- Stellantis brands Alfa Romeo, Leapmotor and Opel all have vehicles that have earned finalist status.
- The 2026 South African Car of the Year competition marks its 40th year of recognising the very best new cars on South Africa’s roads.
- The 2026 SA COTY competition’s ultimatte winners will be revealed in Johannesburg, Gauteng, during the first week of May 2026.
South Africa, 29 January 2026 – Stellantis South Africa today announced that three of its brands have been shortlisted as finalists in the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition, namely the Alfa Romeo Junior, Leapmotor C10 REEV and the Opel Grandland.
Organised annually by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), COTY is one of the country’s most rigorous new-vehicle evaluation competitions, in which each finalist is assessed across engineering, performance, innovation, value, and real-world relevance. With three vehicles as finalists, Stellantis’ multi-brand portfolio is firmly in the spotlight.
“Car of the Year is one of the toughest and most credible assessments in the industry,” says Charl Timms, Commercial Director at Stellantis South Africa. “Having three of our vehicles recognised as finalists demonstrates that our products excel under close scrutiny across diverse segments. It highlights the breadth of our portfolio, from extended-range electrification and C-SUVs to compact premium electric performance. This is a clear signal of our growth, market relevance, and the confidence customers place in our brand.”
Alfa Romeo Junior: Compact electrification with character
The Alfa Romeo Junior is the brand’s first fully electric model. Designed for those motorists who still drive for the feel of it, the Junior combines compact proportions with a performance-led focus.
The Junior line-up includes the Elettrica and Elettrica Veloce. The Elettrica produces 118 kW and 260 Nm, with a top speed of 152 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just over nine seconds. It offers an approximate range of 410 km on a single charge.
The range-topping Elettrica Veloce delivers 207 kW and 345 Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 200 km/h. It has an approximate range of 334 km per charge.
Pricing for the Alfa Romeo Junior starts from R799,900, with warranty coverage of five years/100,000 km.
Leapmotor C10 REEV: Electric-first, locally relevant
The C10 REEV represents a new approach to electric mobility in South Africa, combining electric-first driving with extended-range flexibility (970 km) and dual-use efficiency that balances performance and cost. It also eliminates range anxiety for drivers on longer journeys.
Designed to address ongoing range considerations in the local market, the C10 REEV uses an electric motor for everyday driving, with a 1.5-litre petrol-powered generator that supports longer trips. The model has gained early attention for how directly it responds to local usage realities.
The Leapmotor C10 REEV is available from R759,900 and comes with a seven-year extended service plan.
Opel Grandland: Balance in a competitive segment
Opel’s Grandland completes Stellantis South Africa’s finalist line-up. Launched locally in July 2025, the new Opel Grandland combines Made-in-Germany design with comfort- and safety-focused technologies, delivering a reliable package aimed at family buyers and long-distance drivers.
The vehicle features advanced Intelli-Lux lighting technology, ergonomic AGR-certified seating for back health, and an interior layout designed for long-distance comfort. These elements contribute to a refined driving experience, ideal for day-to-day use.
The Opel Grandland is available from R739,900 and comes with a five-year/100,000 km warranty.
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