The finalists of the prestigious Old Mutual Insure 2024 Car of the Year (COTY) competition have been
announced. The top 18 finalists, meticulously chosen by the jurors of the 38 th annual COTY competition,
presented by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), will go through to the next stage in
the search for the 2024 SA Car of the Year.
“Congratulations to the top 18 finalists! We eagerly await the upcoming competition phase, where the
contenders will undergo comprehensive testing by COTY’s expert juror group in early March,” says Garth
Napier, MD of Old Mutual Insure. “This rigorous and diverse evaluation will culminate in announcing the
competition winners at a gala dinner in May.”
Across the eight categories of the 2024 COTY competition, ranging from budget-friendly entry-level
vehicles to luxurious top-end limousines, the most intense rivalry emerges in the Performance category,
with four formidable rivals, and the Compact Family category, with three outstanding competitors, all
vying for coveted category honours.
In the Budget and Compact category, representing affordable entry-level vehicles, the Suzuki Fronx from
the Japanese company’s Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki competes with its French rival, the Citroen C3.
Both models deliver exceptional value for money.
The competition in the Compact Family category features two Japanese contenders, the Suzuki Grand
Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser. This year, another Chinese competitor, the Omoda C5, competes in
this category, challenging the two Japanese brands.
In the Family category, a new Chinese contender, the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) GWM Ora 03, which is
the most affordable electric passenger car in the local market, faces off against a formidable German
competitor, the BMW X1.
The Premium and Luxury categories feature recognised brands, with the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Lexus
NX competing for category honours in the Premium category. The BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz EQS
are going head to head in the Luxury category.
The Volkswagen Amarok is the sole contender in the 4×4 Double Cab category. The Lexus LX and
Mahindra Scorpio N are the only contenders in the Adventure SUV category, offering a unique
competition dynamic.
In 2023, the Ford Ranger made history as the first double cab bakkie to win the SA Car of the Year title,
and this year, they are doing it again with the Ford Ranger Raptor competing in the Performance category
alongside the Toyota Corolla GR, BMW M2 and the Honda Civic Type R.
Budget and Compact
- Citroen C3
- Suzuki Fronx
Compact Family
- Omoda C5
- Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Toyota Urban Cruiser
Family
- BMW X1
- GWM Ora 03
Premium
- Lexus NX
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
Luxury
- BMW 7 Series
- Mercedes-Benz EQS
4×4 Double Cab
- Volkswagen Amarok
Adventure SUV
- Lexus LX
- Mahindra Scorpio N
Performance
- BMW M2
- Honda Civic Type R
- Ford Ranger Raptor
- Toyota Corolla GR
“Congratulations to the finalists selected from the highly competitive semi-finalist group across all eight
COTY categories,” says Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairperson of the 2023 and 2024 COTY Committee and Vice-
Chairperson of the SAGMJ. “Rapid technological advances intensify the annual competition, with
innovative features becoming commonplace and even in entry-level vehicles are showcasing the
evolution of automotive technology.”
In early March, the competition enters the testing phase at Zwartkops Raceway, where the jurors assess
the vehicles. Then, the final scoring round incorporates data from Lightstone Auto, utilising automated
scoring based on market segment sales volumes and spec-adjusted competitor pricing.
“The culmination of the COTY competition is its most thrilling phase. Using their expertise and
experience, jurors meticulously evaluate every aspect of the cars. Their discernment determines the
crème de la crème of cars that cater to diverse market needs and elevates local mobility standards,” adds
Mabuza.
The Motor Enthusiast’s Choice (public vote) returns for the 2024 COTY competition. Watch out for
upcoming social media posts featuring each finalist, and vote for your favourite by liking them. The
vehicle with the most likes wins, and three fortunate voters secure an off-road driving course sponsored
by Old Mutual Insure and the SAGMJ. Stay tuned for the competition launch!
“Old Mutual Insure extends best wishes to all contenders. As a reputable insurer known for excellence,
we take pride in our partnership with COTY, the country’s premier car competition, offering an
outstanding contest to the people of South Africa,” concludes Napier.
The official hashtags for this year’s COTY competition are #SACOTY2024 and #OMICOTY.