Forty years is no small milestone, and in 2026, the South African Car of the Year competition finds itself at an interesting point. What began in 1986 as a straightforward comparison of new models has grown into one of the country’s most respected motoring awards, blending data-led analysis with real-world evaluation.
At its core, the South African Car of the Year competition (COTY) remains grounded. A panel of 25 jurors, joined this year by three trainee jurors, assesses each finalist across criteria such as innovation, value for money, safety, performance and relevance to South African buyers. These scores are then combined with Lightstone Auto data, ensuring that market realities are taken into account in the outcome.
Crucially, the competition still prioritises physical testing. Each year, finalists undergo a three-day evaluation programme that combines road driving, track work, and, where relevant, off-road assessment. For 2026, that process unfolded at Zwartkops Raceway outside Pretoria. Persistent rain made conditions less than ideal, yet the jury completed a full round of testing, extracting meaningful insights from all 18 contenders.
THE FINALISTS
Alfa Romeo Junior
A compact crossover that leans on design flair and brand heritage, offering strong visual appeal in the entry-premium space while aiming to balance style with everyday usability.
Audi A5
A refined all-rounder that blends executive comfort with a sportier edge, backed by strong interior quality and a composed, predictable driving experience.
Audi RS Q8
A high-performance SUV delivering immense pace and surprising agility, representing the upper end of the market where engineering and presence take centre stage.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé
Targeted at younger premium buyers, it offers sharp styling and a driver-focused cabin, with engaging dynamics despite its front-wheel-drive layout.
BYD Dolphin Surf
An accessible electric hatchback designed for urban use, focusing on affordability and ease of ownership as an entry point into EV motoring.
BYD Shark
A plug-in hybrid bakkie that blends utility with electrification, challenging established rivals with lower running costs and modern drivetrain tech.
Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV
A value-focused plug-in hybrid SUV combining generous specification with improved efficiency, reinforcing Chery’s growing presence locally.
GWM Haval H7
A family-oriented SUV prioritising comfort, space and features, with a clear emphasis on delivering strong value in a competitive segment.
Hyundai Santa Fe
More premium and more distinctive than before, the latest Santa Fe pairs bold design with refinement suited to long-distance travel.
Jetour T2
A rugged, lifestyle-focused SUV that leans into adventure appeal, with its real-world capability forming a key part of its evaluation.
Land Rover Defender OCTA
An extreme iteration of the Defender, combining serious off-road ability with high-performance intent in a niche but technically impressive package.
Leapmotor C10 REEV
A range-extender EV offering a practical middle ground between full electric and hybrid, aimed at easing range anxiety concerns.
Lexus GX
A traditional body-on-frame SUV that prioritises durability and off-road strength, offering a more old-school take on luxury motoring.
Omoda C7
A design-led SUV with a tech-focused cabin, aimed at buyers seeking something visually distinct in a crowded segment.
Opel Grandland
A modern family SUV that blends European design with practicality, aiming to re-establish Opel in the local mainstream market.
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI
A consistent benchmark in the hatchback segment, offering refinement, usability and a well-rounded driving experience.
Volkswagen Tayron
A larger SUV positioned between Tiguan and Touareg, focusing on space and versatility for family buyers.
Volvo EX90
A fully electric flagship SUV that highlights Volvo’s shift to electrification, combining advanced safety with minimalist design.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
With testing complete, the jury’s scores will now be consolidated and combined with market data to determine category winners and the overall podium. The breadth of this year’s finalists reflects a market in transition, shaped by electrification and an influx of new competitors.
The overall winner, along with the second- and third-place winners and the respective category winners, will be announced in early May 2026. We’ll feature the results, along with deeper insights into the standout contenders, in the June 2026 edition of Driven.
If this year’s testing is anything to go by, the final decision will be anything but straightforward.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © SOUTH AFRICAN GUILD OF MOBILITYJOURNALISTS
