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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 38th 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.
ENDS
Contact Michelle York for further details or to arrange an interview with the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists / SA Car of the Year:
Email: sagmj@iafrica.com
Mobile number: 084 777 0441
To be updated on all developments, follow our SA Car of the Year – COTY Facebook Page or visit www.sagmj.co.za.
Contact Sharon Wood for further details or to arrange an interview:
Email: Sharon.wood@ominsure.co.za
Mobile number: 082 562 4885
About Old Mutual Insure
Old Mutual Insure is the oldest non-life insurer in South Africa, with a history that dates back more than 180 years. We partner with brokers to offer an extensive range of insurance products and solutions to fulfil personal, commercial, and corporate needs. We also provide agriculture, engineering, and marine insurance products. As a brand, we promise to do great things as we protect what’s important to our customers and put them first in everything we do. Old Mutual Insure Limited is a licensed FSP and non-life insurer. Visit www.ominsure.co.za.