My judgement is based on following grounds:

VW Polo         
The new Polo is creating a new standard of comfort and size in the B-segment. The perceived quality is best class. This is almost like driving a Golf. With a 90 hp diesel and a DSG gearbox, the Polo even gives a sporty feel. The Bluemotion-edition, with a consumption of just 3,3 liters and 87 grams of CO2, is really impressive for a five-seater. It makes this a green choice as well. Top of my list.

Toyota IQ                 
Perhaps the freshest thinking of the year and downsizing in the real sens of the word. In just 3,5 meters, you can fit three and a half person. The small dimentions and  extremely short turning radius, combined with a CVT gearbox, makes the IQ one of the best cars to drive and park in cities. The driving-comfort is OK, butt he car I drove on Norwegian roads as unstabel and a bit to noisy. And the consumption and CO2-emission is not very low either. One should expect more (or less) from a small car like this?

Opel Astra        
Bigger and better in all respects, especially when it comes to comfort. That is my verdict of the new Opel Astra. Sizewise, it sets a new standard in the C-segment and it is obvious that Opel has put a lot of work into reducing the interior noice and improving the ride comfort. A lack of a clear environmental profile limits my points.

Peugeot 3008          
One of the most exciting familycars this year and already a big sucess in Norway. The liking of the powerful front of the car, can be a matter of discussion, but that is also it. The roominess, the hight seating posission, the panoramic roof and the affodable price makes this a very good choice for a familiy. And the 1,6 liter diesel really impresses me with good torque and consumption.
 
Citroen C3 Picasso         
A room with a view. Getting into the Picasso is like entering a large room with huge windows. The car is just a few centimeters longer than four meters, but fits a family with small children. An affordable price and good range of engines gives the C3 Picasso a deserved place among the finalists, but not at the top.

Skoda Yeti        
Even though it has inherited the name from the famous snowmonster, the Yeti is not at all monsterous. The rough design, compact size, good comfort and affordable price, will make this on of the bestsellers in the SUV-segment. No doubt that more compact SUVs will follow in the paths of the Yeti.

Mercedes E        
The new E-class is still a symbol of status in Norway – and now with a bit more sporty looks. The new car has even more impressive equipment and comfort, but for me, that is not enough to makes this a contender for the Car of the Year title. Large, heavy and big engines is not the way of the future.