HERE'S SOME ACTION SHOTS OF THE OLD MUTUAL INSURE SA CAR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS BEING TESTED

The South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition has regained its prestige, once again becoming a major event on the local automotive calendar. With manufacturers keen to see their models recognized, the 2025 edition promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years. While the award once focused on a single overall winner, the introduction of categories has made it more relevant to the diverse South African market. This evolution ensures that vehicles across various segments - from compact hatchbacks to high-performance machines - are judged against their direct rivals, offering consumers clearer insights into industry benchmarks. One of the most anticipated categories this year is Performance, which sees a heavyweight battle between BMW, Ford, and Mercedes-AMG. These long-awaited contenders are vying for top honours, bringing serious firepower to the competition. Meanwhile, the bakkie segment takes centre stage as Mitsubishi’s new Triton and the GWM P500 HEV look to follow in the footsteps of the Ford Ranger, which made history in 2023 as the first bakkie to win the overall COTY title. The P500 HEV, as the first hybrid bakkie to make the finalist list, represents a significant milestone for the segment.

Electrification also plays a key role in this year’s competition, with four new-energy vehicles making the cut. The BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance, and Volvo EX30 stand alongside the GWM P500 HEV, showcasing the growing influence of hybrid and electric technology in the local market. Among them, the Volvo EX30 is the sole full-electric vehicle in the running, underlining the industry's shift towards sustainable mobility. The luxury sedan segment reignites one of South Africa’s longest-standing automotive rivalries, with the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 220d once again going head-to-head. Another fierce battle comes from Toyota, as the Land Cruiser Prado aims to secure the brand’s fourth COTY title, following victories in 1986, 1987, and 2022. On the other end of the spectrum, the ever-popular Suzuki Swift - already a global success and a finalist for the 2025 World Car of the Year - is chasing the ultimate prize, proving that budget-friendly cars can still compete at the highest level. By mid-March, the competition moved into its rigorous testing phase at Zwartkops Raceway, where jury members conducted hands-on assessments of each finalist. South Africa remains one of the few countries where physical testing is still a critical component of the selection process, ensuring that real-world performance and driving dynamics play a role in determining the winners. The final scoring round integrates data from Lightstone Auto, factoring in market segment sales volumes and competitor pricing adjusted for specifications.

The Motor Enthusiast’s Choice award, determined by public vote, has grown in significance since its reintroduction in the 2024 COTY competition. With increased engagement from the motoring community, this category ensures that enthusiasts have a say in recognizing their favourite vehicles.

Take a look at the YouTube video from our mate in the hat, Alan R, as he chats about the cars and the testing that took place at Zwartkops Raceway: SA Car of the Year 2025 - COTY 2025 | MotorMatters Car Reviews

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