COTY 2006 the contenders

After an exhaustive search and culling process through all cars launched in Australia over the past year, our motoring experts have selected their top 10 best cars to become this year's finalists.

Utilising input from motoring editors and senior motoring writers from The Daily Telegraph, Melbourne Herald-Sun, Brisbane Courier-Mail, Adelaide Advertiser, Hobart Mercury and Perth Sunday Times, CARSguide has begun the search for Australia's car of the year - the best of the best for 2006.

Last week the 10 finalists were tested extensively over three days, including a full day's examination at Wakefield Park at Goulburn, to find a winner.

Judged on criteria ranging across styling, safety, innovation, value, functionality, build quality and performance, the finalists were dissected and scored in a variety of situations.

With votes being counted, today we introduce the first four finalists as we head to the announcement of 2006 CARSguide Car of the Year on December 1. Three more finalists will be revealed next Friday.

AUDI Q7 TDI

Judge Neil Dowling's comment:

Historically, vehicles like the five-metre-long Audi Q7 rarely make Car of the Year contention. That it made it into the top 10 is an outstanding achievement.

Partially, it was down to Audi's remarkably effective trans-continental promo in a fleet of 15 Q7s. The vehicle shrugged at Australia's Outback and showcased its reliability, build-quality and sheer guts.

The Q7 diesel boasts high levels of comfort, space, fuel economy, towing capacity, safety, driving dynamics and features. Though not demonstrating new technology, the Q7 package is impressive.

Big it may be but the Q7 - particularly in its turbo-diesel version - is spectacularly efficient. Few SUVs come close.

HOLDEN VE CALAIS

Judge Stuart Martin's comment: 

The most important new car launched this year was never in any doubt of being in the running. Stronger, faster and better by a mile, V8 Calais V has what it takes to rule the local large car roost and take on the Euros.

Although the V8 can return good fuel figures, it's a little thirsty when pressed, but the quality of Holden's billion-dollar baby makes up for it.

The chassis provides ride compliance with handling composure, with ample room for adults within its more compact-looking shape.

Track time allows the big Aussie sedan to show off its new-found balance, with all-new steering and front suspension a worthwhile part of the engineering budget. The VE package is a major step forward for Holden.

TOYOTA AURION PRESARA

Judge Paul Gover's comment: 

Australia's No.1 carmaker was always going to get something on to the shortlist. For 2006, there were three obvious contenders: the all-new RAV4 four-wheel drive, the family Camry and the V6 Aurion.

Each made a case, but with only 10 spots overall it was the Aurion that was best of the best for brand T. The Aurion is the first realistic showroom rival to the big-six heroes, Falcon and Commodore, and arrived after an extensive local development program.

It shares basics with the Camry but has unique styling, a 3.5-litre V6 with six-speed automatic and changes to many minor things, including the seats and steering column.

The highlights include 200kW of power and fuel economy of 9.9 litres/100km, numbers that trump the base Ford and Holden on both fronts. Prices start at $34,990 and there are five models, including two Sportivo cars with tuned suspension and a body kit.

Toyota will also have a TRD Aurion with a supercharged engine producing around 230kW, even tauter suspension, huge brakes and more aggressive body kit, as previewed at the Sydney motor show.

VW PASSAT WAGON

Judge Kevin Hepworth's comment: 

The very idea of a family wagon making it to the top 10 in Car of the Year judging could be bewildering to many who remember them only as semi-industrial load-carriers built off sedan platforms.

Well, welcome to the 21st century.

VW's Passat wagon is a stylish, refined and extremely enjoyable way to pack up a family of five with luggage.

Powered by the velvet-smooth, four-cylinder 2.0-litre FSI turbo, the Passat has all the legs necessary for long-distance travel and enough off-the-line punch to compete well in the city rat-race.

It also returns reasonable fuel economy.

For $44,990 (plus on-road costs) the Passat comes stacked with safety and comfort inclusions - you have to respect a car that has an umbrella holder (complete with umbrella) built into the driver's door.

There is also the added prestige of a European badge.