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The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has officially revealed the semi-finalists for the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition – a milestone year as the prestigious programme celebrates its 40th anniversary, having been established in 1986.
This year’s semi-finalist list reflects a broad and exciting cross-section of the local market, ranging from compact hatchbacks and budget-friendly sedans to SUVs, high-performance vehicles, and bakkies. The growing presence of new-energy vehicles introduced during 2025 has added further depth to the competition, highlighting how rapidly South Africa’s automotive landscape is evolving.
From the 30 vehicles named as semi-finalists, the following models are available at Westvaal Motor Group dealerships across six provinces:
Come and test drive any of these exciting contenders at Westvaal today.
According to COTY Chairman Thami Masemola, who has overseen the competition since 2024, the 40th anniversary places added significance to this year’s judging process. He notes that the standard of entries continues to rise, with manufacturers competing not only on price and performance, but increasingly on technology, efficiency, and overall user experience, as South African buyers become more informed and demanding.
The next phase of the competition takes place in January 2026, when the 25-member COTY jury will select finalists from the semi-finalist list. These finalists will then undergo an intensive two-day evaluation in March, where vehicles are tested and scored within their respective categories.
Category winners and the overall 2026 South African Car of the Year will be announced in May.
Visit your nearest Westvaal Motor Group dealership and experience award-winning contenders firsthand. www.westvaal.co.za