Australia's Best Cars 2011

Each criterion is given a score of between one and 10, and are then weighted critical, high, medium or low according to their importance to buyers in the relevant market segment.

Information gleaned from the general public via the ‘Your Say’ online survey is used to tailor the weightings.

As in previous years, the panel of 10 judges, representing all state auto clubs including the RACQ, faced a monumental task. In all, some 55 vehicles – the best of the best – were transported to the purpose-built Australian Automotive Research Centre at Anglesea in Victoria for a week of final testing and evaluation and, after driving each and crunching the numbers one more time, only then were the 15 winners and 30 placegetters determined.

RACQ’s Judges

Technical Researcher John Ewing (pictured, left) and Editor of The Road Ahead Barry Green (right) are RACQ's representatives on the ABC judging panel.

Think the judges have got it wrong?

Why not compare the judges’ choices with what you would pick? Go to www.australiasbestcars.com.au and click on the My Best Car tool. Simply select a category (e.g., People Movers), then adjust the weighting of each criteria based on what’s important to you. My Best Car will calculate and identify the three cars, in order, that best suit your requirements.

Get it in writing

The 2012 Australia’s Best Cars magazine is a handy, on-call, reference to what’s hot and what’s not. This quality, full-colour publication allows the reader to readily compare the ratings of the complete range of vehicles (more than 300) assessed in all 15 different categories.

As well, there is expertly researched and relevant advice on all matters of motoring and new car buying.

The 2012 Australia’s Best Cars magazine is available from RACQ branch offices and agents, as well as the online shop at racq.com, from early December 2011 at the special member price of $7.95 (plus postage and handling if applicable). It is also on sale at newsagencies at the recommended retail price of $9.95.

The Kia Rio SLi delivers well beyond its price point and diminutive small car origins. As tested, it sells for $18,990.

For that outlay, buyers get five doors with plenty of interior space, a free-revving, willing and efficient 1.6-litre petrol engine, and a crisp six-speed manual transmission. It adds up to an extremely fun daily drive that certainly doesn’t break the budget.

Central to this new model is an all-new design that is visible immediately. The interior is both functional and comfortable and, perhaps more importantly, well executed. Adults can sit comfortably in the back seats and the luggage area (in what is a small hatch, remember) is generous, with or without the rear seats folded down.

All the connectivity and multimedia options you need are included; the controls feel sturdy and are well placed; and there is a general feeling of quality and tightness throughout.

Standard equipment is impressive and, on this SLi grade, includes all the electronic assistance you’d expect including traction and electronic stability control.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, with six airbags standard along with a five-star ANCAP rating.

Importantly, Rio has most certainly benefited from a concerted local effort to tune and recalibrate the suspension and damping to suit Australian roads.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $18,990

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Criteria out of 10 – Kia Rio SLi

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	2C	Safety	9C	Performance	8M
Depreciation	1M	Environment	10C	Ride	7M
Running Costs	8M	Comfort	9M	Handling	8M
Fuel Consumption	9C	Space	8L	Braking	8H
Warranty	8H	Practicality	8M	Smoothness & quietness	8L
Insurance	5L	Ergonomics	8M
Standard Features	8H	Build and Finish	8H

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

A perennial winner over the years in various classes of Australia’s Best Cars awards, the Polo makes a name for itself again with back-to-back success in this category.

It’s not surprising really, as the Polo 66 TDI punches above its weight in several important judging criteria and would give many cars in the next class up a serious run for their money.

The Polo has grown in size over the years but the extra bulk hasn’t hurt it in terms of performance. Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine with an output of 66 kW and, more importantly, 230 Nm of engine torque produced from low engine revolutions. It feels as quick as anything on offer in class.

A nicely sorted chassis gives Polo the ability to handle just about any scenario. On twisting sections of road, it is nimble and sure footed. Ride quality is as supple as a car twice its price.

Clever interior packaging makes the most of Polo’s compact size, with above average leg room and head room for passengers and a wide opening rear hatch being rewarded with a solid score for space.

