What Artificial Intelligence thinks we should be driving

What if we could take every review we’ve ever written at carsales, feed it into artificial intelligence, and ask it to design the ultimate car?

That’s exactly what we did. Thousands of reviews, buyer guides and awards were crunched by AI, which sifted through all the praise, gripes and verdicts to uncover the common themes. The mission was simple: work out what really matters to Australians when buying a new car and imagine the ‘perfect car’ built from the ground up.

Spoiler alert: it’s not some futuristic hypercar with wings.

The same traits come up repeatedly in our reviews. Safety tops the list – a five-star ANCAP score is non-negotiable, and features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control have gone from being nice add-ons to essentials.

Technology is another area where expectations have shifted. Once a luxury, reversing cameras, big infotainment screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and semi-autonomous driving aids are now just part of the deal.

Aussies also put a premium on comfort. Supportive seats, multi-zone climate control and suspension that smooths out patchy roads can make or break the ownership experience. Refinement is just as important, with potential buyers wanting a hushed cabin that feels a step above.

Then there’s driving enjoyment. Cars that handle confidently and steer precisely always score points, especially when they balance that with everyday comfort.

Of course, none of this matters if the numbers don’t stack up. Value for money including fuel or charging costs, servicing and resale matters just as much as the purchase price. Practicality is another big one with space for the family, clever seat-folding tricks, towing ability and a decent boot all part of the package.

Efficiency is now front of mind, too, whether that’s from hybrids, plug-in hybrids or full EVs. Reliability and after-sales service still matter just as much as ever, and style hasn’t lost its shine either. At the end of the day, Australians want a car that makes them smile when they walk up to it.

Put all of that together and you start to see the outline of an Aussie dream machine.

So, what does the perfect car look like?

According to AI, it’s a mid-size SUV. Big enough for families, flexible enough for weekends away, and with the option of seven seats for those who need them. It would sit high off the ground, come with all-wheel drive and have suspension tuned specifically for Australian roads.

Under the skin, it would be either a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric vehicle with a range of around 500–600km. Dual-motor all-wheel drive would provide both performance and capability, while regenerative braking keeps efficiency in check. It would be quiet, smooth and strong from a standstill.

Naturally, it would be loaded with safety tech: adaptive cruise with stop-start, rear cross-traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring, airbags everywhere and, of course, a five-star ANCAP score.

Inside, the cabin would be hushed and comfortable. Adaptive suspension, plush seats with heating and cooling, a roomy second row and an optional third row would be joined by premium-feel materials that aren’t too precious.

Tech would be front and centre. A large infotainment screen with wireless smartphone mirroring, over-the-air updates, a great sound system and plenty of USB-C ports would sit alongside a head-up display, semi-autonomous driving modes and a digital cluster that’s simple to use.

On the road, steering would be light but direct, with selectable drive modes allowing owners to choose between Eco, Sport and Off-road. The boot would be big enough for a family holiday, the seats would fold flat, and it would come with roof rails, towing ability, underbody protection and importantly for Australia – a full-size spare tyre.

And what about the design? Picture sleek SUV lines with coupe-like flow but without the usual compromises on space. Muscular wheel arches, flush door handles and a sharp LED light bar would define the exterior, while inside you’d find a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and neatly stitched upholstery.

If you’re trying to picture this perfect car, think of something that blends the best of a Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Santa Fe, but with a hint of European flair.

Here’s the funny thing, elements of the perfect car are already out there. Some brands excel at safety, others at efficiency, and a few at comfort and refinement. No single brand has nailed it all, but what AI has imagined from all the pros and cons of our years of reviews is not some far-off science fiction fantasy.

Would you drive it? We reckon most Aussies would, and by looking at it, they already do. And if any carmaker is looking for inspiration, the blueprint is right here.

AI ‘perfect car’ at a glance:
Price: From $65,000 (est.)
Available: Concept only (not in production)
Powertrain: Dual-motor AWD, offered as PHEV or full EV
Output: 180kW (hybrid)/300kW, 600Nm (EV)
Transmission: Single-speed (EV)/e-CVT (PHEV)
Battery: 90kWh lithium-ion (EV)/20kWh + petrol engine (PHEV)
Range: 500–600km (EV)/80km EV-only + 1000km combined (PHEV)
Energy use: 18kWh/100km (EV)
Fuel: 91 RON petrol (PHEV)
CO2: 0g/km (EV)/40g/km combined (PHEV)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP (projected)

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