Ford Mondeo: 8 pointsIt's hard to imagine how Ford could have got this car wrong, given the strength of the outgoing model. While it has clearly grown in size, the consequent impact on handling doesn't topple it from top spot and it remains the benchmark for front-wheel-drive family cars.
In terms of design - increasingly as important as handling for buyers stuck in traffic and averaging 10km/h - the new Mondeo is certainly bigger, but the look is not quite as bold as we would have hoped for. There are some smart sculpting lines on the arches and bonnet, but the much-lauded kinetic design still sounds like marketing-speak.
That said, several smart touches inside - along with some really impressive rear seat space and luggage room - make this our favourite family car on the market at present.
Ford has got the blend between refinement and fun just right. The precise steering feedback and positive handling characteristics please the driver, while the improved refinement will keep passengers content. For all the talk of family cars getting premium makeovers, the Mondeo shows that mainstream models can still offer an impressive blend of driver fun, creature comfort and competitive price.
Fiat 500: 6 points
The coolest fashion accessory to be launched by a car firm this year, Fiat is going back to its roots with the 500. While the Italians may be guilty of some cynical retro-marketing, you can't help but smile when you spot a 500 on the road, or sit inside.
It's the best-built cabin in a Fiat in years and the long list of options only add to the fun.
But it's more than just some fancy marketing ploy: the car is remarkably practical for its size and good fun to drive. The fact that Fiat managed to garner five-star safety rating from EuroNCAP for a car of this size is also worth applauding.
On the road, its Panda roots quickly become apparent, but that's not really a complaint for it means the 500 has a good mix of agile handling and compliant ride. Its diminutive stature also gives it a real go-kart feel around town. The entry-level powertrain is impressive and from what we are told the range is set to feature even more innovative engine technology in the coming years. Your head might dismiss it as a marketing trick, but your heart has already signed the cheque.
Mazda2: 6 points
The message from the Mazda2 is clear: bigger is not always better. The decision to break free from the supermini space race is to be commended and the fact that they have done this while at the same time coming up with a car that's great fun to drive, is a credit to all involved.
Shedding 100kg in a car this size is really impressive, and maintaining the interior space to fit four adults while also securing a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating demonstrates the depth of engineering talent at Mazda these days.
It doesn't end there: steering is pin-point accurate and its agile handling makes it our favourite supermini on the market. Our only gripe is that Mazda needs to put a little more effort into the interior trim, while the "sportier" versions on larger wheels are too harsh in terms of ride quality.
Kia Cee'd: 3 points
Arguably the greatest leap in terms of product this year has been made by the Korean brands in the family hatchback segment. Where once they were merely the bargain basement buys, both Hyundai and Kia are now offering smart alternatives to the established brands.
The Cee'd is light and nimble on the road, spacious inside and its 1.4-litre petrol engine is well suited to the car. We were particularly taken with the handling of the Cee'd estate wagon, which had cornering ability far in excess of what we would have expected.
Inside the Cee'd is spacious, comfortable and more stylish than anything we've seen from the Koreans to date. The seven-year warranty may be dismissed by rivals as a marketing gimmick, but it's a very smart one. It illustrates to the customers the level of confidence by the manufacturer in the model and acts as a reassurance to those new to the brand. If this is a marketing gimmick then let's have a few more of these please.
Mercedes C-Class: 2 points
A notable improvement on previous models, the C-Class is finally making headway in its attempts to topple the BMW 3-Series. The handling has been significantly sharpened compared to previous generations, while the look has also received a much-needed revamp, with the new avant garde line-up appealing to younger buyers. Interior quality is heading in the right direction, if not quite there yet.
Each juror has a maximum of 25 points to allocate among the shortlisted cars. A maximum of 10 points can be awarded to any one car.