COVID-19 has been a significant disruptor in every industry and the nature of events as we knew them, have changed completely. In the car industry, the change to car launches has been the most noticeable.
The 2020 SA Car of the Year (COTY) awards evening took a futuristic tone, and the event showed no people, just pictures of cars. It was a first for COTY and reflected a world where everything, including transport, is evolving rapidly.
The 59-contender voting selection contained new vehicle ranges introduced to the South African new car market between November 1, 2019 and March 1, 2021. Eligible members of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) have had a 4-day period to cast their votes for the 40 COTY Semi-Finalists. Two vehicles tied for 40th position, so we have 41 COTY Semi-Finalists.
The SAGMJ is proud to announce the semi-finalists for the 2021 SA Car of the Year competition (COTY), in alphabetical order:
| Audi | A4 | Family |
| Audi | A6 and S6 Sedan | Premium |
| Audi | Q3 Sportback | Family |
| Audi | SQ8 | Luxury |
| Audi | SQ7 | Luxury |
| BMW | 4-series | Premium |
| BMW | X5 M | Luxury |
| BMW | 2 Series Gran Coupe | Family |
| BMW | M2 CS | Performance |
| GWM | P-Series | Double Cab |
| Honda | Ballade | Compact Family |
| Hyundai | Creta | Compact Family |
| Hyundai | i30 N | Performance |
| Hyundai | Venue | Compact |
| Hyundai | Grand i10 | Budget |
| Kia | Seltos | Compact Family |
| Land Rover | Defender 110 | Adventure SUV |
| Land Rover | Discovery Sport | Family |
| Mazda | CX-30 | Compact Family |
| Mercedes-Benz | GLA | Family |
| Mercedes-Benz | E-Class | Premium |
| Mercedes-Benz | GLB | Family |
| Mercedes-Benz | A 45 S4 Matic | Performance |
| Mercedes-Benz | A 35 4Matic | Performance |
| Mini | Cooper SE | New Energy |
| Mitsubishi | Eclipse Cross 1.5 T | Compact Family |
| Nissan | Micra 1.0t | Compact |
| Opel | Corsa | Compact |
| Peugeot | 2008 SUV | Compact Family |
| Porsche | Taycan | New Energy |
| Porsche | 911 Turbo S | Performance |
| Renault | Megane RS 300 Trophy | Performance |
| Suzuki | Vitara Brezza | Compact |
| Suzuki | S-Presso | Budget |
| Toyota | Corolla Sedan XS and XR | Compact Family |
| Toyota | Hilux | Double Cab |
| Toyota | Land Cruiser Prado | Adventure SUV |
| Toyota | Starlet | Budget |
| Volkswagen | T-Roc | Compact Family |
| Volkswagen | Caravelle | Family |
| Volkswagen | Limited Edition Golf GTi TCR | Performance |
The SA Guild of Motoring Journalists has run the South African Car of the Year competition since 1986 with one single aim – identify and reward automotive excellence.
During the next few days, the 2021 SA Car of the Year Jury, consisting of 25 respected motoring scribes from all over South Africa, will conclude voting for the finalist vehicle ranges that will compete in 2020 COTY. This will culminate in the 2021 SA Car of the Year Winner electronic winners’ announcement in June 2021.
This year’s Categories are:
- Budget
- Compact
- Compact Family
- Family
- Premium
- Luxury
- Performance
- New Energy
- Adventure SUV
- Double Cab LCV
These categories will only be won if there is a suitable candidate and it does not affect the selection of finalist vehicles. The overall 2020 SA Car of the Year winner remains the most coveted of all titles and enjoys international recognition.
