In the automotive industry, the change to car launches has been noticeable. The 2020 SA Car of the Year (COTY) awards evening was a massive change as there were no people at the event, just pictures of cars.
According to Quickpic, the 59 contender voting selection contained new vehicle ranges introduced to the South African new car market between 1 November 2019 and 1 March 2021.
Members of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) had a 4-day period to submit their votes for the 40 COTY Semi-Finalists. Two vehicles tied for the 40th position, so there are 41 Semi-Finalists.
The SAGMJ is proud to announce the semi-finalists for the 2021 SA Car of the Year (COTY) in 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 South African Car of the Year competition has been run by the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists since 1986 with one aim and that is to identify reward automotive excellence.
During the new few days, the 2021 SA Car of the Year Jury, 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.
Picture: Women On Wheels gallery
