The 2023 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition, presented by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) and sponsored by Old Mutual Insure, is preparing to crown the country’s ultimate vehicle champion at a gala event in June 2023. This prestigious event, which has a long history dating back to 1986, showcases the pinnacle of innovation and excellence in the automotive industry, and the top 21 finalists (in alphabetical order by category) are as follows:
Category/Finalists
Compact
- Renault Clio 5
- Compact Family
- BAIC Beijing X55
- Nissan Qashqai
- Opel Mokka
- VW Taigo
Midsize
- Alfa Romeo Tonale
- Chery Tiggo Pro 8
- Honda Civic RS
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Sportage
Premium
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- Kia Sorento
Adventure SUV
- Ford Everest
Double Cab
- Ford Ranger
- Isuzu D-Max
Luxury
- Mercedes Benz S-Class
Performance
- Audi RS3 Sedan / Hatch
New Energy
- Audi e-tron GT/RS e-tron GT
- Haval H6 Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 E-fourVolvo XC40 P8 Recharge
“Congratulations to our top 21 finalists!” “All of the vehicles have already proven to be excellent contenders, and we’re eager to see which deserving vehicle will take home the coveted overall winner’s crown, as well as who the category winners will be,”
says Garth Napier, MD of Old Mutual Insure.
“The 2023 COTY finalists showcase cutting-edge innovation and fierce competition in the quest to offer the best mobility solutions. “These finalists are the best in South Africa, and we can’t wait to see who wins,” says Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairperson of the 2023 COTY Committee.”
After much deliberation, the COTY Committee and the SAGMJ Executive Committee unanimously agreed that, rather than taking the top 12 scoring vehicles, a score cut-off was used to include a broader range of finalists without favouring any categories. “The team looked at a few options, but once the suggestion of a score-cut off was on the table, it just made sense. It levelled the playing field,” Mabuza adds.
Budget, Compact, Compact Family, Midsize, Premium, Adventure SUV, 4X4 Double Cab, Luxury, Performance, and New Energy are the COTY categories. This year’s finalist list does not include any contenders in the Budget category.
Almost 40% of the total juror votes emphasised the fierce competition in the Compact Family and Midsize categories. The competition for a spot on the finalist’s list was just as fierce in the Premium, Luxury, and ever-expanding New Energy categories. “The semi-finalist round was fiercely competitive, with several strong contenders narrowly missing out on the finalist spot. This year’s finalists feature a broader range of brands, making the competition more exciting. The COTY Committee is pleased with the final round vehicle selection and anticipates a difficult decision for our expert jury panel ” says Mabuza.
“As one of South Africa’s most established insurers that has gained a reputation for excellence in the non-life insurance landscape, Old Mutual Insure is proud to sponsor such a prestigious competition that recognises the best in automotive technology. Good luck to the jury and contenders in the final round of voting,”
adds Napier.
The final round of scoring will begin soon and will last until the end of March 2023, incorporating Lightstone data for the competition’s automated scoring, which will be based on market segment sales volumes and spec-adjusted competitor pricing.
The Motor Enthusiast’s Choice (public vote) will run again this year. Keep an eye out on social media for posts featuring each finalist and be sure to cast your vote by liking your favourite. The finalist with the most likes will be the winning vehicle, and three lucky voters will win an off-road driving course sponsored by Old Mutual Insure and the SAGMJ.
“The 2023 COTY Committee wishes all contenders good luck. The category winners and the overall winner of the SA Car of the Year competition will be announced on 1 June,”
concludes Mabuza.
