Every vehicle review scores the car across six fixed categories — performance, comfort, technology, practicality, running costs, and safety — each out of 10, combined into an overall score, with a clear statement of who the car suits and who it doesn't. This is distinct from our Comparison and Ranking Methodology, which scores vehicles against each other for "best of" lists.
Review scoring categories
| Category | What's assessed |
|---|---|
| Performance | Acceleration, handling, ride quality, real-world drivability |
| Comfort | Seating, noise insulation, ergonomics, ease of daily use |
| Technology | Infotainment usability, driver-assist features, connectivity |
| Practicality | Cargo space, passenger room, everyday usability |
| Running costs | Fuel/energy use, insurance group, expected maintenance cost |
| Safety | Independent crash-test rating and standard safety-assist equipment |
How a review is different from a ranking
A review evaluates one vehicle on its own merits — is it good at what it's meant to do, and who is it actually right for? A ranking compares multiple vehicles against each other for a specific buying scenario. Both draw on similar categories, but a review can score a niche vehicle highly for what it is without that vehicle ever topping a broad "best of" ranking.
The review process
- The vehicle is driven by a member of our reviewer panel, on a mix of road types where possible (city, highway, and where relevant, light off-road)
- Each of the six categories is scored independently against the vehicle's segment and price point, not against unrelated segments
- Specs and pricing are verified against manufacturer sources and our Data Source Register
- A second editor checks the scoring and copy before publication
- The review states plainly who the car suits and who should look elsewhere, rather than a vague summary
Segment-relative scoring
Scores are relative to the vehicle's own segment and price point. A budget hatchback and a luxury SUV are not held to the same technology or performance bar — a 7/10 for comfort on a budget car reflects strong comfort for that price bracket, not an absolute universal standard.
When we haven't driven a specific trim
If a review covers a trim or configuration our panel hasn't personally driven, that's stated clearly, and scoring for that specific variant relies on verified manufacturer data rather than first-hand driving impressions presented as if they were.
Manufacturer-loaned vehicles
Many review vehicles are loaned by the manufacturer for a limited period, which is standard industry practice and is disclosed on the review. A loaned vehicle does not guarantee a favourable score — see our Editorial Independence Statement for how that separation is maintained.
