Proof that new cars are getting very good lies in the fact that the Autobest jury has listed seven finalists (the most nominated ever) for its prestigious 'Best Buy Car of Europe 2021' award.
They are, in alphabetical order, the new Citroen C4, Dacia Sandero, Honda Jazz, Peugeot 2008, SEAT Leon, Skoda Octavia and Toyota Yaris. The 31-strong jury, which includes CompleteCar.ie Road Test Editor, Dave Humphreys, will assess all the finalists together in November before announcing the winner in mid-December.
"In Europe and around the world we are living in exceptional times, facing one of the biggest public health crises of this century. We see how much it has affected the car industry in Europe. As motoring media, we are also very badly affected, and we see so many people facing extreme difficulties. But despite all this, we decided to remain faithful to our tradition and to announce the finalists as we did every year in the last 20 years. The record number of seven is a direct result of the great news coming from the industry, brilliant new models deserving the presence in the Final," said Dan Vardie, Founder and Chairman of Autobest.
Final Autobest Test scheduled for November
The final group test of all seven finalists will take place at the Fahrtechnik proving grounds in Teesdorf, Austria, on the 4th and 5th of November. Along with back-to-back testing on public roads, all cars will be accessed in more dynamic aspects on the circuit. But it's not merely about how the cars handle and perform that determines the winner, how and where each version is priced in its local market and the value it represents to the consumer is of equal importance.
"The Fahrtechnik proving grounds by Austrian Automobile Club (OEAMTC) gained international recognition for vehicle testing as well as driver education in many areas. As the centre in Teesdorf is close to Vienna Airport, Autobest is delighted having established a cooperation with OEAMTC to stage its Final Test in this perfect environment," stated Dr Gerhard Kuntschik, Vice-President of the Autobest Jury.
Want to know more about the finalists? Here are links to our review: