My judgement is based on following grounds:

Toyota iQ
It is the most clever design in many years. To achieve the  target of offering  four seats in so small a car (less than 3 meters),  engineers have used technical solutions that will probably be seen on other applications  in the future. Of course, it is mainly a urban car that is not an all purpose family car, but it is right in  its time.

Volkswagen Polo
The Polo is clearly “best in its class”. Only 3.97 meters in length, the Polo offers all the qualities of a Golf: high level of comfort  and silence, very high quality of manufacturing, good handling and, last but not least, the only car in this segment to propose the famous double  clutch gear box.

Peugeot 3008
The 3008 is a “marketing car”,  but it seems to bring a good answer to the  consumer’s expectations. Style is not its only  virtue, driving pleasure is another one. The 3008 looks like a little SUV, but  driving pleasure is clearly the one of a good family car. In 2012, the 3008  will be the first Diesel hybrid car, and later it will become a plug-in hybrid.

Citroën C3  Picasso
Here is also an intelligent car, especially in domain of  life on board. In this respect,  it brings something new on the  small family car market.  But at the moment engines and transmission are very traditional.

Skoda  Yeti
First of all, The Skoda Yeti presents a very high level of quality  manufacturing. Its style is also interesting, but this big car doesn’t bring  anything really new in versatility domain. Good chassis, 4 wheel drive and TDI  engines ensure driving security and enjoyable  driving .

Mercedes E-class
Of course the new E-class is  better than the one it replaces. More comfortable, more silent, better handling, high level of security… nothing new,  it’s a Mercedes. But a Mercedes that shows the way in terms of CO2 emissions reduction, with the very high  efficiency of its new diesel engines.

Opel Astra
The new Astra is  following the Insignia, car of the year 2009: nice design, good level of comfort and handling, good quality. At the end, as it is for the Insignia the driving pleasure is one of its strong points.