2024 Car of the Year Finalists Revealed
The Old Mutual Insure Car of the Year (COTY) competition, a hallmark event in the automotive industry, has announced its finalists for the 2024 edition. In its 38th year, this revered contest, hosted by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), has meticulously selected the top 18 finalists from a competitive pool of entries. These vehicles are now set to proceed to the next critical phase of the competition, inching closer to the coveted title of the 2024 SA Car of the Year.
Garth Napier, Managing Director of Old Mutual Insure, congratulated the finalists, anticipating the next competition stage in early March. The finalists will undergo comprehensive testing by the COTY's expert jury panel. This diverse evaluation process will climax at a gala dinner in May, where the winners will be announced.
Spanning eight categories, the competition showcases an array of vehicles, from budget-friendly models to luxurious limousines. The Performance category heats up with four powerful rivals, while the Compact Family category presents three exceptional models vying for the top spot.
Highlights of the competition include the Suzuki Fronx and the Citroen C3 battling it out in the Budget and Compact category, offering exceptional value for money. The Compact Family category features a tight race between the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser, and the Omoda C5, a newcomer from China.
The Family category introduces an electrifying competition with the GWM Ora 03, a battery-electric vehicle, challenging the BMW X1. In luxury, the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Lexus NX compete in the Premium category, while the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz EQS shine in the Luxury segment.
Unique categories like the 4x4 Double Cab and Adventure SUV are represented by the Volkswagen Amarok, Lexus LX, and Mahindra Scorpio N, each offering distinctive features to the competition. Notably, the Ford Ranger Raptor makes history again as the first double cab to qualify for the Performance category, joining the ranks of the Toyota Corolla GR, BMW M2, and Honda Civic Type R.
Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairperson of the COTY Committee, praised the finalists for their standout qualities in a field driven by rapid technological advancements. The upcoming testing phase at Zwartkops Raceway promises to assess each vehicle's capabilities thoroughly.
The competition also features the Motor Enthusiast's Choice award, a public vote that encourages participation through social media engagement. Voters can win an off-road driving course, adding an interactive dimension to the competition.
Old Mutual Insure reiterates its commitment to excellence through its partnership with COTY, offering an unparalleled contest that reflects the evolving standards of mobility and innovation in South Africa. As the competition moves forward, the automotive community eagerly awaits the announcement of the winners, marking another milestone in the prestigious COTY history.