Volkswagen Golf scores again

Less than a week after the affordable compact hatch scooped the major prize in the Carsguide Car of the Year contest the Golf has also taken a first place with Australia's motoring organisations.

The Golf 118 TSI was named best mid-size car over $30,000. It was one of a total of 12 vehicles to share Best Car honours this year out of a lineup of more than 280 vehicles.

Best Cars chief judge, the RACV's Ernest Litera, said the Golf represented a shift in buyer attitudes to premium small cars. "The market is shifting from large cars to quality small cars," he said. "And the Golf has that exceptional balance of performance, safety and quality."

The Subaru Outback picked up the popular best recreational four-wheel drive category. "Subarus have always had high levels of safety and security with their all-wheel drive," Litera said.

Litera said the awards were designed to help buyers make informed buying decisions. "The judges had a tough job this year - there are a lot of good cars on Australian roads," he said.

Judges also noted the improved quality and safety of small cars, with Ford's Fiesta LX winning the best small car category and Hyundai;s i30 SX again grabbing best mid-size car under $30,000.

Australia Automobile Association chief executive, Mike Harris, said the winners were assessed on three key criteria - value for money, design and on-road performance.

"Each year we are seeing better produced, safer and more affordable vehicles on the market," he said.

Best Small Car
Ford Fiesta LX
Best Mid-size Car under $30,000
Hyundai i30 SX diesel
Best mid-size car over $30,000
Volkswagen Golf 118 TSi Comfortline
Best large car
Toyota Aurion AT-X
Best people mover
Hyundai iMax diesel
Best sportscar
BMW 135i Coupe
Best luxury sportscar
Audi TT-S TFSI quattro
Best prestige car
Subaru Liberty 3.6R Premium
Best luxury car
Audi A6 TFSi
Best recreational 4WD
Subaru Outback 2.5i
Best luxury 4WD
Audi Q5 3.0 TDI
Best All Terrain 4WD
Land Rover Discovery 4 SE TDV6