Just three years after the Alfa Romeo 156 was voted Car of the Year 1998, the company's sporty new hatchback, the Alfa 147, has today been made Car of the Year 2001.
The coveted award, which is now in its 38th year, encompasses 21 European countries, the winner being elected by a jury of 56 motoring writers whose business is to test cars.
This latest success marks the tenth time that a Fiat Auto model has received the most influential endorsement granted to the world motor industry.
Four out of the last seven COTY wins have gone to Fiat: Punto in 1995, Bravo/Brava in 1996, Alfa 156 in 1998 and now Alfa 147 in 2001.
A total of 238 votes gave the Alfa 147 first place ahead of the Ford Mondeo, Toyota Prius, Audi A2, Mercedes C-class, Opel Corsa, Volvo S60/V70, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Peugeot 607 and Citroen Picasso.
And Alfa's new 147 was not only the outright winner. It also won votes from the highest number of jurors.
No fewer than 51 out of 56 jury members included it among their favourites.
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