Road-Testing Cars

Abstract

This paper describes how the magazine ‘Motor’ conducts its weekly road tests. The purpose of these is to assess the performance, handling, comfort and practicality of a car in a correct state of assembly, tune and adjustment. Reliability and durability is not assessed -this is covered by long-term tests.

A car is usually assigned for two weeks to one particular road-tester who becomes responsible for writing the report and carrying out the performance testing at MIRA. But the car is also driven by at least four, often six, other road testers or staff members with long experience of car evaluation. Therefore, the report is a consensus of opinion and does not reflect one man's prejudices.

The top speed, acceleration, fuel consumption and braking performance are measured objectively using various instruments; a fifth wheel with chart recorder being the most important. No objective handling tests which are simple and inexpensive have so far been found acceptable. Therefore, handling is judged subjectively. Similarly, it is difficult to measure ‘ride’ objectively, although the use of a sound level meter for interior noise levels is being considered. Other tasks are to weigh, photograph and draw the car. There is generally close agreement among the road-test staff about the virtues and vices of any given car, though the emphasis to be placed upon them is sometimes the subject of debate.