The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the finalists for the 2023 South African Car of the Year (COTY) Awards.
“The 2023 COTY finalists showcase cutting-edge innovation and fierce competition in the quest to offer the best mobility solutions,” said Mayubane Mabuza, Chairperson of the 2023 COTY Committee.
“These finalists are the cream of the crop in South Africa, and we can’t wait to see who comes out on top.”
Categories
This year, 21 vehicles have made it into the final round and are spread across nine categories:
- Compact
- Compact Family
- Midsize
- Premium
- Adventure SUV
- Double Cab
- Luxury
- Performance
- New Energy
The budget category, however, was removed, as it did not have any worthy contenders on this year’s list of vehicles.
This year it was decided that, instead of taking the top 12 scoring vehicles, a score cut-off would be applied with the objective of including a broader spectrum of finalists without favouring categories, said Mabuza.
The final round of scoring is set to commence shortly and will incorporate data that looks at factors like market segment sales volume and spec-adjusted competitor pricing.
This scoring period will continue until the end of March, and the winners of the 2023 COTY competition will be announced at a Gala event on 1 June, said the SAGMJ.
In addition, the Motor Enthusiast’s Choice segment is running again this year and will allow the public to vote for their favourite model from the list of finalists via social media.
Three of the participating voters will win an off-road driving course sponsored by Old Mutual and the SAGMJ.
Finalists
All the finalists of the 2023 COTY competition have “proven to be excellent contenders and we’re looking forward with anticipation to see which deserving vehicle will take home the coveted overall winner’s crown, as well as who the category winners will be,” said Garth Napier, MD of Old Mutual Insurance.
The 21 vehicles that made the cut are listed below.
Compact
Renault Clio
Compact family
BAIC Beijing X55
Nissan Qashqai
Opel Mokka
VW Taigo
Midsize
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Chery Tiggo Pro 8
Honda Civic RS
Hyundai Tucscon
Kia Sportage
Premium
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Kia Sorento
Adventure SUV
Ford Everest
Double Cab
Ford Ranger
Isuzu D-Max
Luxury
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Performance
Audi RS3
New Energy
Audi e-tron GT
Haval H6 Hybrid
Toyota Rav4 E-four
Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge
Join the discussion