The finalists for the 2025 SA Car of the Year announced
Following the announcement of 29 semi-finalists for the 2025 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition before the end of 2024, the 17 finalists have finally been announced, and the list looks rather competitive.
Sponsored by Old Mutual Insure and organised by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), the competition is currently in its 39th edition, and the 2025 finalists will have to undergo an intense 3-day evaluation process to test their capabilities.
Unlike the previous instalments of the competition, where the award was focused on a single model, the introduction of categories alongside the overall winner in recent years has strengthened the competition’s relevance to the public.
Speaking of the finalists, the diversity of the vehicles ranges from compact hatchbacks, family SUVs, plug-in hybrids, bakkies, and performance sedans. In the performance category, heavyweights such as the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, Ford Mustang GT, and BMW M5 are locked in a battle for supremacy. As for the bakkie category, the new Mitsubishi Triton and GWM P 500 HEV aim to follow in the footsteps of the Ford Ranger, which made history in 2023 as the first bakkie to win the prestigious COTY title.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is also in the running, hoping to secure a fourth COTY win for Toyota after previous victories in 1986, 1987, and 2022. Meanwhile, the Suzuki Swift is a strong contender, having earned global praise and a spot as a finalist for the 2025 World Car of the Year.
The 2025 SA COTY 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, Chairperson 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 SA COTY competition will enter the testing phase at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane, where the finalists will be evaluated through physical testing. Final scores also incorporate data from Lightstone Auto, based on sales volumes and spec-adjusted pricing.
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