Methodology V1.0

How Car Consensus works

Car Consensus combines qualifying independent UK expert reviews into a weighted score built across 12 buyer-relevant categories.

What counts

Only qualifying UK publications are used. A minimum of three publications is required for a Consensus score. Reviews attach to the lowest vehicle level we can identify confidently.

Evidence first

Direct comparable category scoring takes priority, then sentiment-derived scoring. If a category is not discussed, it is not scored.

Confidence matters

Evidence Strength shows how robust the eligible evidence base is. Reviewer Agreement measures how tightly the contributing expert opinions cluster.

Segment weighting

Different cars are judged according to different buyer priorities. A family SUV should not be weighted like a sports car.

Methodology V1.0 is frozen. Changes require recurring evidence across the wider dataset rather than tuning individual cars.