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Comfort (15%)
Seats: The journalist evaluates seat comfort and support (side and back), both in normal and sporty driving conditions. Seat trim is a key element, as is rear-seat comfort. A distinction might be made for short-distance and long-distance drives.
Driving position: Finding a good driving position depends on a number of factors, ranging from the available adjustments to the configuration of the car itself. Is the process quick and easy or long and effortful?
Suspension/ride: Any suspension must reflect the character of the car it's fitted to. A sports car will have a firmer ride, obviously. The journalist wants to see how effective the suspension is at soaking up bumps and potholes while delivering a solid, precise feel. Weight transfers and body roll can't be overlooked, regardless of the type of road, especially during avoidance maneuvers and sudden stops. Suspension travel and rebound should also be assessed and reported.
Noise level: At idle, at cruising speed or under acceleration, the noise level inside the car may affect passenger comfort. If the engine is too loud or if tire noise is exaggerated, the driving experience will suffer. Are there creaking, squealing noises? And what about the wind?
Performance (15%)
Acceleration: We're talking about accelerations both off the line (usually 0-100 km/h) and for passing maneuvers (80-120 km/h). The feeling on takeoff can also be put into words or at least rated.
Engine output: Is the engine up to the task it was intended for (quickness, power, towing capacity, etc)? The journalist analyzes the powerband and delivery as well as the torque curve (the available torque at every engine speed).
Transmission: Whether it's a manual or automatic, the transmission is evaluated in terms of upshifts and downshifts. Gear ratios that are too short or too long will make the car lose a few points. The grip and throws of the shifter must also be taken into account. With an automatic transmission, the idea is to see how quick the unit reacts to driving conditions and how effective and pleasant the available manual mode is.
Fuel consumption: Another objective measure, calculated in liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) and compared with the ratings of similar models.
Driving dynamics (15%)
Steering: First, the journalist evaluates the feedback from the road to the driver through the steering wheel. Additionally, he or she gauges the level of assist at various speeds as well as the ability to react quickly to the driver's inputs during sharp maneuvers.
Handling: Handling is the ability of a car to deliver a surefooted ride by gripping the road, maintaining the driver's intended path and remaining stable/level at all times. Is the vehicle sharp and precise in corners? Are accelerations linear? How does the cargo affect handling?
Braking: An objective way of measuring braking performance is to calculate the distance a vehicle takes to stop from 100 to 0 km/h, for instance. Pedal feel is important, not to mention the car's behavior during emergency braking maneuvers (how much nosedive is there?).
Maneuverability: Here, the journalist is interested in the turning radius, the steering response at low and high speeds as well as the ability to maneuver around obstacles and in tight spaces, like parking lots.
Comfort (15%)
Seats: The journalist evaluates seat comfort and support (side and back), both in normal and sporty driving conditions. Seat trim is a key element, as is rear-seat comfort. A distinction might be made for short-distance and long-distance drives.
Driving position: Finding a good driving position depends on a number of factors, ranging from the available adjustments to the configuration of the car itself. Is the process quick and easy or long and effortful?
Suspension/ride: Any suspension must reflect the character of the car it's fitted to. A sports car will have a firmer ride, obviously. The journalist wants to see how effective the suspension is at soaking up bumps and potholes while delivering a solid, precise feel. Weight transfers and body roll can't be overlooked, regardless of the type of road, especially during avoidance maneuvers and sudden stops. Suspension travel and rebound should also be assessed and reported.
Noise level: At idle, at cruising speed or under acceleration, the noise level inside the car may affect passenger comfort. If the engine is too loud or if tire noise is exaggerated, the driving experience will suffer. Are there creaking, squealing noises? And what about the wind?
Performance (15%)
Acceleration: We're talking about accelerations both off the line (usually 0-100 km/h) and for passing maneuvers (80-120 km/h). The feeling on takeoff can also be put into words or at least rated.
Engine output: Is the engine up to the task it was intended for (quickness, power, towing capacity, etc)? The journalist analyzes the powerband and delivery as well as the torque curve (the available torque at every engine speed).
Transmission: Whether it's a manual or automatic, the transmission is evaluated in terms of upshifts and downshifts. Gear ratios that are too short or too long will make the car lose a few points. The grip and throws of the shifter must also be taken into account. With an automatic transmission, the idea is to see how quick the unit reacts to driving conditions and how effective and pleasant the available manual mode is.
Fuel consumption: Another objective measure, calculated in liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) and compared with the ratings of similar models.
Driving dynamics (15%)
Steering: First, the journalist evaluates the feedback from the road to the driver through the steering wheel. Additionally, he or she gauges the level of assist at various speeds as well as the ability to react quickly to the driver's inputs during sharp maneuvers.
Handling: Handling is the ability of a car to deliver a surefooted ride by gripping the road, maintaining the driver's intended path and remaining stable/level at all times. Is the vehicle sharp and precise in corners? Are accelerations linear? How does the cargo affect handling?
Braking: An objective way of measuring braking performance is to calculate the distance a vehicle takes to stop from 100 to 0 km/h, for instance. Pedal feel is important, not to mention the car's behavior during emergency braking maneuvers (how much nosedive is there?).
Maneuverability: Here, the journalist is interested in the turning radius, the steering response at low and high speeds as well as the ability to maneuver around obstacles and in tight spaces, like parking lots.