The 2026 South African Car of the Year is…

The Jetour T2 has officially been named the winner of the 2026 South African Car of the Year competition, marking a major milestone for the local automotive industry.

Organised by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists and sponsored by Old Mutual Insure, the 40th anniversary edition of the awards saw a Chinese-branded vehicle take the overall title for the first time in the competition’s history.

The Jetour T2 also secured victory in the Mild Adventure category, highlighting the growing influence of Chinese automotive brands in the South African market.

2026 South African Car of the Year category winners

The competition evaluated 18 finalists across multiple segments based on:

• Innovation
• Safety
• Performance
• Technology
• Value for money
• Driving experience

Overall winner and Mild Adventure category

• Jetour T2

Compact category

• Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI

Family On-Road category

• Omoda C7

Adventure category

• Land Rover Defender OCTA

Premium category

• Audi A5

Performance category

• Audi RS Q8

Motor Enthusiast “People’s Choice” award

• Chery Tiggo 7

Jetour T2 signals growing demand for Chinese vehicles

The win reflects changing buying patterns in South Africa, where Chinese automotive brands continue gaining momentum through competitive pricing, technology-rich interiors and long warranties.

The Jetour T2 lineup in South Africa includes several petrol and plug-in hybrid models, backed by a 10-year or one-million-kilometre engine warranty.

Jetour T2 key features and specifications

Across the local range, the Jetour T2 includes:

• 15.6-inch infotainment display
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems
• 540-degree panoramic camera system
• 220mm ground clearance
• 700mm water wading depth
• 580-litre boot capacity

Jetour T2 South African pricing

Jetour T2 1.5T Aspire 7DCT

• Price: R569,900
• Power: 125kW
• Torque: 270Nm
• Front-wheel drive
• Fuel consumption: 7.9L/100km

Jetour T2 2.0T Xplora 7DCT 4WD

• Price: R639,900
• Power: 180kW
• Torque: 375Nm
• Intelligent all-wheel drive
• Fuel consumption: 9.3L/100km

Jetour T2 2.0T Odyssey 7DCT 4WD

• Price: R679,900
• Features:
  • Sony sound system
  • Heated and ventilated seats
  • Luxury suede trim

Jetour T2 1.5T PHEV i-DM DHT

• Price: R779,900
• Combined output: 265kW
• Torque: 610Nm
• Electric-only range: 90km
• Includes 15kW home wallbox charger

South African Car of the Year winners reflect changing market trends

Recent winners show a noticeable shift away from traditional sedans towards SUVs, adventure vehicles and lifestyle-focused models.

Recent winners include:

• 2025: BMW X3
• 2024: BMW 7 Series
• 2023: Ford Ranger, the first-ever bakkie winner
• 2022: Toyota Corolla Cross

The Jetour T2 victory is likely to further strengthen confidence in Chinese brands competing directly against long-established European and Japanese manufacturers in South Africa.

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