The expert team of motoring journalists at drive.com.au, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age test hundreds of new cars every year, and have pooled their automotive knowledge to nominate the four best cars in each of 12 major categories.
Those 48 nominees were scrutinised minutely and tested exhaustively by a panel of some of the most experienced judges in Australia over six long days and nights.
More than 20,000km were covered throughout the week across a broad range of disciplines that encompassed everything from roundabouts and 40km/h school zones to freeway driving and dynamic exercises in a controlled environment.
One winner was chosen in each category; the vehicle that offers the best overall package and measures up the strongest against Drive's five criteria.
And while all 12 winners are the best in their class, one car was deemed the first among equals. It was given the ultimate glory and named the 2006 Drive Car of the Year…
The drive Car of The Year is the Audi TT
Best Small Car under $20,000 is the Toyota Yaris
Best Small Car over $20,000 is the Mazda 3 Maxx Sport
Best Medium Car is the Honda Accord Euro
Best Large Car is the Toyota Aurion
Best Luxury Car under $60,000 is the Lexus IS250
Best Luxury Car over $60,000 is the Mercedes-Benz S500
Best Performance Car under $60,000 is the Volkswagen Golf GTi
Best Performance Car over $60,000 is the Audi TT
Best Convertible is the Mazda MX-5
Best People-mover is the Honda Odyssey
Best 4WD under $40,000 is the Toyota RAV4
Best 4WD over $40,000 is the Audi Q7
People's choice award is the Commodore SS-V
See all of the contenders after the jump:
Full 2006 LA Auto Show photos (click the link below)
2006 LA Auto Show Photo Gallery
AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries
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