How our Expert Ratings work

We analyse new car reviews from 25 of the top UK motoring websites, then apply some of our own clever calculations to bring you a definitive rating of every new car.

The Car Expert’s unique Expert Ratings index compiles and aggregates new car reviews from 25 of the top UK motoring sites, then applies our special magic algorithm to bring you a definitive rating for every new car. If you’re looking to buy or lease a new car, find all the top reviews right here in one place. As of May 2021, we have more than 240 cars indexed and rated, and we’re adding more every week. Keep checking back regularly to see the latest Expert Ratings we’ve published.

How to read our rating information

Expert Rating

Our unique Expert Rating is calculated by compiling new car review scores from across all the top UK automotive media titles, rather than just our own opinions. This means you get a balanced view of multiple opinions from up to 25 different sources, with links back to all the original articles so you can read them for yourself.

Safety Rating

We list the full Euro NCAP safety ratings for each model, rather than just the headline score. This includes a complete breakdown of scores for adults, children, pedestrians and assist systems, so you can see the information that matters most to you.

Eco Rating

We include the new Green NCAP eco ratings for each car where they are available, including air quality and energy efficiency ratings for each model and engine tested. This programme only started in February 2019, so there are very few models listed so far, but will grow quickly.

Security Rating

We also include the latest security ratings for new cars as tested by Thatcham Research, which assess the theft risk of new cars. This includes theft by relay attack for keyless entry/keyless start systems. The programme only started in 2019, so very few of the cars we have analysed to date currently have a security rating.