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NEWS
Finalists named for Australia's Best Cars
Motoring associations from around the country have compiled a list of 45 cars for considerationThe selection process for Australia's Best Cars of 2012 is down to the wire. 45 cars have been short-listed for the final judging by the 11 engineers and vehicle testers taking part. The finalists comprise three vehicles for each of the 15 market categories and have been selected after an exhaustive five-day evaluation program at the Australian Automotive Research Centre.
Australia's Best Cars has been providing helpful consumer advice for new-car buyers over many years, and is backed by the motoring clubs of Australia. This year's field of cars has been winnowed down from 300 early prospects and the finalists range in price from below $20,000 to more than $150,000.
"These are the best cars in their category based on performance, value for money and safety," said Australian Automobile Association executive director Andrew McKellar. "With so many choices in the market buying a new car can be difficult, but these awards offer independent and professional advice to motorists."
Chief judge Mark Borlace placed the demands of the testing in context – also outlining what the final decisions mean to the consumer.
"Consumers are really spoilt for choice in the new car market: with more than 50 vehicles in the small car segment and some 80 vehicles in the SUV category it can be daunting," Mr Borlace was quoted saying in a press release. "Car buyers will still be influenced by how they feel about the car but these awards hopefully make the process easier."
The finalists in each category are as follows, with the winners to be announced in November.
Best Light Car under $20,000
Hyundai Accent Active
Kia Rio Si
Volkswagen Polo 77 TSI Comfortline
Best Light Car over $20,000
Ford Fiesta LX (diesel)
Peugeot 208 Allure
Volkswagen Polo 66 TDI Comfortline
Best Small Car under $35,000
Hyundai Elantra Active
Hyundai i30 Active
Volkswagen Golf 90 TSI Trendline
Best Small Car over $35,000
Audi A3 TDI Attraction
BMW 116i
Ford Focus Titanium TDCi
Best Medium Car under $50,000
Kia Optima Si
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Volkswagen Jetta 118 TSI Comfortline
Best Medium Car over $50,000
BMW 320i
Mercedes-Benz C250 CDI Avantgarde
Volkswagen CC 125 TDI
Best Large Car Under $60,000
Ford FG Falcon G6 EcoBoost
Peugeot 508 Allure HDi
Toyota Aurion AT-X
Best Large Car Over $60,000
Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro
BMW 520i
Lexus GS 350 F Sport
Best People Mover
Hyundai iMAX (diesel)
Subaru Liberty Exiga 2.5i
Toyota Prius v
Best Sports Car under $80,000
BMW M135i
Volkswagen Polo GTI
Volkswagen Scirocco R
Best Sports Car over $80,000
Audi RS5 FSI Quattro
BMW M3 Coupe
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe
Best SUV under $40,000
Kia Sportage 2.4 SLi
Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport 2WD
Volkswagen Tiguan 103TDI
Best SUV over $40,000
Hyundai Santa Fe Elite (diesel)
Kia Sorento Platinum (diesel)
Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring (diesel)
Best Luxury SUV over $60,000
BMW X5 xDrive 30d
Range Rover Sport SDV6
Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI
Best All Terrain 4WD
Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo CRD
LandRover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE
Toyota Prado GXL (diesel)
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