2014 Drive Car of the Year – Overall winner

A field of 42 cars came down to a battle between two vehicles that raise the bar - but only one car triumph.

December 12 2014

Stephen Ottley

Drive Car of the Year: Overall Winner

With 42 cars and over 20,000kms in testing judges whittled down the contenders to one winner. Andrew Maclean reports.

- Read all the Drive Car of the Year category reviews here

In 2013 the Australian automotive landscape was dominated by the sad confirmation of the closure of the local manufacturing industry.

But, as the old saying goes, after the rain has past the sun will shine again and in 2014 Australian new car buyers have been spoiled for choice.

Overall honours for the Drive Car of the Year title came down to four cars from Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and Mazda. Photo: Mark Bean

There was been a glut of high quality new models on the market this year and our annual Drive Car of the Year awards is proof of that.

Amongst our 13 categories only four carryover champions retained their crowns as a new breed of machines impressed the judges.

But two in particular stood out, and for almost opposite reasons.

The Mercedes-Benz C200 was unquestionably a favourite going into the testing process thanks to its blend of cutting edge style, technology, handling, safety, efficiency and value. In fact, there weren't too many weak points in the C200's arsenal.

Despite competing in one of the most competitive segments in the marketplace – against the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Lexus IS – the new C200 raises the bar in every respect.

Starting at $60,900 (plus on-road costs) the C200 is loaded with all the usual gear (reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, keyless ignition, Bluetooth, digital radio, artificial leather trim and 18-inch alloy wheels) you expect in a luxury car.

But Mercedes didn't stop there, adding nine airbags, blindspot warning, automated parking and autonomous emergency braking as standard equipment to set new benchmarks in both the safety and value.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque, channelled to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The combination is capable of propelling the C200 from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds but also capable of using just 6.0-litres per 100km of premium unleaded.

So well equipped and capable is the C200 one judge questioned why you'd bother spending any more money on the C250.

But the C200 didn't win unanimously. It faced stiff competition from an unlikely rival – the Tesla Model S P85+.

The American sedan made history by becoming the first fully electric car to be a Drive Car of the Year finalist and then promptly took a unanimous victory in the Luxury Car Over $80,000 category.

The Model S impressed the judges on many fronts. The 285kW/600Nm electric motor is enough to launch the five-seater from 0-100km/h in 4.4seconds (the second fastest time of any of the 42 finalists). The batteries are capable of a theoretical range of 502km, and a realistic range of more than 400km. The steering is well sorted, the brakes bite hard and the ride is comfortable and controlled. The interior blends luxury and technology unlike any other car on the market.

But what really impressed the judges was the way all these strengths came together to form one harmonious car.

Here is an electric car that doesn't work well for 'an electric car' but rather works well for any car, international combustion, electricity or otherwise.

"This makes every other EV look at least a generation behind," was how one judge summed it up.

There was intense debate amongst the judges about these final two, because the Tesla is a revolutionary step forward not just in its class but for the whole industry.

But while all the judges agreed it is a brilliant car and would have made a worthy overall champion there are some major question marks hanging over its near-term future.

The biggest of course being recharging infrastructure. Because while you can jump in the C200 anytime and drive from Sydney to Melbourne in a day, the same cannot be said for the Model S.

As impressive as its range is, and practical enough for most peoples' daily needs, ultimately the majority of judges felt that the lack of automotive freedom could hold the car back in some circumstances.

Tesla, however, has announced plans to try and solve this problem by rolling out a network of public 'superchargers' – fast recharge stations – at various locations along the Australian eastern seaboard. When finished it will allow Tesla owners to recharge for free and make long distance travel a viable option. But those plans will take at least two years from fruition and will still exclude large parts of the country so can't be factored into the judging process.

Ultimately the majority of judges felt that while the C200 isn't a revolution like the Tesla, it represents a significant leap forward for its category. It is a car that is not only brilliant to drive and own but will also force its competitors to improve their rival offerings.

But the Mercedes and Tesla weren't the only finalists - with so many new winners there were plenty of strong contenders to choose from.