Perhaps the ultimate accolade is that, despite being the baby of the VW range, Polo feels just like its bigger brother, Golf.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $22,350

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Criteria out of 10 – VW Polo 66 TDI Comfortline

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	9H	Safety	10C	Performance	8H
Depreciation	7M	Environment	8C	Ride	8H
Running Costs	8M	Comfort	8M	Handling	8H
Fuel Consumption	10C	Space	6L	Braking	8H
Warranty	5H	Practicality	8M	Smoothness & quietness	8L
Insurance	7L	Ergonomics	8M
Standard Features	7H	Build and Finish	8H

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

Solid results in design and function and on the road gave the Volkswagen Golf 90 TSI Trendline an unassailable lead in this year’s awards.

Golf earned top marks for safety and environment and almost perfect scores for comfort and ergonomics, thanks to comfy but enduring seats and switchgear that falls easily to hand. Performance shares top billing with the Mazda 3 diesel and the Mitsubishi Aspire as best in class.

Volkswagen is on a roll, as evidenced by the number of best cars award categories the company has won in the past couple of years. One of the secrets to its success has been the excellent handling characteristics VW has been able to incorporate across the range.

Little wonder then that Golf’s handling and ride package is matched only in this category by the sports version of the Ford Focus, with the pair achieving identical on-road scores.

The jewel in the crown is the car’s 1.4-litre inline, direct injection, turbo-petrol engine. Volkswagen has done a great job of matching the seven-speed DSG to the engine’s power delivery, with crisp shifts all the way through the gears. One minor failing is the DSG’s lack of smoothness in engagement as the car moves off.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $27,490

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Criteria out of 10 – VW Golf 90 TSI Trendline

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	5C	Safety	10C	Performance	9M
Depreciation	7M	Environment	10C	Ride	9M
Running Costs	4M	Comfort	9M	Handling	10M
Fuel Consumption	8C	Space	7L	Braking	9H
Warranty	5M	Practicality	6M	Smoothness & quietness	8L
Insurance	6L	Ergonomics	9M
Standard Features	7M	Build and Finish	9H

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

The CT200H Prestige is the cheapest Lexus to buy by a long way, making its win all the more meritorious.

Matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and permanent magnet electric motor combine to deliver 100 kW of power and 142 Nm of engine torque.

Strong performance isn’t the CT200H’s forte; it’s more about refinement, and the hybrid power-train delivers seamless power from take off right through the rev range, albeit at a more leisurely pace than some other finalists.

If you feel the need, there is a sports mode that sharpens things up electronically and, overall, the Lexus impressed the judges who awarded an above average score for smoothness and quietness.

The CT200H delivers an outstanding fuel consumption figure of 4.1 litres/100 km, so you definitely won’t be making friends with the attendant at your local service station.

Scoring a perfect 10 is never easy in best cars judging, but at its first attempt the CT200H achieved this feat not once, but four times, for running and repair costs, fuel consumption, safety, and environment.

Add on a nine out of 10 for build quality and finish (a Lexus hallmark) and the same for standard features, and the Lexus CT200H built a score that the others could not pull back.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $39,990

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Criteria out of 10 – Lexus CT200H Prestige

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	7H	Safety	10C	Performance	6H
Depreciation	7M	Environment	10C	Ride	7H
Running Costs	10M	Comfort	7M	Handling	7H
Fuel Consumption	10C	Space	5L	Braking	6H
Warranty	6M	Practicality	6M	Smoothness & quietness	8L
Insurance	6L	Ergonomics	6M
Standard Features	9M	Build and Finish	9H

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

Since last year’s win, Volkswagen has released a sixth generation Jetta, one that is bigger, cheaper and better equipped than its predecessor.

No longer sharing body panels with its technically related stable mate, the Golf, the new Jetta is taller, 190 mm longer and lighter. Extra rear legroom is liberated by its 55 mm longer wheelbase.

Standard features on the popular mid-field Comfortline version evaluated rate above average, while its safety credentials are reassuringly high.

Jetta’s fit and finish is praiseworthy, but the three year/unlimited kilometre warranty is little better than the industry average.

Combining small displacement with forced induction from a supercharger and a turbo, the 1.4-litre 118 TSI proves a surprisingly sprightly performer. The car’s seven-speed DSG gearbox offers slick, timely shifts though operation at manoeuvring speeds can be a little jerky.

