The 18 finalists for the 2024 South African Car of the Year (Coty) have been announced in eight categories.
The 38th running of the annual competition, this year sponsored by Old Mutual Insure, will see the contenders undergo testing by Coty jurors in early March before the overall and category winners are announced in May.
The categories of the 2024 competition range from budget-friendly entry-level vehicles to luxurious SUVs and performance cars.
The Ford Ranger made history as the first double cab bakkie to win the SA Car of the Year title, in 2023, and this year it is back with the rapid Raptor model as the first double cab to qualify for the Performance category, alongside the Toyota Corolla GR, BMW M2 and the Honda Civic Type R.
Reflecting the rise of electric vehicles, there are two battery-powered cars in this year’s finalists: the GWM Ora O3 compact hatchback and Mercedes-Benz EQS luxury sedan.
The Motor Enthusiast's Choice (public vote) returns for the 2024 Coty competition. The vehicle with the most likes will win and three voters will secure an off-road driving course.
The finalists and categories are:
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
4x4 Double Cab
Volkswagen Amarok
Adventure SUV
Lexus LX
Mahindra Scorpio N
Performance
Toyota Corolla GR
BMW M2
Honda Civic Type R
Ford Ranger Raptor
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