Requirement of an Ideal Car Review Article

Car reviews. In the humongous world of automobiles, car reviews are not just a fad, but something that is likely to propagate itself for eons to come. Some say it’s a pastime, others who are dedicated to provide time-proven and accurate information about cars, perceive it as a profession. In this highly digitised contemporary lifestyle, car reviews have penetrated for those proficient with automobiles to provide knowledge and assistance to plebeian masses while making their purchase decisions. Just a decade ago, car review websites were all the rage. One of the best car review websites is YallaMotor.com in the UAE. Fledgling and connoisseurs, all those who were completely immersed in this arena, provided the good, bad and the appalling of cars through their review articles on webpages of eminent magazines or their personal blogs. However, through advancements in technology, peak in the number of media generating apps and a seamless desire to compete and have the highest reach, vlogging has superseded blogging and one can scout a great variety of videos on video streaming apps where cars are reviewed. 

Notwithstanding the form of review, preparing car reviews is a serious occupation and there are certain prerequisites which are generally followed for a complete, limpid and crisp review. Here are some of those.

• Introduction

First impression is the last impression. For an article, a good introduction paragraph which could have humour to begin with or at times, even a brief history lesson if necessary, could be used for the audience or readers to link certain aspects that would make it interesting for them to go through the entire piece. 

• Use a structured template

While presenting, it is advisable to follow a system or an order save for certain cases where it would be logical taking a different route. The general pattern is to commence the review with the vehicle’s design and some facts related to it followed by a brief on the interior or the cockpit which should cover the materials used, features present, storage, space and pit it against the competition for a comprehensive overview. Towards the epilogue of design, a word on how voluminous the boot is can be mentioned. 

Following this, the most significant section of the review starts-The drive. While there is no specific format to abide by for the performance part, resplendence on every minute detail such as the refinement of the engine, sound insulation on the inside and NVH levels, acceleration, steering feedback, fuel efficiency average the car ekes out, slickness of the transmission and its tenacity, choppiness of the ride especially at the rear and second-row bench comfort should be provided. 

• Avoid tall claims

While a lot is revealed during the course of a review, one should be mindful of the fact that reviews are mere perceptions which people confer upon a sense of trust. To avoid conflicts, it is better to avoid phrases like “This is the best car in the segment,” “Nothing beats this car in terms of features and space.” Hence, it’s better to give predilection to not entirely direct speech while framing the sentences. 

• Presentation

For bloggers and those working for automotive portals, it is indispensable to maintain a simplistic style of writing that is coherent to fathom by the masses. Rather than the usage of frivolous verbiage, it is always advisable to keep things simple and maintain a flow where a nexus can be prepared between one paragraph and the other. 

Irrespective of the format of the content, attach links that direct the audience to other sources where similar content is present. This will not just provide them with multifaceted avenues of viewing content, but also ensure that adequate moolah is harnessed from all the platforms.

• Avoid communicating facts you’re unsure about

Many a times, journalists tend to indite facts they are uncanny about. However, doing so will only jeopardise your review and future reach as people might fast switch to other sources where a belief of precise content is prevalent.

• End in a snazzy manner

For an article, it is recommended to have a concluding paragraph where the crux of the matter is spelled out in brief. Here, catchy phrases, aphorisms or even idioms can come handy. The idea is to make the audience await your future articles as the last impression made by the current one would be very robust in their heads. 

At the end, it’s about gauging the trend in this rapidly growing industry and thinking proactively to understand what type of flow and format would suit both, the car and the viewers. 

All the best!!