Good grip, steering with a consistent accurate feel, plus responsive handling ensure driver appeal. The suspension tune has a European tautness that’s composed and generally comfortable over a mix of local road conditions, including second-class gravel roads and corrugations.

Inside, the Jetta offers comfortable, supportive seating, although like many cars, the centre rear position feels too hard and narrow. Well laid out controls and Comfortline’s standard rain-sensing wipers and front and rear park sensors contribute to sound ergonomics.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $32,490

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Criteria out of 10 – VW Jetta 118 TSI

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	8C	Safety	9C	Performance	9M
Depreciation	7C	Environment	8C	Ride	9M
Running Costs	5M	Comfort	9M	Handling	9H
Fuel Consumption	8C	Space	8M	Braking	8H
Warranty	5M	Practicality	8M	Smoothness & quietness	9M
Insurance	6L	Ergonomics	8M
Standard Features	7H	Build and Finish	8H

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

You expect a Mercedes Benz to feel bullet proof and indestructible. The C Class lives up to that lofty expectation, yet also delivers a level of refinement and elegance that is almost unmatched in any class.

Inside, there’s quality everywhere, from switchgear and controls to surface finishes and material. Comfort levels are high, as is standard safety, which includes all the airbags you’d expect and every conceivable electronic driving aid.

In terms of space, the C Class is the equal of the BMW 320D and stronger than the VW Passat CC (both fellow finalists), while its ergonomics are just about best in class.

Mercedes Benz has almost made its general model range look more AMG than ever, and in the case of the attractive C Class sedan, this styling mandate makes the most sense of all. Importantly, inside and out, it looks like you have spent a whole lot more money than you actually have.

On road, the diesel engine is brilliant but it’s almost overshadowed by the slick shifting and silky smooth, seven-speed auto transmission, which always seems to find the right ratio to keep the ‘oiler’ in the meat of its torque curve.

Handling, braking, ride and general on-road performance are all class leading.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $67,900

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Criteria out of 10 – Mercedes Benz C250 CDI Avantgarde

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	6H	Safety	10C	Performance	9H
Depreciation	7M	Environment	8C	Ride	9H
Running Costs	5M	Comfort	9H	Handling	9C
Fuel Consumption	10H	Space	7M	Braking	9C
Warranty	4M	Practicality	8M	Smoothness & quietness	8H
Insurance	5L	Ergonomics	8H
Standard Features	6H	Build and Finish	9C

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

The way Ford has successfully equipped its new Falcon EcoLPI to perform like a petrol car while still offering the advantages of LPG contributed strongly to its victory this year.

Traditional LPG systems turn liquefied gas into vapour form before feeding it into the engine via a venturi in the throttle body. In the EcoLPI Falcon, the liquid phase injection system takes the LPG in liquid state all the way to the injectors.

Ford says this means the LPG can be injected into the intake ports in a more precise and controlled manner, which delivers better fuel economy, reduced CO2 emissions and greater engine performance.

EcoLPI utilises Ford’s tried and true 4.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder engine. What will surprise some is that the LPG-fed powerplant has slightly more power and torque than the petrol version. It makes a healthy 198 kW and 409 Nm, which compares to the petrol’s 195 kW and 391 Nm. Of course, the EcoLPI is also considerably more powerful and efficient than its E-Gas predecessor.

As you would expect in a powerful rear wheel drive car, the electronic safety equipment has its work cut out, but the EcoLPI’s electronic stability control and traction control systems are up to the task, even in extremely slippery conditions.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $42,790

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Criteria out of 10 – Ford FG Falcon EcoLPI XT

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	7H	Safety	9C	Performance	9H
Depreciation	5H	Environment	7C	Ride	9H
Running Costs	10H	Comfort	9C	Handling	8H
Fuel Consumption	9H	Space	8C	Braking	8H
Warranty	4H	Practicality	7H	Smoothness & quietness	9M
Insurance	6L	Ergonomics	8M
Standard Features	3H	Build and Finish	7H

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

The new seventh-generation A6 showcases plenty of Audi’s technological innovation and engineering skills.

