The Ford Ranger
The new, made-in-South Africa Ford Ranger double-cab 4x4 has been crowned as South Africa’s Old Mutual Insure South African Car of the Year (COTY) for 2023.
The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) on Thursday announced its overall winner in the competition, as well as several category winners, out of a field of 21 finalists.
It is the first time in the 37-year history of the event that a double-cab bakkie has taken top honours.
2023 COTY competition chairperson Mabuyane Mabuza says this “remarkable achievement is a testament to the automotive industry's commitment to producing high-quality double cabs that offer unrivalled performance, while seamlessly blending comfort, safety, and cutting-edge technology”.
The category winners in this year’s competition are:
Compact Family Category: BAIC Beijing X55
Midsize Category: KIA Sportage
Premium Category: KIA Sorento
Adventure Sports-utility Vehicle Category: Ford Everest
Double Cab 4x4 Category: Ford Ranger
Luxury Category: Mercedes Benz S-Class
Performance Category: Audi RS 3
New-energy Category: Volvo XC 40 P8 Recharge
The Budget Category had no contenders this year, and although the entrant in the Compact Category was commendable, the SAGMJ says the vehicle did not meet the required percentage to secure a category win.
The Mercedes Benz S-Class also won the COTY Jurors’ Excellence Award, which recognises “the unparalleled driving experience of an extraordinary vehicle and represents the jurors' raw scores, acknowledging exceptional vehicle quality and craftsmanship”.