Australia's Best Car Awards 2013

Motoring clubs around Australia have announced the 45 finalists for Australia’s Best Car awards.

This is following extensive assessment of 210 different models in 15 categories, including a new 4x4 dual cab ute category.  The category finalists were priced ranged from under $20,000 (Ford Fiesta) to more than $130,000 (Lexus GS 450h) and use various powertrains, including petrol, diesel and hybrid energy.

"Australia's Best Cars is an annual initiative of the motoring clubs of Australia and it serves as a valuable information tool for consumers looking to purchase a new vehicle," Australian Automobile Association Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.  

"The finalists are the very best cars in their respective categories based on safety, value for money and performance," McKellar said.

"Purchasing a new car is a major and difficult decision, and our rigorous testing process allows the motoring clubs to offer independent and thorough information to consumers on all of the 210 models assessed.

"Australian motorists have a wide range of choice in the new car market. With more than 100 vehicles in the ultra-competitive light/small car segments and 53 vehicles in the SUV categories, making an informed decision can be intimidating," Australia's Best Cars chief judge Mark Borlace said.

The finalists were decided after a yearlong assessment process that included five days of intensive evaluation of the finalists, performed by 12 judges from motoring clubs across Australia.  All the judges have acknowledged skills in automotive engineering, vehicle testing and motoring advocacy, at the Australian Automotive Research Centre in Victoria. 

The winners will be announced in November at a national event in Melbourne and the results will be available by motoring clubs and the Australia’s Best Cars website.