My judgement is based on following grounds:

Ford Fiesta 10
Brilliant little all-rounder, always enjoyable. Terrific, breezy styling; refreshingly original interior design, decent accommodation and boot, but for me the best part is the way it goes. Excellent engine range, well integrated into the car. Near-perfect compromise between ride and handling in both standard and sporty versions, along with great steering and ride.

Skoda Superb 5
Really surprising car for its refinement, quality and space. I’m tempted to call this the poor-man’s S-class, except that in times like these I suspect it’s better described as the wise-man’s S-class. The only drawback for me is the slightly ungainly styling, but if I had to choose one car for every purpose for the next year or two, this would be it.

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia 4
Huge advance on outgoing Vectra shows that GM Europe has the ability mix it with top performers like Mondeo and Passat in this tough class. Sophisticated styling, sumptuous interior and impressive quality are the highlights for me, but rear packaging is a little disappointing given its sheer size.

Alfa Romeo MiTo 3
Characterful little car, perfect size and style for an entry Alfa, and I don’t even mind the front-wheel drive. Well-judged interior, too and seats are perfect for the job. Some features (meaningless DNA control, bottoming front suspension, less than perfect steering) let it down, though, and remind one rather often that it’s all Fiat underneath.

VW Golf 3
Fine car in practically every way, and doubtless a great ownership proposition (depending on prices) but seems very little different from the previous model, on which it is more closely based than ever before in Golf history. Will doubtless sell well, but it’s hardly an embodiment of automotive progress.

Citroën C5 0
Impressive and comfortable car, builds on Citroen’s revived reputation for great styling. However, in my book Skoda Superb is better at the money.

Renault Mégane 0
Pleasant car, lighter and easier to drive than Golf and better-built than any previous Megane. Styling doesn’t have anything like the panache of previous model, and Golf still looks a better ownership bet in the class