The judges voted on all nine new winners and narrowed the list to the final four with the Mazda2 Maxx and Mazda3 Maxx capping the Japanese brand's strong year (five category wins).

The Volkswagen Golf R also earned two votes to be a final contender but that wasn't enough to better the Mazda pair.

While neither Mazda won the overall award both were strong contenders. The Mazda2 impressed with its strong driving dynamics, value and styling while the Mazda3 won the judges over with its strong on-road manners, efficient engine and well presented interior.

Ultimately though the judges felt neither car represented the same leap forward that the Mercedes and Tesla did, relegating them to third and fourth positions.

So after the dark days of the past year, Drive Car of the Year 2014 proves that the best could be ahead for the Australian car market.

Finalists

Mercedes-Benz C200

Tesla Model S P85+

Mazda2 Maxx

Mazda3 Maxx

The Winners

City Car – Mazda2 Maxx

Mazda's all new city car beat a strong field that included the new Volkswagen Polo and Honda Jazz as well as the carryover champion, the Mitsubishi Mirage.

The Mazda2 took the honours after impressing the judges with its blend of style and substance. The sharp looks (inside and out) of the new 2 were backed up by strong driving dynamics and a punchy, yet frugal petrol engine.

Small Car – Mazda3 Maxx

The Mazda3 may be in a neck-and-neck battle with the Toyota Corolla for the title of Australia's favourite new car but there is no doubt in the Drive judges' minds which is the better machine.

It not only bested the Corolla sedan in this contest but knocked the defending champion Ford Focus Trend off its perch. But it was the Skoda Rapid that surprised, the Czech brand finishing equal second with the Ford.

Family Car – Skoda Octavia Wagon

It was a two-horse race in this category and somewhat surprisingly it was the Czech-badged offering that won out.

Surprising because the Mazda6 Sport not only won this category in 2013 it won the overall Drive Car of the Year title. But ultimately the judges assessed each car on its merits and as a family hauler and the Octavia - particularly in wagon form - simply does a better job.

SUV Under $40,000 – Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport

For the third year running it was Mazda's compact SUV that won out in this popular category with its blend of balanced handling, neat presentation and value.

In 2014 it had to best the Honda CR-V DTi-S, Jeep Cherokee Latitude and Nissan Qashqai.

In a worrying sign for its competitors an updated CX-5 is on the way in 2015.

SUV Over $40,000 – Kia Sorento SLi

The South Korean seven-seater fended off strong competition in 2014 to claim this class for the third straight year. The Sorento remains an impressive SUV in terms of value, efficiency, space and on-road manners.

But the new Porsche Macan Diesel made a strong case to take out this class with its blend of sporty dynamics and silky smooth turbo diesel V6.

The BMW X5 sDrive 25d impressed judges with its small but punchy 2.0-litre diesel engine but finished equal third with the Toyota Kluger. The Japanese machine proving more people mover than SUV.

Luxury Car Under $80,000 – Mercedes-Benz C200

The carryover champion, the Lexus IS300h, is still a very impressive compact luxury sedan. It offers plenty of comfort, value and a fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain.

The new Hyundai Genesis takes the Korean brand into a new league and makes a compelling argument as a luxury car alternative, and not solely based on its price.

But neither car could stand up to the new C-Class. The C200 resets the bar for the compact luxury sedan segment – simple as that.

Luxury Car Over $80,000 – Tesla Model S P85+

As mentioned in the main story the American company made history in 2014 – becoming the first electric car to win its category at Drive Car of the Year.

But the Tesla won as much for the way it drove – its comfortable ride, well sorted steering and strong brakes – as it did for its technologically advanced drivetrain.

Its modern interior also helped get it across the line ahead of the new Mercedes-Benz S400L.

The new range-topping limo beat its little brother, the E300 Bluetec Hybrid and BMW's niche 435i Gran Coupe.

Performance Car Under $60,000 – Volkswagen Golf R

Another multiple carryover champion, this time the Toyota 86 GT, was knocked off the top step of the podium. Despite its value argument remaining as strong as ever, changes for the model year 2015 example didn't rectify its on-going problems – namely unrefined on-road manners, lack of equipment and cheap presentation.

