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IAF Car of the Year Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria

This page explains how officially evaluated vehicles are assessed, scored and compared. The framework is designed to balance methodological discipline with real-world relevance, supporting a final decision based on overall merit rather than isolated strengths.

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How the evaluation framework works

The IAF Car of the Year framework combines weighted criteria, defined scoring logic and structured review evidence. Vehicles progressing through the recognised evaluation stages are assessed using the same core structure in order to support consistency, comparability and decision integrity.

The framework is intentionally holistic. A vehicle cannot succeed by performing strongly in only one area. Sustained quality across safety, engineering, usability, technology and value remains essential to achieving a strong overall result.

Weighted evaluation criteria

Safety — 20%

Safety is treated as a foundational dimension of vehicle quality rather than an optional enhancement. Evaluation considers both technical capability and the practical usability of safety-related systems in normal driving contexts.

  • Active safety and driver assistance systems
  • Passive safety design and occupant protection
  • System reliability and behavioural consistency
  • Ease of understanding and practical driver interaction
Performance & Handling — 20%

Performance is assessed in terms of balance, control and confidence, rather than headline figures alone. The emphasis is on how the vehicle behaves as a complete driving system.

  • Power delivery and drivetrain response
  • Chassis balance and steering behaviour
  • Braking performance and consistency
  • Predictability across varied operating conditions
Design & Ergonomics — 15%

Design is evaluated as both a functional and experiential discipline. Visual coherence, interior usability and ergonomic logic are considered together rather than in isolation.

  • Exterior coherence and design integration
  • Interior layout and control logic
  • Material quality and durability expectations
  • Visibility, accessibility and driver comfort
Technology & Innovation — 15%

Innovation is recognised where it improves outcomes in a meaningful and usable way. The framework does not reward complexity for its own sake.

  • Meaningful assistance, software or automation features
  • Powertrain, efficiency or systems innovation
  • Software usability and systems integration quality
  • Forward-looking but practical implementation
Comfort & Usability — 15%

Comfort and usability reflect everyday ownership realities rather than idealised test circumstances. This area considers how well the vehicle supports regular use over time.

  • Ride comfort and noise management
  • Seat design and long-distance usability
  • Infotainment clarity and control usability
  • Storage, access and day-to-day practicality
Value for Money — 15%

Value is assessed relative to the vehicle’s positioning, proposition and expected ownership return, rather than through price alone.

  • Equipment and specification relative to segment
  • Durability and lifecycle expectations
  • Efficiency and likely running-cost implications
  • Overall ownership proposition

Scoring methodology

Each criterion is applied through a defined scoring method. Authorised evaluators or decision participants are expected to base scoring on documented observations, structured review inputs and programme evidence. This approach supports consistency while preserving room for informed judgment.

Individual assessment
  • Vehicles are assessed through a shared scoring structure
  • Scoring is expected to reflect independent evaluation judgment
  • Supporting rationale may be required where defined by the programme
  • Review inputs are recorded in line with programme controls
Aggregation & weighting
  • Scores are weighted according to the published framework
  • Programme totals are compiled under controlled procedures
  • Outputs are checked for completeness and methodological consistency
  • Tie-break or review safeguards may be applied where required

Interpretation and limits

The framework is designed to be robust and decision-oriented, but it does not claim to represent every individual preference, regional market difference or specialist use case. Its purpose is to identify a vehicle that performs strongly across a broad set of recognised priorities.

The criteria structure may be reviewed periodically to reflect developments in technology, regulation and user expectations, while preserving enough continuity to support credibility and year-to-year coherence within the programme.

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About Car of the Year

Purpose and scope of the programme.
Eligibility & Rules

Submission, candidate status and programme conditions.
Jury & Voting

Evaluation structure, voting and decision safeguards.
Testing Process

How shortlisted vehicles are reviewed in practice.
Transparency & Governance

Oversight mechanisms and integrity safeguards.

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