We all know what it's called. Doesn't mean the test isn't broken, flawed or (as many have pointed out) totally useless and of little value to the consumer.
But AJAC writers are able to get together and have a weekend playing with new cars and yucking it up. So I guess as long as it works for them, that's all that matters, right?
I want to make one thing very clear here as there is possibly an incorrect perception of what happens during TestFest week. Whether you are just saying it for effect or not, I still want to address the comment.
Our week is not spent "playing with new cars" or "yucking it up" as you assume. There is a lot of work involved and I did come home with blisters on my feet from running around all week. It is busier than covering an auto show, easily, and much more analytical.
Except for maybe the first and last days, we are at the testing location from 8 to 5 (some members arrive earlier and/or leave later). We are in cars for 80% of the time we are there. The testing loops provided this year were fantastic but it isn't like we are driving through the Napa Valley with picturesque views. This is the outskirts of Niagara Falls in the middle of October. The focus is on the cars.
As for "yucking it up", sure, we talk to our colleagues during the process. For many of us outside of southern Ontario, it's also the only time we can touch base with other journalists and PR folks face-to-face. We usually have activities (dinners, AGM, journalism awards gala, etc) during the evenings. This isn't meant for the purpose of "yucking it up", but mostly due to it being the best time to conduct these activities. It is the one event every year where a significant portion of AJAC membership is together. So, it makes sense.
Also, being an AJAC member who's been part of testing events on both sides of the border with two, very distinct professional associations, I can say AJAC's process is far superior in many respects. Maybe the naming of the awards or the inclusion of the previous year's winner would make it more credible in the eyes of some. But, compared to TAWA testing, where a journalist just picks his or her favourite in a given category, AJAC's scoring system is thorough, looks at all major areas consumers take into consideration when purchasing a new vehicle, and does a fairly good job at distilling that information into an easily digested award.
BTW, almost every other professional motoring press organization also limits contenders to new cars only. I'm not saying I agree or disagree with this, but that's a fact. And, logistically, having every vehicle available in a particular segment for testing is borderline impossible. You could do it if you had a week with just that segment, but then TestFest would be a month and a half long.