So Near – Yet So Far

HIGH STAKES: Ten of the 2026 Car of the Year semi-finalists bite the dust as annual prestigious competition enters final lap

By Ali Mphaki

The wise jurors of the 2026  SA Guild of Mobility Journalists Car of the Year competition have spoken!

After a torrid two-day intense and rigorous evaluation process, they’ve finally whittled down the number from 30 semi-finalists to the last 18  finalists.  The entries span compact hatchback, family SUVs, performance saloons, bakkies, as well as new energy vehicles entering the SA market.

Comprised of motoring hacks and industry players, the COTY jury tells us that the list of contenders was initially selected from more than 50 new and qualifying vehicles launched in South Africa in 2025.

 With so many jalopies to choose from, after serious consideration akin to drafting a Madlanga interim report, the number of entrants was reduced, resulting in 30 semi-finalists shortlisted.

No doubt there was excitement among  all the semi-finalists, some of which were making their first appearance in the competition, let alone making it to the last 30.

There’s general consensus that the last 18 selected finalists make for a credible and commendable  list, yet this would not go down without surprise at some of the contenders who failed to make it to the last 18.

What we know is that each entrant is evaluated on design, technology, performance, handling, ingenuity, and safety.

The competition is also rooted in recognizing  vehicles that offer true distinction through innovation, specifications, value for money, and customer relevance.

Still reeling from the shock of elimination is brand Mercedes-Benz, whose three outstanding models, the AMG GLE 53, AMG ES3 Hybrid, and the AMG GT SE, not making it to the final 16.

Hopes were high that at least one of their  three marques would make it through, but it was not to be.

Suffering the same ignominy of elimination is newcomer former British but now Chinese state-owned MG ( Morris Garages) , whose two models, the Cyberster and MG 23 Pro, just missing out of the final list.

 It may be that lightning does not strike in one place, with defending overall champion BMW making it through with their  BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, with their Mini Aceman not getting the jury’s nod and consequently being edged out of the competition.

Brand Suzuki did not do well this time around. Last year, their funky Suzuki Swift made headlines as one of the winners beating the competition hands down to win the best  budget car category.

It would seem their  2026 entrant in fuel efficient Suzuki Dzire was not so impressive to the jury that it failed to proceed to the final stage of the competition.

Some of the entrants forced to take the long walk of shame include the bold Renault Duster, the Honda Amaze, as well as the Hyundai Alcazar.

They are joined  in the losers category by Jaecoo J5 and the Chery Tiggo 9, even though the latter’s sibling, the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV,  has made it to the last 18.

Much as there were glum faces among the losing semi-finalists, chairman of the jury Thami Masemola was quick to point out that with so many entrants joining pr retuning to the SA market, securing a place on the semi-finalist list of the annual competition is an achievement in itself.

In early March 2026, the contenders willl over three days be physically assessed under real-world conditions on the Zwartkops Raceway, and where applicable  – on dedicated off-road courses for vehicles with off-road durability.

Following the test days, the jurors’ scores will be compiled and submitted to the final scoring round. At thus stage, Nightstand Auto data will be used to calculate segment share based on sales volumes and to assess specification-adjusted pricing against direct competitors within each segment.

Interestingly, the Motor Enthusiat’s Choice public vote returns for a third consecutive year, giving the public the opportunity to participate in the competition sponsored by Old Mutual.

The winner will be announced in May.

The 18 finalists are in alphabetic order;

Alfa Romeo Junior, Audi A5, Audi RS Q8, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, BYD Doplhin Shark, Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV, GWM Haval H7, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jetour T2, Land Rover Defender OCTA, Leapmotor C10 REEV, Lexus GX., Ormoda C7, Opel Grandland, VW Golf 1.4TSI, VW Tayron, and the Volvo EX90.