Every year, the top automotive journalists get together for 4 days to evaluate new cars. The drive about 180 different models in an attempt to select the best new vehicles in various categories as well as an overall Car of the Year and Utility Vehicle of the Year.

>In order to vote, the more than 70 journalists had to be on-site and drive the vehicles back-to-back on the same roads, on the same day, in the same weather conditions so as to ensure valid comparisons. Each vehicle is carefully scrutinized using seventeen evaluation parameters that include driver position and ergonomics, engine smoothness, steering, handling, visibility as well as exterior and interior styling.

>Objective ratings for acceleration, braking, cargo capacity, safety features, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are then added to the journalists ballots by the international accounting firm KPMG prior to their vote tabulation. The scores are then weighted by the type of vehicle as well as a price factor in order to ensure a level playing field for all fifty-nine entries.

MINI was named tops in the Sport/Performance under $50K category! Other cars in the running were the Dodge Caliber SRT4, Honda Accord EX-L V6 6MT Coupe, Nissan Altima Coupe, Subaru WRX, and the Volvo C30.

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DECLARE “Best New” VEHICLES FOR 2008 – PDF ] Ajac.ca