Australia's Best Cars shortlist announced

One of the 47 per cent of finalists to not be powered solely by a petrol engine, Ford’s EcoLPi Falcon is hotly favoured as the potential winner of the Australian Automobile Association’s (AAA) best car award.

If it wins, Falcon EcoLPi will be the first LPG-powered car to take out the prestigious award.

The Ford is not, however, without competition as a strong field of alternative powered vehicles vies for the top prize. Twenty-one of the 45 finalists are diesel powered, one is fuelled by LPG and one is a petrol/electric hybrid. In all, 19 manufacturers from eight countries make up the shortlist, with over 300 vehicles initially considered.

Finalists in the Best Large Car under $60,000 category comprise a 2.0-litre diesel Peugeot, a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol Skoda and the 4.0-litre six-cylinder LPG Falcon, while the Best Medium Car over $50,000 segment will be fought out exclusively by diesel-powered cars from Germany.

"It is clear there is more variety than ever in the marketplace," said AAA Executive Director, Andrew McKellar. "The list of finalists reinforces that there is no longer any specific formula for certain types of cars.

"Even the traditional petrol-powered vehicles vary greatly in their approach - from small capacity, low-boost turbocharged engines to a 6.2-litre V8.

"We even have a 1.4-litre twin-charged VW hatchback going up against a twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder BMW coupe in the Best Sports Car Under $80,000 segment."

Australia's Best Cars winners will be announced on November 29.

2011 Australia's Best Car shortlist:

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