Wheels Car of The Year 2024, brought to you by Smart

Smart has teamed up with the longest-running motoring award in the world providing customers with excellent car advice and affordable access to the best cars on Aussie roads.

For 61 years and counting, Wheels Car of the Year (COTY) has reigned as the most coveted award on the Australian motoring scene.

Now the longest-running annual car award in the world, Wheels COTY is cherished by both auto-makers and consumers as a trusted verdict on the best all-around vehicle on the market each year.

In 2024, Wheels COTY is back bigger and better than ever, with 25 cars in the running for the prestigious award. In a sign of the times, nearly half the field is made up of electric vehicles.

Six current and former editors of Wheels magazine put each car through its paces at Victoria’s Lang Lang Proving Ground. From handling, speed and braking, to safety and design, over 12,000 kilometres of testing was completed, including independent performance testing of all 25 cars completed by 7-time Australian Rally Champion, Cody Crocker.

“We've gathered a stellar lineup for Wheels COTY '24. It was hard to pick a pre-event favourite from the 25 cars in contention, but the industry's most comprehensive testing process and six of Australia's most experienced judges will deliver a worthy winner,” said Wheels editor Andy Enright.

Smart's Chief Customer Officer Bianca Bates said this year's Wheels COTY was exciting for Australia and reflected a new era for the auto industry.

“The cars coming to the Australian market are changing rapidly, making the quality information provided by Wheels crucial for consumers,” Ms Bates said.

“Novated leasing allows customers to own the latest car flexibly and cost-effectively and is particularly popular with EV drivers.”

The 2024-25 Wheels Car of the Year winner will be announced on Monday, December 16, coinciding with the on-sale date of the 2024 Yearbook edition of Wheels.