Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
WHEN you’re in the market for a slick new motor, the process of comparing, tyre-kicking and dreaming is seemingly filled with infinite possibility. But actually laying your cash down at the dealership can snap you from a daydream into a grim reality of lacklustre resale values, wildly expensive insurance premiums, spiralling repayments and untold thirst for premium fuel.
What if someone could expose the hidden costs, crunch the numbers, present the data, and draw conclusions about how to best spend your hard-earned on a brand new car? Enter Wheels’ annual Gold Star Value Awards.
We take the cream of the crop in a number of vehicle classes – just about all of them, in fact – and break each car down into key cost components such as annual fuel cost, insurance premiums and depreciation, then feed the data into a clever set of formulae.
More than 200 cars are tipped into the hopper, but just one winner in each of 20 classes earns the coveted Wheels Gold Star Award for value.
Showing 1-15 of 65 results
Dual-cab 4x4 Utes: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 21, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
A ute for the frugal tradie. Here we have the Mitsubishi Triton GLX, Ford Ranger XLS, and Toyota Hilux Workmate.
Convertibles under $60K: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 20, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
Drop the top, and drop the costs. Introducing the Fiat 500C Pop, Fiat Abarth 595C, and Citroen DS3 DSport.
Performance $75K to $150K: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 20, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
Don’t hurt your wallet just for some cheap thrills. The Audi RS3, Lotus Elise S, and Alfa Romeo 4C will tickle you in the right spots without br...
Performance under $75K: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 19, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
Hair raising performance doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Get the best bang for your buck from the Ford Fiesta ST, Mazda MX-5, and Renault Cli...
People-movers under $60K: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 19, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
For moving the family on a budget. Introducing the Kia Rondo Si, Citroen C4 Picasso, and Kia Carnival S.
Medium SUV 7-seater: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 18, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
An SUV that’s nimble enough to traverse the city-scape, but with added utility. Introducing the Kia Sorento, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Sa...
Large SUV/4WD: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 18, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
A large SUV or 4WD is a great solution for those with a sense of adventure. Introducing the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Pajero.
Medium SUV $45K to $65K: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 17, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
If you want it all: the label, the space, and all the tackle then the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Range Rover Evoque are worth a look.
Medium SUV under $45K: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 17, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
If you want the space of an SUV, without the premium price tag, then check out the Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and the Hyundai Tucson.
City SUV: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 16, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
Mazda has a firm stake at the top of this rapidly growing category. Introducing the Mazda CX-3, Suzuki Vitara and Peugeot 2008
Premium Large cars: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 16, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
Gone are the days when big luxury cars were all gas guzzlers. Introducing the Mercedes-Benz E200, BMW 520i and Audi A6
Premium Medium cars $45K to $60K: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 15, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
Depreciation takes its toll on otherwise excellent cars. Introducing the Volkswagen Passat, Audi A4 and Volvo S60
Premium Compact cars under $50K: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 15, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
These three compact cars, Audi A1, Mini Cooper and the BMW 118i, will give you greater economy in a nifty city-car size, with a touch of class.
Large cars $45K to $65K: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 14, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
Cars at this level need to tick a few boxes to deliver on value. Introducing Hyundai Genesis, Ford G6E and Holden Calais
Large cars under $45K: Australia’s Best Value Cars
- By James Whitbourn
- Nov 14, 2016
- Wheels Gold Star Value Awards
Economical engines have helped large cars avoid becoming instant money pits. introducing the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Skoda Superb