Ferrari 458 Italia

I’m not really sure it could have been anything else. Whilst it is not a car that’s available for everyone due to the cost, that doesn’t in any way detract from the power, performance, style and ability of the Ferrari 458 Italia – this is why it is the Car Articles Car of the Year 2009.

The Ferrari F430 was for a long time the pinnacle of sports car performance – until, that is, it was beefed up into the Scuderia version. Then, we found out that a replacement was on the way and some initial images showed something that everyone took to be a concept. How shocked we all were when it became a reality.

Ferrari has a history of making cars that push the boundaries and the Ferrari 458 Italia is no different. There’s active aerodynamics (two fins at the front that deform to reduce drag), an engine shooting out 562bhp that’s naturally aspirated, a seven speed dual clutch gearbox, an electronic differential, the Manettino switch and so on.

Perhaps the biggest change over the F430 is the refinement levels in the cabin. The Italia is beautiful inside and everything is oriented to the driver. So much so, that many of the ancillary controls are on the steering wheel. Everything is bespoke and every time you’re in the car it’ll be an occasion (one where you’ll be fighting no doubt to keep your license).

The Ferrari 458 Italia is available from around £160,000 – but don’t be surprised if it’s sold out already.

I hope that you’re happy with the choice – if not let me know what you would have picked!

Ford Fiesta

There’s a reason why Ford has sold more than 100,000 Fiestas in 2009. Simply put, the Ford Fiesta has been a staple on British roads for as long as I can remember (actually going back to 1976 would you believe) but the new sixth generation car is great. It has it all – a range of engines depending on what you’re after, excellent dynamics, class leading space… I could go on!

Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of the new Ford Fiesta is the wonderful exterior design – it is purposeful, approachable and brilliantly proportioned. It shows buyers that whether you’re a man or a woman, you can own this car secure in the knowledge that it’s a very sound investment indeed.

Would I have one? Oh of course, it would be quite nice to have a new Fiesta on my drive – it’s just a shame that there isn’t a hot version available yet. Still, there’s always the Mountune version…

The Jaguar XF

Given the rather shaky position Jaguar were in not too long ago, it’s a great resurgence that has been seen by the British marque. Few cars exemplify this more than the brilliant Jaguar XF. When it comes to the executive segment, few can really do battle with the usual German brands (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi) but the Jaguar most certainly can.

The Jaguar XF literally has it all – performance, style, refinement and – perhaps most importantly for this segment – luxury. The XF comes with a range of options and engine sizes, culminating with the XFR – which jumps into supercar territory.

Ultimately, the executive segment is all about bragging rights, looks and luxury. This is why the Jaguar XF takes Car Articles Executive Car Of The Year 2009 title.