The competition is heating up for the title of South Africa’s 2025 Car of the Year, with the list narrowed down to just 17 finalists.
While 29 models were previously announced as semi-finalists, the judging panel of the 2025 Car of the Year (COTY) awards have managed to slash another 12 names off the list, creating the final group that will undergo an intense three-day evaluation process in early March.
“Congratulations to the 2025 COTY finalists. These vehicles represent innovation and excellence across all categories,” said Jerry Anthonyrajah, Chief Commercial Officer at Old Mutual Insure, the sponsor for the event.
“We look forward to seeing which vehicles set themselves apart during the next stage, where these finalists will showcase their capabilities and demonstrate why they stand out in such a competitive field.”
The 17 vehicles are all competing with one another for the ultimate title, but they are also performing in separate categories based on factors like their price tag, body shape, and powertrain.
The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists believes that the inclusion of categories makes the competition more relevant to the general public, helping them to make an informed decision the next time they visit the showrooms.
Unfortunately, the categories themselves will only be revealed alongside the winners, but as a reference, the previous year included segments such as Budget, Compact Family, Premium, 4×4 Double Cab, and Performance.
One confirmed category is the Motor Enthusiast’s Choice, which is decided by public voting and will soon be open for submissions, pending an announcement on social media.
The final stretch
Below is the list of all 2025 South African Car of the Year finalists, with pricing.
Click on the underlined names to visit TopAuto Car Prices for information on pricing and new models on offer from the various manufacturers.
BMW 5 Series
- Starting price – R1,248,730
BMW M5
- Starting price – R2,690,000
BMW X3
- Starting price – R1,136,417
Ford Mustang GT
- Starting price – R1,300,000
GAC GS3 Emzoom
- Starting price – R469,900
GWM P500 HEV
- Starting price – R999,900
Jaecoo J7
- Starting price – R549,900
Mahindra XUV 3XO
- Starting price – R254,999
Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance
- Starting price – R2,488,888
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E 220d)
- Starting price – R1,436,260
Mini Countryman
- Starting price – R724,819
Mitsubishi Triton
- Starting price – R479,900
Omoda C9
- Starting price – R785,900
Suzuki Swift
- Starting price – R219,900
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
- Starting price – R1,296,300
VW Tiguan
- Starting price – R651,500
Volvo EX30
- Starting price – R791,900
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