The 2010 Car of the Year prize was a closely fought contest, VolksWagen eventually came out on top with it’s fabulous Polo, the size, interior spec and efficiency of the engines impressed judges enough to award it the gong last year, impressing over the Toyota iQ and Vauxhall Astra, it also came with a surprisingly low temporary car insurance premium. VW are a marque on the rise with a collection of critically acclaimed motors such as the Sharan and Toureg, they wont be gunning for the 2011 prize however seeing as they don’t have a new enough release.

Rest assured however that next years big prize will be as competitive as this one with many major manufacturers desperate to steal the coveted accolade so revered in the motor industry. Here are a selection of the 2011 hopefuls:

Alfa-Romeo Guilietta
First up is the Alfa Romeo Guilietta, this the evoluation of the effortlessly cool 159, looks as every bit as stunning as every other Alfa avialable. The smooth, sweeping coupe-like lines mark a departure for Alfa in the shape of their flagship saloon line. You can guarantee the Alfa will be the best looking car in the line up, but can the passionate Italian brand overcome reliability issues to snatch the prize this year?

Audi A1
The nearest competitor will be the Audi A1, this has redefined the hatchback sector in terms of build quality. The fixtures and fittings are second to none, in line with entire Audi range. The BMW 1-series was a success and the clincher for Audi will be to up-root the Bavarian barons in the upper-class hatch back market. Can they do it? Only time will tell. This will also be the Audi with the lowest short term car insurance premium

Citroen DS3
Continuing in the small car sector, only this time erring the hot hatch sub-sector, we have the Citroen DS3. This pocket rocket boasts unique, outlandish styling and a feisty power plant to match. Citroen’s first hot hatch since the lackluster C2 VTS goes up against the devastatingly rapid Renaultsport Clio Cup in a inter-Franco civil war! Young motorists will be queuing up to get one day car insurance on this baby!

These are just a few of the thirty four candidates in line for the throne in 2011. Whatever the outcome, you can be sure of one thing: you will want one! Keep your ears peeled for the winner due to be announced in late 2010/early 2011.