The C3 Picasso was chosen based its fresh style with real capabilities for family use. "Road behavior is satisfying for a tall vehicle, in spite of a dull steering. And the engines, with rather small displacements, are lively enough, as well as fuel efficient."
The E-Klasse offers "an elegant saloon, a sleek coupe and an estate with about the biggest cargo space in the market." The range "continues to be the backbone of its model line."
Opel/Vauxhall Astra, whose Insignia cousin is the current Car of the Year title holder, earned a spot mostly thanks to its engines, which allow "good performance without too much cost at the pump." Otherwise, "there's not much space gain in the cabin, but the perceived quality of the interior is much improved."
The Peugeot 3008 "is the most original Peugeot in years, mixing shapes and features usually related to hatchbacks and SUVs, such as the tall seating or the split tailgate." Its market potential is enhanced by the possibility of adding a hybrid powerplant in the near future.
The Yeti, Skoda's 2009 gamble, is an "occasional off-roader, a role that it can perform adequately." The VW Golf-based platform "offers good ride and pleasing road behavior, with less lateral roll than you would expect from a tall vehicle."
The smallest of the pack, the iQ, is also the single non-European manufacturer's car in the final. It solves "an almost impossible equation of size, room, functionality and safety." The iQ has excellent maneuverability, but lacks great road handling. The organization believes "engine performance exceeds the vehicle’s needs."
And last, but not least, the Volkswagen Polo, "is just a scaled-down Golf." Still, the "spirit of excellence is integrated into the structure and looks of this model that plays the role of not being as big as other cars in this segment." The Golf offers "unprecedented quality in the category."
So, there you have them. The winner will be announced, as said, on November 30.
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