OMODA C9: A Proud Finalist In The 2025 Car Of The Year Awards
South Africa’s automotive spotlight has officially swung toward innovation, and at Group1 OMODA, we’re thrilled to be at the heart of it. The OMODA C9, our flagship SUV, has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2025 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. We couldn’t be prouder!
This isn’t just a feather in our cap. It’s a sign of what’s coming, and what it means for South African drivers is worth paying attention to.
What Is COTY, And Why Does It Matter?
The South African Car of the Year competition is one of the most influential automotive awards in the country. It’s run by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), and each year, the country’s top motoring minds put a wide range of new vehicles through their paces.
The judging process is no walk in the park. Finalists are tested on real-world performance, efficiency, innovation, value, safety, and tech, with the 2025 evaluation taking place at the well-known Zwartkops Raceway. Add to that the data from Lightstone Auto, which factors in sales figures and adjusted competitor pricing, and you’ve got a thorough, no-nonsense review process that ultimately benefits you, the motorist.
When a vehicle makes it into the finals, it’s not just about looks or hype. It means it delivers where it matters: out on the road, in your daily life, and over the long term.
Why The OMODA C9 Stands Out
The OMODA C9 roared onto the scene in October 2024, and South African drivers quickly sat up and took notice. Designed to turn heads but built to perform, the C9 combines bold styling with a luxury-level interior and everyday usability.
Under the bonnet, the C9 packs a punch. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine produces a hearty 192 kW of power and a solid 400 Nm of torque. It’s built for city streets and open highways alike, delivering the kind of drive that makes traffic bearable and long-distance travel downright enjoyable.
Inside, things get even more impressive. The cabin is decked out with comfort and refinement in mind, from premium trim touches to next-gen driver assistance features. With a plug-in hybrid version set to join the lineup soon, the C9 is also charging forward into the future of cleaner, smarter mobility.
Why This Recognition Matters For Local Motorists
We know South Africans don’t hand out praise easily, and rightly so. We’re a motoring nation with high standards, and vehicles here need to handle unique local challenges: long distances, stop-start traffic, tricky terrain, and varying fuel quality.
That’s why the COTY nod is such a big deal. It signals that the OMODA C9 isn’t just a global SUV that’s landed on our shores; it’s a vehicle that understands the South African lifestyle and is built to thrive in it.
It also speaks to the rising strength of new contenders in the local market. More choices, better spec levels, competitive pricing, and stronger aftersales support mean consumers are no longer limited to the usual suspects when it comes to buying a quality vehicle.
A Growing Brand Built Around You
At Group1 OMODA, we’re committed to backing vehicles like the C9 with service that lives up to the same high standards. With access to a massive 6,000m² parts facility supporting over 52 dealerships across South Africa, we offer industry-leading parts availability and aftersales support.
We’re talking a 98% parts supply rate, a 10-year/1-million km engine warranty for the first owner, and local infrastructure that gives real peace of mind. This is a brand that’s planning to stick around and doing so with purpose.
Looking Ahead (And It’s Looking Good!)
The OMODA C9’s place in the 2025 COTY finals is more than a badge of honour. It’s a glimpse of the kind of world-class quality South African drivers can expect moving forward and a sign that the game is changing in favour of the consumer.
We’re rooting for the C9, of course. But win or lose, it’s clear that OMODA is on the right track, and proudly carving its space in the local motoring landscape. Check back soon for more exciting OMODA updates, model news, and insights right here on the Group1 OMODA blog.
