Electric Volvo ES90 arrives in South Africa
Volvo Cars has introduced the new ES90 in South Africa, positioning it as the brand’s fully electric flagship sedan.
- New Energy Vehicles
- 13 March 2026
The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the 18 finalists for the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition, with nearly a third of the finalists being Chinese vehicles.
Only one Japanese and one Korean vehicle made the list, with the balance of finalists coming from European manufacturers.
The finalists were selected from more than 55 new and qualifying vehicles launched in 2025. Shortlisted after extensive consideration, each vehicle was assessed for quality, safety, performance and suitability for South African conditions. They will now advance to a rigorous three‑day evaluation at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane.
The 2026 SA Car of the Year finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
This year, one third of the finalists are Chinese brands, reflecting their growing influence and the increasing presence of new energy vehicles competing for category wins and the overall title. Traditional brands continue to dominate the performance and luxury segments, setting the stage for another intense rivalry that reinforces their strong position in the local market.
Following the test days, the jurors’ scores will be compiled and submitted to the final scoring round. At this stage, Lightstone Auto data will be used to calculate segment share based on sales volumes and to assess specification-adjusted pricing against direct competitors within each segment.
The Motor Enthusiast’s Choice public vote returns for a third consecutive year, giving the public the opportunity to participate in Old Mutual Insure’s SA COTY initiative. Watch out for upcoming social media posts highlighting road safety, innovation and lifestyle as part of the company’s ongoing campaign.
The 2026 SA COTY winners will be revealed at a glittering gala event in Johannesburg during the first week of May.
Volvo Cars has introduced the new ES90 in South Africa, positioning it as the brand’s fully electric flagship sedan.
DFSK introduced what it describes as the ‘Ultimate Staff and Equipment Transport’, to its current range in South Africa that so far consisted of a panel van and a bakkie.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) returns as sponsor of the Absa Cape Epic for the fourth consecutive year, standing alongside Absa, which celebrates 20 years as title sponsor of the world’s toughest mountain bike stage race.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) returns as sponsor of the Absa Cape Epic for the fourth consecutive year, standing alongside Absa, which celebrates 20 years as title sponsor of the world’s toughest mountain bike stage race.
South African innovation leader and founding CEO of 1064 Degrees, Dean Furman, delivered a high energy wake up call to the automotive retail sector at the National Automobile Dealers’ Association’s (NADA) Connect 2026 conference, urging companies to stop treating artificial intelligence as futuristic and start treating it as fundamental.
The National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) once again delivered a standout experience at its annual conference on 12 March.