2003

Only the best will do

ABC aims to help consumers identify the nation’s best passenger cars and 4WD's.

The fourth year of Australia’s Best Cars (ABC) delivered some of the closest results yet across the 12 vehicle classes, with some repeat winners and a handful of new models taking first place on the podium.

In the end it came down to 36 ‘finalists’, collectively worth almost $2 million, and a week of back-to-back testing by the nine autoclub judges to finalise scoring for the nation’s best cars.

But it doesn’t all happen in five days.

While the final week provides judges with an opportunity to closely compare all the leading contenders, ABC is an ongoing new car assessment process, with models tested and scored throughout the year by the nation’s autoclubs, including the RACQ.

All new passenger vehicles are eligible for the awards, providing they are not limited edition models, are on sale by October 17 (the first day of the Sydney Motor Show), and are available for testing by ABC judges. The specific models tested are those nominated by the manufacturer as being the volume sellers of the range.

Consumer focus is the cornerstone of the ABC program. It looks at ownership issues such as warranty and running and repair costs (including servicing and insurance), not just the car’s on-road ability.

The 12 ABC vehicle classes reflect the major car-buying segments of the market.

Each vehicle is assessed and scored under a range of criteria, given a score from one (well below average) to five (well above average) for each, and then weightings are applied to yield the final score.

The weightings are based on research and feedback from car-buying consumers, emphasising the things they say are important for each class of vehicle.

Anything which can be measured is measured. This includes interior space, computer assessments of acceleration and braking, safety ratings, interior noise levels, pricing, depreciation costs, running and repair costs, fuel consumption, standard features and security ratings.

This year, the criteria for both ‘safety’ and ‘innovation’ were toughened up.

For 2003, 75 percent of each vehicle’s safety score is based on the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) ratings for offset, side impact and pedestrian crash tests. The remaining 25 percent is based on the level of each model’s active safety equipment, such as anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control.

Under ‘innovation’, vehicles are scored according to their use of specific technologies, with an emphasis on technologies which yield environmental and safety benefits.

The other change to the program this year involved an adjustment to the price cut-off for the two mid-sized car categories. The split point was raised from $25,000 to $28,000 to better reflect the market.

So, if you want comprehensive information on the nation’s best cars, it’s as easy as ABC.

How they rate

Settling scores

Each vehicle is scored out of five in 19 areas, under three broad headings: (1) Value for money … pricing, depreciation cost, running and repair costs, fuel consumption, warranty and standard features, (2) Design & function … safety, security, comfort, space, practicality, ergonomics, build and finish quality, and innovation, (3) On the road … Performance, ride, handling, braking, and smoothness and quietness.

Recreational and luxury 4WDs are also assessed for off-road ability, while all terrain 4WDs are rated under two extra off-road criteria.

Weight gains

Scores under each area of assessment are weighted either low (0.2), medium (0.4), high (0.8) or critical (1.0), according to the class. For example, pricing is weighted critical in Small Cars but only medium in Luxury Cars over $57,000.

The weightings determine each vehicle’s overall score.

See the scores

For full details of scores across the 12 classes, visit the ABC website, http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au. Ratings of cars in the individual areas of assessment are comparable within a class, but not between classes.