Fiat 500 is European Car of the Year

19 November 2007

Supermini scoops Europe's top prize
57 of 58 judges shortlist 500
33 of 58 say it is the best car of 2007

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The Fiat 500 has won the prestigious European Car of the Year award.

The prize, voted for by a panel of 58 car journalists from 22 European countries, was given to the supermini ahead of the Mazda 2 and Ford Mondeo.

The 500's victory was emphatic, with it making 57 of the 58 judges' shortlists. It was voted the best car of 2007 by 33 of the 58.

Although the 500 won't go on sale in the UK until January next year, it was launched in Europe in July. In four months, 105,000 cars have been sold in Italy and France alone.

The Car of the Year award began in 1964. To enter, cars must be on sale in at least five different European markets in the course of the year.

Judging is based on the car's design, comfort, safety, economy, driveability, performance, practicality, respect for the environment and value for money.

The final placings
1. Fiat 500
2. Mazda 2
3. Ford Mondeo
4. Kia Cee'd
5. Nissan Qashqai
6. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
7. Peugeot 308