Australia's Best Cars - Testing Process

A complete cross-section of the nation’s automotive fleet is placed under the microscope during the Australia’s Best Cars assessment process. Vehicle testers from Australia’s seven auto clubs devote countless hours to the task of finding the stand-out new cars from hundreds of possibilities.

The nine expert judges boast almost two centuries of collective experience in the automotive industry. This year they were charged with the task of assessing and scoring more than 220 vehicles, involving an entire battery of tests.

Consumer focus is the foundation of the Australia’s Best Cars program, so it examines ownership issues such as servicing, insurance and warranty - not just the car’s on-road ability.

Australia’s Best Cars judges look at a range of things that can actually be measured. These include standard features, interior space, acceleration and braking, safety and security features, interior noise levels, pricing, depreciation, running and repair costs, and fuel consumption.

It all comes down to a week-long showdown at the sprawling Australian Automotive Research Centre at Anglesea in southern Victoria, where the judges drive the finalists back-to-back over a variety of terrain and road surfaces.

After initial road testing, 50 vehicles – more than ever before – were selected as finalists this year. The week was devoted to familiarisation with a car’s characteristics – including acceleration, braking and noise tests - before scores were pencilled in for driving and functionality.

The Australia’s Best Cars judges climbed in, out-of and around the cars and spent time on road comparing each vehicle. The specific models assessed were those nominated by the manufacturer as being the volume sellers of the range.

Additionally, each vehicle was assessed against at least 19 criteria (20 for Four Wheel Drives) and given a score ranging from ten to one for each. The Australia’s Best Cars custom software then applied weightings to produce the final scores. Weightings are based on research and feedback from car-buying consumers, emphasising the things they say are important for each class of vehicle.

This year both petrol and diesel variants of eligible models were considered and evaluated individually, creating some interesting results.

The rationale behind Australia’s Best Cars has always been to take the legwork out of the search for the best new cars and four wheel drives. Potential buyers can be assured that the process behind it is the most stringent and thorough in the country.