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 last mentioned being the only fully electric vehicle that made the list of finalists 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 to be 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."

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.