The anticipation builds as the prestigious Old Mutual Insure 2024 Car of The Year (COTY) competition has revealed its top 18 finalists.
- This marks the built up to the crowning of the 2024 Car of the Year, meticulously selected by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ).
- These finalists represent the pinnacle of automotive innovation and excellence.
- The upcoming testing phase will see expert jurors scrutinize each contender before the grand announcement at a gala dinner in May 2024.
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Spanning eight categories, from budget-friendly vehicles to luxurious limousines, the competition showcases an array of automotive brilliance. In the Performance category, four formidable rivals, including the Ford Ranger Raptor, Toyota Corolla GR, BMW M2, and Honda Civic Type R, promise an exhilarating showdown. Meanwhile, the Compact Family category sees fierce competition between the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser, and newcomer Omoda C5, adding an intriguing dynamic to the mix.
A testament to the evolving landscape of automotive technology, Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairperson of the 2023 and 2024 COTY Committee, highlights the rapid advancements shaping the annual competition. From the electrifying GWM Ora 03 in the Family category to the sleek Mercedes-Benz EQS in the Luxury category, innovation takes center stage, setting new standards for local mobility.

As the competition progresses to the testing phase at Zwartkops Raceway, jurors will meticulously evaluate each vehicle, considering performance, features, and market relevance. The final scoring round, incorporating data from Lightstone Auto, ensures a comprehensive assessment that reflects market dynamics and consumer preferences.
Excitement mounts with the return of the Motor Enthusiast’s Choice, allowing the public to cast their vote for their favourite finalist. With off-road driving courses sponsored by Old Mutual Insure and the SAGMJ up for grabs, enthusiasts are encouraged to participate and support their preferred contender.
The Old Mutual Insure 2024 Car of The Year Finalists overview:
Budget and Compact
- Suzuki Fronx
- Citroen C3
Compact Family
- Omoda C5
- Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Toyota Urban Cruiser
Family
- BMW X1
- GWM Ora 03
Premium
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Lexus NX
Luxury
- BMW 7 Series
- Mercedes-Benz EQS
4×4 Double Cab
- Volkswagen Amarok
Adventure SUV
- Lexus LX
- Mahindra Scorpio N
Performance
- Toyota Corolla GR
- BMW M2
- Honda Civic Type R
- Ford Ranger Raptor
As the competition unfolds, South Africa eagerly awaits the crowning of the 2024 SA Car of the Year, celebrating the pinnacle of automotive achievement and innovation.
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