My judgement is based on following grounds:

It was again a difficult choice this time as all the nominated cars are more evolutionary than revolutionary and the overall quality is very good.
I gave 2 points to the Picasso, 3008 and Yeti. The Citroen and Skoda are refreshingly good and well designed new interpretations on the versatile family car theme. I rate the design of the Peugeot less high but I gave the 3008 the same amount of points because of it’s simple and clever hybrid system that will enter the market soon.
I gave 3 points to the IQ because of the smart way it is adapted to various drive-trains including an electric one. This Toyota is also a very good start of a new generation of premium brand city cars.
Five points for the Mercedes E Class because of it’s engineering excellence and clean engines.
For my winner I felt I had to choose between the Astra and the Polo, two very strong opponents. I am impressed by the Polo, especially by it’s frugal engines with very low, real world fuel consumption. Opel can not match these engines (yet).
However I was also very impressed by the styling, practicality and overall quality of the new Opel, which is better engineered than any car from Russelsheim before, except maybe for the Insignia. Soon a number of variants of the Astra will be launched: a five door stationwagon, a sporty GSI and a very inspired three door coupe (which will be the OPC). These cars are all of equal quality and will add up to a strong family of cars, with the present Astra as it’s father.
Since the COTY Trophy is not an engine award (which Volkswagen definitely would have earned) but an award that honours a complete car, I felt that the Astra had to be my winner.