why they stand out in such a competitive field,” says Jerry Anthonyrajah, Chief Commercial Officer and Interim CIO at Old Mutual Insure.
