There was such a turnover in winners in 2005, it demonstrated that the Australian auto market is in good health. In fact, where annual sales for 2005 topped one million nationally for the first time. It also highlighted the number, quality and choice of vehicles now available to Australian new car buyers, which is considerably huge.
All new passenger vehicles were eligible for the awards, provided they were not limited edition models, were available for testing by ABC judges and were on sale by the October 17 cut-off date. Cars that meet the criteria but go on-sale after the cut-off date, are eligible for next year’s Awards.
The specific models assessed were those nominated by the manufacturer as being the volume sellers of the range, thus some of the models tested in 2005 differed to last year’s models.
Some of this year’s decisions are likely to create more debate than ever before. The first front-drive winner, for example, is in a class where it would be least expected to conquer, and the established stars in other high profi le categories were also displaced by vehicles that successfully combined innovation, technical superiority and value for money. When it came to tallying the scores, some results surprised even the judges.
The ABC Awards culminates in a week-long showdown, where senior judges from each club put the finalists (40 in total) through their paces over a variety of terrain and road surfaces and then calculate the scores. The 12 ABC vehicle categories reflect the major car-buying segments. Usually, the top three from each of the categories make it through, but in some categories this year, it was too close so there was a fourth contender.
Testing was held in southern Victoria, at the Australian Automotive Research Centre at Anglesea near Torquay.
Consumer focus is the cornerstone of the ABC Awards, so in addition to the car’s on-road ability, the Awards examine ownership issues such as servicing, insurance and warranty. Also, both petrol and diesel variants of eligible models were considered and evaluated individually for the fi rst time, creating some interesting results.
In addition, the judges look at other measurable criteria such as standard features, interior space, acceleration and braking, saftey and security features, interior noice leves, pricing, depreciation, running and repair costs, and fuel consumption.
This year, modifications were made to some of the subjective scoring criteria to refl ect advances in practical features and safety and security technology. For instance, in addition to ANCAP safety scores, active safety features such as electronic stability controls were recognised more favourably, which particularly assisted the scores of a number of four-wheel drives, a category that benefits more significantly from such features.
Rear seat lap/sash seat belts, full-sized spare wheels and sensibly placed child restraint anchorages also helped the ‘Practicality’ scores of vehicles in several categories which were otherwise out of main contention.
Again, the only ABC criterion where half points are awarded is the ‘Environment’ score – introduced last year – which uses the ‘star’ ratings provided by the Federal Government’s Green Vehicle Guide (www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au). The ratings were derived from a combination of air pollution and fuel consumption scores.
Each vehicle received a score ranging from five (well above average) to one (well below average) in each of 19 set criteria, except recreational and luxury 4WDs, which were judged under 20 set criteria, and all-terrain 4WDs, which were judged under 21 set criteria. The criteria came under three broad headings, which were:
1. Value for money
2. Design and function
3. On the road
Recreational and luxury 4WDs are also assessed for off-road ability, while all-terrain 4WDs are rated under two extra off-road criteria.
Weightings are based on research and feedback from car-buying consumers, emphasising the things they say are important for each category of vehicle.
Scores under each criterion are weighted either low (0.2), medium (0.4), high (0.8) or critical (1.0),
according to the category. For example, pricing is seen as critical in Small Cars but only medium in Luxury Cars over $57,000. These weightings are then applied to each vehicle’s ‘raw’ score to determine its overall score.
Note: Ratings of cars in the individual areas of assessment are comparable within a category, but not between categories.
Also, the former Family Car category has been renamed ‘Large Car’ to reflect the fact that some mid-sized cars are now suitable for family transport while offering similar space and features as the larger cars.
For full details of how each vehicle scored, visit www.australiasbestcars.com.au. Or if you would like a printed copy of the results, you can call NRMA Motoring & Services’ Technical Advice on 1300 655 443.
| Best Small Car | Best Mid-Size Car under $28,000 | Best Mid Size Car over $28,000 |
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| Hyundai Getz 1.6-litre, five-speed manual Three-door hatchback $14,490 More information |
Ford Focus CL 2.0-litre, five-speed manual Five-door hatchback Four-door sedan $20,990 More information NRMA drive impression |
Honda Accord Euro 2.4-litre, five-speed auto Four-door sedan $35,500 More information NRMA car review |
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Best Large Car* |
Best People Mover | Best Sports Car under $57,000 |
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| Mitsubishi 380 3.8-litre, five-speed auto Four-door sedan $35,990 More information |
Honda Odyssey Luxury 2.4-litre, five-speed auto Five-door wagon $45,290 More information |
Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0-litre turbo, six-speed manual Five-door hatch $39,990 More information NRMA drive impression |
| Best Sports Car over $57,000 | Best Luxury Car under $57,000 | Best Luxury Car over $57,000 |
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| Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Coupe Elegance 3.5-litre, seven-speed auto coupe $118,600 More information |
Subaru Liberty 3.0R 3.0-litre, five-speed auto Sedan $50,990 More information NRMA car review |
Audi A6 3.0 TDi quattro 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, six-speed auto Four-door sedan $97,900 More information |
| Best Recreational 4WD | Best Luxury 4WD | Best All-terrain 4WD |
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| Ford SX Territory Ghia AWD 4.0-litre, four-speed auto, Five-door wagon $53,950 More information |
Lexus RX330 Sports 3.3-litre, fi ve-speed auto, Five-door wagon $73,200 More information |
Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 SE 2.7-litre turbo-diesel, six-speed auto Five-door wagondoor hatch $73,650 More information |
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