Testing of 77 vehicles completed for Motor Awards

Media Release: 13 February 2006

Comprehensive testing of 77 vehicles completed for Motoring Awards

The AA has completed the testing of 77 vehicles entered into the 2006 AA Motoring Excellence Awards.

The testing took place at the Taupo Raceway over five days last week, with seven judges spending approximately 253 hours assessing the vehicles, and driving a total of 11,000kms.

Stella Stocks, General Manager of AA Technical Services, says the judging was the most comprehensive undertaken in New Zealand for any car awards.

“All cars were judged on design, performance, dynamics, practicality and value. This year we also introduced a new electronic interactive scoring system to enable the judges to record their assessments of the cars.”

“The testing schedule included a comparison of features of each vehicle within its nominated class with specific tests for loadspace, access for carseats, driver/passenger comfort, accessories, ease of use of control panels, ease of parking. We also drove all vehicles around a short designated road route, and used the Taupo Raceway for handling tests, including cone tests to assess vehicle safety, handling and stability,” says Ms Stocks.

Special onsite security was required during the five days of testing as the total value of the 77 cars being tested was worth over $4 million. The most expensive car was the Audi A6 3 Litre Quattro Tdi valued at $155,470, followed by the Porsche Cayman S valued at $155,000. The most affordable car was the Holden Barina 3 door valued at $16,990.

The AA Motoring Excellence Awards aim to identify and reward excellence amongst new vehicles and in areas of concern to motorists.

The 2006 Award categories are: Environment, Safety, Motoring Journalism, Luxury Vehicle, Executive Vehicle, Medium / Large Car, Crossover Vehicle, Performance Car, Medium 4 Cylinder Car, Compact Car, Small Car, and Customer Satisfaction. Award winners will be announced at a prestigious black tie dinner at the Auckland Sky City Convention Centre on Friday 3 March.

ENDS

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