RAC has announced the best new cars on the Australian market for 2019, as determined by the prestigious Australia's Best Cars program.
A panel of judges from motoring clubs across the country crowned winners in 13 categories based on criteria covering safety, affordability, design and function.
RAC Manager Vehicles and Fuels, and Australia’s Best Cars judge, Alex Forrest said the awards program was the most transparent and thorough new car assessment in Australia.
“The Australia's Best Cars program is completely independent, making it a trustworthy guide to help new car buyers make the best decision for their needs and budget,” Mr Forrest said.
“Using a comprehensive scoring system, we spent 12 months assessing 180 new cars, testing them for local conditions in the ways we know Australians use their vehicles every day.
Australia’s Best Cars 2019 – Category Winners
|
Category |
Winner |
|
Light Category |
Kia Picanto S |
|
Small Under $35,000 |
Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport |
|
Small Over $35,000 |
Mercedes-Benz A 250 4matic |
|
Medium Under $65,000 |
Toyota Camry Ascent Sport Hybrid |
|
Mid-Size Prestige Over $65,000 |
BMW 3 Series 330i |
|
Family Wagon |
Mazda CX-8 Sport |
|
Sports Under $62,000 |
Hyundai i30 N Performance |
|
Sports $62,000 - $125,000 |
Toyota Supra GTS |
|
Small SUV Under $40,000 |
Kia Seltos Sport FWD |
|
AWD SUV Under $55,000 |
Toyota RAV4 GXL AWD Hybrid |
|
AWD SUV $55,000 - $70,000 |
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander |
|
AWD SUV $70,000 - $125,000 |
Volkswagen Touareg Launch Edition |
|
4x4 Dual Cab Utes SUV $70,000 - $125,000 |
Toyota Hilux SR5 |
“Toyota featured strongly this year, winning five out of 13 categories, with the popular Corolla taking out the Best Small Car under $35,000.
“For the first time, electric cars were included as finalists, demonstrating their increasing viability on Australian roads.
“By highlighting the best of the best, we challenge manufacturers to improve their cars every year, which means the winning cars are not only packed with the latest features, but are often more affordable and, most importantly, safer.
“We saw some really positive trends this year, with more cars featuring life-saving safety technology such as autonomous emergency braking.”
“Cars are among the most expensive and technically complex items we own, which is why choosing the right one is so important, and why Australia’s Best Cars can help people make the safest, most affordable choice when it comes to buying a new car.”
RAC encourages new car buyers to check the ANCAP rating of any vehicle they’re considering and to always aim for the maximum 5-star safety rating.
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Media contact: Mikayla Wearne 0401 703 719