As befits luxury models, standard features and safety scores are equal best-in-class. For those looking for additional creature comforts and more advanced safety and driver assistance features, options are plentiful but, as is typical of the class, venturing there isn’t for the faint-hearted with some wallet-wilting prices.

The V6 turbo-diesel is now lighter and punches out an extra 4 kW. Claimed torque is a muscular 500 Nm. A smooth, slick-shifting seven-speed dual clutch transmission is standard, instead of the previous six-speed auto.

Buyers are becoming increasingly attracted to modern generation diesels with their refined and fuel miserly ways and Audi’s 3.0-litre TDI doesn’t disappoint on either count, making it an ideal fit for this executive express.

Ride quality is important in this class and the A6 proves composed and comfortable, albeit not quite a match for the supple cosseting ways of the class-leading XF Jaguar. Handling-wise though, it’s the A6 with its nose in front.

The German sedan delivers sure-footed all-wheel drive grip matched to accurate and consistent, if slightly dull, steering for a top-of-the-class handling score.

Audi’s fit and finish is something of a benchmark, even in the luxury car class.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $116,500

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Criteria out of 10 – Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	3M	Safety	10C	Performance	9H
Depreciation	2M	Environment	7C	Ride	8C
Running Costs	7L	Comfort	8C	Handling	9H
Fuel Consumption	9M	Space	8H	Braking	8H
Warranty	5L	Practicality	8M	Smoothness & quietness	9C
Insurance	5L	Ergonomics	8C
Standard Features	8H	Build and Finish	9C

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

After this, its fourth consecutive year as champion, we are running out of superlatives for the BMW 135i Coupe. Yes, it really is that good.

First, the bad news ... now costing $2200 more than this time last year, the 135i takes a hit on price, depreciation, running and repair costs, insurance and fuel consumption. And it’s only on the cusp of average for warranty and standard features.

Now, the good news ... under the bonnet is a 225 kW twin-turbo, direct-injection, 3.0-litre straight-six. This is one complete engine, readily willing to send the tachometer needle racing to redline, or impress with its mid-range muscle. And when it goes to work, there’s a stirring soundtrack to match.

All that would count for nothing if the chassis and rest of the package failed to measure up. But here, BMW has blessed the smart-looking coupe with near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, tuned suspension, hi-tech braking system and a comprehensive tyre and wheel combination. Ride quality, while understandably firm, is agreeably compliant for everyday use.

The 135i tops the class for comfort, with its front seats providing rib-wrapping support and durability. There’s room (albeit, not a lot) for the occasional rear seat passenger or two and even a useful boot, unlike many traditional sports cars.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $75,000

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Criteria out of 10 – BMW 135i Coupe

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	1M	Safety	9C	Performance	10C
Depreciation	3L	Environment	8C	Ride	9M
Running Costs	4M	Comfort	10H	Handling	9C
Fuel Consumption	4M	Space	9H	Braking	10C
Warranty	4M	Practicality	9H	Smoothness & quietness	10C
Insurance	3L
Standard Features	6H

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

In classic hot-rod vernacular, ‘there ain’t no substitute for cubic inches’, but in a world of superchargers and turbochargers that pretext has lost a lot of its relevance. That is, unless you’re talking about the massive, naturally aspirated 6.2-litre Mercedes V8 shoehorned into the mid size C-class coupe.

With its AMG technical refinements, this direct fuel-injection engine delivers a power output of 336 kW with an amazing 600 Nm of torque. Option the $14,900 AMG performance package and the kW count grows to 358, accompanied by a competition-orientated brake package and 19-inch wheels.

Needless to say, the C63 AMG delivers eye-popping performance, enhanced by the dynamic and direct power delivery of a unique AMG seven-speed automatic transmission. This dual-clutch, auto-shifting gearbox not only features steering wheel shift paddles and a rotary console switch to select one of four different drive programs, but even sports a race-start function to optimise take off traction and a throttle blipping down-shift action.

It is not just the engine and power transmission that characterise the C63 AMG coupe’s dynamic quality. Its true brilliance comes from a cleverly integrated engineering package that makes the whole car feel confidently composed in any situation.

