AUSTRALIA’S BEST CARS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

December 2nd, 2009

The Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Outback have won two of the most popular categories in the 2009 Australia’s Best Cars awards, presented at a gala industry dinner in Melbourne last night – the 10th year the consumer-oriented awards have been presented.

The Golf 118 TSI Comfortline won the award for Best Mid Size Car over $30,000, while the Outback 2.5i picked up the popular Best Recreational 4WD in Australia’s Best Cars, an independent awards program judged by the RAA and interstate motoring clubs.

Another notable highlight included the improved quality of small cars, with the Ford Fiesta LX winning the Best Small Car and Hyundai continuing its emphasis on safety across its range with the i30 SX again picking up Best Mid Size car under $30,000.

Australia’s Best Cars is the most thorough, independent awards program in the country assessing more than 280 vehicles across 12 categories, with 36 finalists shortlisted before the winning vehicles in each category are decided.

In the Prestige Car categories, Audi continued its Best Cars’ success of last year to win the Best Luxury Sports Car, Best Luxury Car and Best Luxury 4WD, while the BMW 135i Coupe won the Best Sports Car award.

The Land Rover Discovery 4SE TDV6 became the most successful winner in Best Cars’ history, picking up its fifth consecutive award in the Best All Terrain 4WD category.

Australia’s Best Cars Judge and AANT Technical Manager, Mark Borlace, congratulated the winning manufacturers and all finalists, who were assessed against three important criteria for consumers – value for money, design and on-road performance.

“Each year we are seeing safer, better produced and more affordable vehicles on the Australian market and as a result the quality of cars being assessed continues to improve,” Mr Borlace said.

“People want good, reliable information when choosing a new vehicle, and Australia’s Best Cars is an awards program where every score on every vehicle is made available to help buyers make informed purchasing decisions.”

“It is pleasing to see manufacturers focussing on improved features and amenities in vehicles, including an emphasis on safety.”

Australia’s Best Cars winners and all other vehicles assessed can be viewed at www.australiasbestcars.com.au or by purchasing the Australia’s Best Cars magazine at newsagents and motoring club outlets.

A detailed list of the winners can also be found in the December edition of ntmotor.

Australia's Best Cars Winners 2009

Best Small Car Ford Fiesta LX Best Mid Size Car under $30,000 Hyundai i30 SX diesel Best Mid Size Car over $30,000 Volkswagen Golf 118 Tsi Comfortline Best Large Car Toyota Aurion AT-X Best People Mover Hyundai iMax diesel Best Sports Car BMW 135i Coupe

Best Luxury Sports Car Audi TTS TFSI Quattro Best Prestige Car Subaru Liberty 3.6R Premium Best Luxury Car Audi A6 TFSI Best Recreational 4WD Subaru Outback 2.5i Best Luxury 4WD Audi Q5 3.0 TDI Best All Terrain 4WD Land Rover Discovery 4 SE TDV6