My judgement is based on following grounds:

Citroën C3 Picasso
None of this year’s shortlist are also-rans. The C3 scores with its loping ride, loveable design and spaciousness, but it’s the least engaging of the seven to drive. 

Peugeot 3008
Peugeot is knocking on premium brand quality with its interiors, and the 3008 handles with surprising zest. But its cabin space is bested by a smaller SUV on this list, and it looks like a yawning guinea pig.

Vauxhall Astra
The Astra is a nearly car. Its ride refinement and dynamics are much improved, but the odd gruff engine or excessively light steering set-up count against. Likewise the interior is brilliant, aside from the claustrophobic rear seats. When you compare its generally higher prices with the unimpeachable Golf’s, it’s nearly but not quite.

Mercedes-Benz E-class
Comfortable, dynamic, well-built, gadget-packed and with a drivetrain for all tastes, Mercedes has nailed its brief. Though who sneaked awkward, avant-garde exterior and drab interior onto the checklist?

Toyota iQ
The iQ is the genuine innovator here. Its miniaturisation ethic with the diff, air-con, fuel tank and steering rack will hopefully pave the way for a new wave of smaller, hyper-manoeuvrable, compact cars. It’s not perfect, but it is progressive.

Volkswagen Polo
The Polo enhances the supermini class, with its peerless refinement and sensational build-quality. Throw in a great drive and punchy, frugal powertrains with novelties like the double-clutch transmission and you have a car vying for 2009’s top spot. Its staid appearance counts against it, in my view, though that sobriety may draw in more customers than it repels.  

Skoda Yeti
The Yeti utterly captures the downsizing zeitgeist, but stands alone in giving Europe a desirable, small SUV. It offers phenomenal value for money, bulletproof build and a low carbon footprint. It’s also refined and great fun to drive. But the Yeti’s trump card is its superb packaging, cramming room for the family into a pint-sized car. Despite its monstrous name, this charming car should win over most SUV critics. The Yeti is my Car of the Year.