The AMG sports suspension and high performance composite braking system are also key to the C63’s brilliant capability.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $154,800

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Criteria out of 10 – Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Coupe

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	1M	Safety	1M	Performance	10C
Depreciation	1L	Environment	7C	Ride	9M
Running Costs	4L	Comfort	9H	Handling	9C
Fuel Consumption	1M	Space	8H	Braking	9C
Warranty	4L	Practicality	9C	Smoothness & quietness	8M
Insurance	4L
Standard Features	8H

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

Last year’s winner, the Volkswagen Tiguan, has just received a mid-life refresh and price reduction, which builds on a solid foundation and further strengthens its hold on the Australia’s Best Cars crown.

Despite still being one of the more expensive vehicles in what is the largest and most hotly contested best cars category, the 103 TDI Tiguan’s quality engineering, comfort and all-round ability, both on and off the bitumen, far outweigh the premium purchase price.

The 103 TDI is the well-proven, 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine that can be found in a variety of strong-performing vehicles across the Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda family. Teamed with a seven-speed DSG transmission, which combines the convenience of a conventional automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission, the 103 TDI delivers a pleasing blend of performance and fuel economy.

Fuel consumption, according to the official ADR test cycle, is a low 6.2 litres/100 km, while the Euro 5 compliant engine features a particulate filter to ensure clean burning and low emissions.

It is also one of the better cars in the class for smoothness and quietness. Much of the credit for this can be attributed to the refined suspension that delivers a well insulated, comfortable ride, together with class leading handling.

It is the Tiguan’s strong, all-round ability that keeps it ahead of the pack.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $34,490

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Criteria out of 10 – VW Tiguan 103 TDI

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	1C	Safety	10C	Performance	8M
Depreciation	3M	Environment	7C	Ride	9M
Running Costs	8H	Comfort	9H	Handling	9H
Fuel Consumption	9C	Space	6M	Braking	8H
Warranty	5M	Practicality	7H	Smoothness & quietness	8L
Insurance	3L	Ergonomics	9H
Standard Features	7M	Build and Finish	9H	Off Road Ability	7M

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

Although not topping the tables in any of the three scoring categories, this didn’t prove an obstacle for Kia Sorento to accumulate enough points to be a clear winner for the second year in a row, adding further kudos to one of the most improved automotive manufacturing brands globally.

Modern, powerful and economical drivetrains, high levels of occupant safety, attractive value for money equation, almost best in class warranty and, more recently, ride and handling capability to meet the demands of our unique Australian roads, are among its many attributes.

Sorento takes a bit of a hit in depreciation compared to similar priced vehicles from other makes, but the judges rated build and finish quality well above average so resale might be expected to improve in coming years.

There is seating for seven, although the third row is more suited to children. Adults up front are catered for in comfortable and supportive seats with the driver getting eight-way adjustment including lumbar support. Second row passengers have the option of reclining their backrest for increased comfort and there is more than adequate leg room.

Sorento matches other finalists for space and is only shaded in this category by the Ford Territory. With the third row seats folded flat under the floor when not in use, rear luggage space is ample.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $46,190

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Criteria out of 10 – Kia Sorento SLi

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	8H	Safety	9C	Performance	8M
Depreciation	6M	Environment	6C	Ride	8M
Running Costs	10H	Comfort	9H	Handling	7H
Fuel Consumption	7C	Space	8M	Braking	7H
Warranty	8M	Practicality	8H	Smoothness & quietness	8M
Insurance	6L	Ergonomics	8H
Standard Features	5H	Build and Finish	8H	Off Road Ability	9M

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

This series two Volkswagen Touareg is all new and bristling with technology.

It’s larger than the previous model, with improved occupant and load space thanks to an additional 50mm in the wheelbase. It also boasts class leading body structure yet weighs up to 90kg less.

That additional wheelbase length translates directly into extra legroom. Versatility has also been improved with the introduction of a rear seat that can slide backwards or forwards by 160mm to give additional cabin or boot space, and the rear squab can also be reclined in three stages.

The plush cabin will comfortably seat five adults while drivers get comfort seats with 12-way electric adjustment and electro-pneumatic side bolsters.

