In perfectly safe conditions, twenty-four vehicles were tested along the SAA runway
The first two testing days for the title Car of the Year 2018. were held in Vršac
The first two testing days for the title Car of the Year 2018. were organized by the Association of Automobile Journalists. In a safe and secure environment a jury consisted of thirteen automobile journalists had the opportunity to test and compare even twenty-four cars nominated for the title Car of the Year 2018. Candidates are divided into four categories: up to 15000 EUR, over 15000 EUR, Crossover/SUV and Best buy.
The selection for Car of the Year title has been organized for several years now by the Association of Automobile Journalists of Serbia, and this year the members of the jury got the opportunity to evaluate candidates in almost perfect conditions. Namely, the entire event was recognized both by SMATSA Aviation Academy from Vršac and the Tourist Organization of this town, who hosted the jury and importers providing complete logistical support.
The first two testing days consisted of a technical model presentation which was performed by importers’ representatives. The accuracy of steering the vehicles as well as their driving dynamics and characteristics were estimated by test drivings along SAA runway. The third part of the test was carried out on the regional road Vršac-Gudurica, which provided the opportunity to assess the comfort of the vehicles. Excellent weather conditions and both the runway and apron without any limitations were at disposal to the jury, offering journalists a completely safe environment for testing vehicles. The regional road was not crowded with traffic and different types of asphalt surfaces represented a good polygon for road driving. 
As we have already mentioned, the Jury of Automobile Journalists’ Association consists of thirteen specialized journalists, who will grade the best ones in this year’s competition among twenty-four candidates in fifteen categories.
Candidates in the following categories:
| Best buy | Up to 15.000 EUR | Over 15.000 EUR | SUV/Crossover |
| Fiat 500L Kategorije N | Volkswagen Polo | Mercedes S Klase | Alfa Stelvio |
| Suzuki Swift | Seat Ibiza | Alfa Stelvio | Nissan Qashqai |
| Suzuki Ignis | Ford Fiesta | Opel Insignia | Nissan X-Trail |
| Dacia Duster | Dacia Duster | JEEP Compass | Peugeot 5008 |
| Ford Fiesta | Opel Crossland X | Nissan X-Trail | Volkswagen T-Roc |
| Honda Civic | Toyota Jaris | Nissan Qashqai | Seat Arona |
| Nissan Micra | Volvo XC 60 | ||
| Suzuki Swift | Dacia Duster | ||
| Suzuki Ignis | Opel Grandland X | ||
| BMW X3 | |||
| Toyota Land Cruiser |
Before the winner announcement, which will occur at the Car Fair Association Stand in Belgrade, the Association of Automobile Journalists plans to organize additional two days of testing with candidate vehicles, in order to completely eliminate all the doubts about the best. Frankly speaking, it’s a difficult job for the jury. The differences between nominated models are so subtle and the winner of each category can be only one. According to the impressions after the first two testing days, whichever model wins deserves a victory and vice versa, the model which loses does not deserve a title.
Apart from official jurying and logistic support of SMATSA Aviation Academy, the town of Vršac, situated below the Carpathian Mountains, famous for its wine and flying, also offered a warm hospitality to the members of the jury. Technical and logistical support was provided by the Tourist Organization of the town of Vršac, the “Srbija” Hotel in the very centre of Vršac, the “Selecta” family winery as well as numerous ethno restaurants, which only gave a hint how beautiful and interesting this part of Serbia is with its great business and tourist potential.
Source: DMOTION.RS
The author: Aleksandar Uglješić
29th January 2018.