My judgement is based on following grounds:

To survive, tomorrow's cars have to change under the skin. So, forgtet the excitint design, and focus on the most important challenge how become cleaner. On this way, the winner today is the Volkswagen Polo, and its tiny 1.2 turbodiesel achieving 87 grams per km in CO2 emissions: better that any hybrid vehicle on the road. Moreover, a simple and harmonious design couples with quality level unknown in its category, without distinction between body assembling and interior trim. And flawless driving qualities complete the picture. Ok, the price of the new Polo is considerably higher, compared to most of its competitors: look at the car, look in the car, and you will see that it worth the difference.

The Opel Astra follows the path tracked by the Insignia: perceived quality, driving dynamics and interior equipment witness a relevant step up. The look is attractive, but the roominess in the rear area pays the bill: not a great result, being the longest in its category.

Despite a not exciting design, the Peugeot 3008 points out an interesting union between driving qualities and functionality, together with a reasonable price. Just the price is the main limit of the Toyota IQ, yet exhibiting the most interesting concept within the seven competitors, supported by many innovative technical solutions. But the value for money is not enough, at least considering the interior trim and not its hidden qualities.

On the same way, the Yeti confirms the improvements of the Skoda production, in terms of driving pleasure and finishing. Not enough, anyway, to justify a price close to a premium vehicle.

A clever formula distinguishes the Citroen C3 Picasso, appreciable for its spacious and versatile interior. But the lack of feeling offered by the steering and the gear may deeply depresses any driver. At the end, many improvements but few excitement in the new E Class, still waiting that the Mercedes design will eventually find its new way.