But the Golf R doesn't have any of those issues. It combines serious performance with everyday liveability and won over the majority of the judges.

The Audi S1 was too expensive and not exciting enough while the Subaru WRX STi was fast but remains too unrefined for its price.

Performance Car Over $60,000 – Porsche Cayman GTS

Last year the Porsche Cayman S beat its big brother – the 911 – to take this crown. In 2014 Porsche added the GTS variant of the Cayman to make it an even sharper – yet still liveable – performance weapon. The result was a unanimous victory.

But the BMW M235i proved a worthy contender and finished second, ahead of its bigger sibling, the BMW M4 and the HSV GTS Maloo.

Convertible – Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.4TFSI

It was a family battle in the drop-top class with the Audi up against the reigning champion – the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 118TSI.

Although the BMW 420i was in the running it couldn't match the cheaper German cousins where it really mattered.

The Audi triumphed thanks to its more refined driving experience, frugal engine and more premium style.

People Mover – Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

The Honda Odyssey has been a perennial Drive Car of the Year contender but in 2014 an all-new model arrived – and it was a complete departure from its predecessor.

Gone was the car-like dynamics, sleek styling and classy cabin that made it so different from the rest of the people mover crowd. Instead the new Odyssey joined the van-like mainstream and lost all of its strengths.

At the same time Citroen introduced its new Grand C4 Picasso which was everything the Odyssey wasn't. Powered by a punchy, frugal turbo diesel engine and offering good interior space, a modern cabin and good value it was a deserving winner.

Ute – Mazda BT-50

Despite the popularity of the ute market with Australian buyers, after a few years of intense activity 2014 proved a quiet year. So the BT-50 had no competition for its run to a fourth straight Best Ute title.

While it remains a capable, comfortable workhorse and a worthy champion, it will face a tougher set of competitors next year with all-new rivals from Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan.

4WD – Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

Jeep maintained its stranglehold on this category in 2014 but it wasn't the Grand Cherokee that took the prize. It is beginning to show its age, plagued by quality concerns and was out-performed by the smaller (but not by much) Cherokee Trailhawk.

The newer American off-roader actually packs more off-road equipment and capability so took the honours to uphold Jeep's honour.

The Range Rover Sport may be more about luxury than off-roading but it is capable of getting down and dirty. Its combination of capability and comfort saw it take second place, between the Jeeps.

The Testing Process

Drive's Car of the Year is one of the most comprehensive motoring awards in the country. So, deciding our 13 category winners and overall Car of the Year champion is not an overnight task.

Firstly, wrangling our 13 carryover champions begins in August with the 29 finalists chosen by the beginning of November. To be eligible, the finalists must be available to consumers in Australian showrooms before December 1, 2014.

The cars are then shipped to Goulburn's Wakefield Park for an entire week, where our six expert judges assess all 42 cars in real-world circumstances, and over a variety of conditions - from highways to suburban back roads.

The judges also put each vehicle through a series of controlled tests on the circuit - a simulated emergency avoidance, high-speed braking and dynamic slalom - to ascertain their dynamic prowess in certain situations.

Each car is assessed under a strict critera that is based around five pillars; performance, how it drives, value/quality, comfort/practicality and safety.

At the end of four days of testing, the judges are then required to vote in a silent ballot their order for each category with the vehicle scoring the lowest number taking victory in the category.

For the outright Drive Car of the Year, the judges pick their four finalists from the new category champions and then, through another silent ballot, the winner is crowned.

Drive Car of the Year honour roll

2006 Audi TT

2007 BMW M3

2008 Honda Accord V6

2009 Volkswagen Golf 118TSI

2010 Volkswagen Polo 77TSI

2011 Mercedes-Benz C250 CDI

2012 Toyota86 GT

2013 Mazda6 Sport

2014 Mercedes-Benz C200

Drive Car of the Year: By the Numbers

Cheapest finalist: MItsubishi MIrage ES - $13,985