Power comes from a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 180 kW and an impressive 550 Nm of torque from around 2000 rpm. BlueMotion technologies, which include faster engine and gearbox warm up, engine stop/start and regenerative braking, and an eight-speed auto result in a significant reduction in fuel consumption (7.4 litres/100 km average) and emissions.

Touareg’s AWD setup, called 4motion, has a Torsen limited slip differential suitable for maximum grades of 31-degrees and a simple to use two-position rotary switch, which tunes ABS, ESC, hill descent and auto shift points for off-road driving.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $77,990

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Criteria out of 10 – VW Touareg V6 TDI

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	8M	Safety	9C	Performance	9H
Depreciation	9H	Environment	7C	Ride	9C
Running Costs	6L	Comfort	9C	Handling	8H
Fuel Consumption	7M	Space	8H	Braking	9H
Warranty	5L	Practicality	8H	Smoothness & quietness	8H
Insurance	6L	Ergonomics	9H
Standard Features	5C	Build and Finish	8C	Off Road Ability	8M

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

Land Rover Discovery 4 is victorious again in the All-Terrain 4WD category in 2011, taking the number of wins for Discovery models to a phenomenal seven in a row.

This was despite a robust challenge from Jeep’s impressive new Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, which outpointed Discovery 4 in the critical objective value-for-money stakes.

But the champion that it is, the Land Rover came back all guns blazing in design and function, and on and off road.

Judges gave the ‘Disco’ 10 out of 10 for off-road engine gearing and traction, and near-perfect nines for safety, comfort, space, ergonomics, performance, ride, smoothness and quietness, and off-road clearance and articulation.

Indeed, so smooth and comfortable is the Discovery 4 that judges had, at times, to remind themselves that they were driving an all-terrain, not luxury, category 4WD.

The SDV6 SE is ‘motor-vated’ by a 3.0-litre, sequential twin-turbo diesel engine pumping out a brutish 600 Nm of torque, some 36 percent better than Discovery 3. Power, at 180 kW, is also up nearly 30 percent.

But these significant boosts have not been to the detriment of fuel economy, which shows an improvement over the previous model and is competitive for class.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $81,990

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Criteria out of 10 – Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	6H	Safety	9C	Performance	9H
Depreciation	6M	Environment	5C	Ride	9M
Running Costs	3L	Comfort	9H	Handling	8M
Fuel Consumption	4H	Space	9C	Braking	8H
Warranty	5M	Practicality	8C	Smoothness & quietness	9C
Insurance	4L	Ergonomics	9M
Standard Features	7H	Build and Finish	8H	Off Road Ability	8M

Off Road	Rating
Engine Gearing and Traction	10C
Clearance and articulation	9C

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.

The Hyundai iMax continues to tick all the right boxes as an affordable, family-friendly people mover.

There is no denying the iMax is a big van with commercial origins, but the massive interior has been put to excellent use, while subtle mechanical refinements transform it from a solid workhorse into affordable family transport that’s ideal for everyday use.

The practical approach starts with large sliding doors on either side providing easier access to the second and third rows than most others. Not only can adults sit in the third row without having their legs cramped or hitting their head every time the vehicle goes over a bump, there is still plenty of luggage space – a rarity in most people movers or SUVs.

The iMax has enough width to fit three child seats across the middle row seat – a major plus for parents, while the cavernous interior makes getting kids in and out much easier than most vehicles. The seats, however, lack the clever folding functions of some people movers, while the interior trimming has a durable, rather than opulent, appearance.

Complementing its strong design and function, iMax also does well in the value-for-money stakes with affordable pricing, low servicing costs and a reassuring five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $42,490

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Criteria out of 10 – Hyundai iMax

Value for Money	Rating	Design and Function	Rating	On the Road	Rating
Pricing	7C	Safety	9C	Performance	7M
Depreciation	7M	Environment	5C	Ride	8H
Running Costs	9H	Comfort	9C	Handling	6M
Fuel Consumption	3H	Space	10C	Braking	7H
Warranty	8M	Practicality	8C	Smoothness & quietness	7L
Insurance	6L	Ergonomics	9C
Standard Features	3H	Build and Finish	7M

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.