Fiat Wins 2008 European Car of the Year with 500

In the midst of the announcements at the Los Angeles International Auto

Show, something very important is taking place on the other side of the world. While the launch of Hyundai's new sports coupe and Honda's forthcoming mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell car is undoubtedly interesting and important for the future of motoring in North America, this event has to do with the present and regards a car we may eventually see in North America. You might remember a little while ago we reported that jurors in Europe were preparing to make their decision on the 2008 European Car of the Year? Well, they've deliberated and have come up with their victor.

It came as little surprise when the ballots came back in favor of the Fiat's little 500, the darling of the motoring press since it launched earlier this year, after which it has won countless awards. Capturing the spirit of the original, but in a new and conventional package, the 500 is to the latter part of this decade what VW's New Beetle was back when it was first launched in 1998 and the revised Mini Cooper in 2000. Besides

being a good car, the 500 attracted votes for its classic-inspired, but modern interior, premium features and economical engines, all of which are available at affordable prices. The 500 also marks the first time an A-segment vehicle has won the European Car of the Year award. Interestingly, the vehicle that the 500 is derived from, the compact Fiat Panda, won European Car of the Year four years earlier.

The 500 had, what could be said, a relatively easy victory, garnering 385 points, which allowed it to beat out its second place opponent, the lightweight Mazda2 by 60 points. Ford's Mondeo, which many thought would claim the victory placed a distant third, scoring only 202

points, little more than half of what the top place Fiat was able to score. Kia's cee'd placed a commendable fourth, an impressive showing given that this is the first time the Koreans have placed on the shortlist at all. Fifth place went to the compact crossover Nissan Qashqai (known as the Rogue here), while the luxurious new Mercedes-Benz C-Class placed sixth. Rounding out the final spot was the Peugeot 308, which scored a mere 97 points.

Interestingly, the 500's victory is more pertinent to Fiat than just claiming this year's title. Over the years, the Italian automaker managed to fill its trophy case with the European Car of the Year nine times. Add in Fiat's subsidiaries, Alfa Romeo and Lancia, and that number shoots up to twelve, with two victories for Alfa Romeo and another for Lancia. That's a three-win lead over the second most successful brand, Renault, which has taken the prize home six times. So congratulations to Fiat, as its victory is well deserved. Now, hopefully Fiat will find a way to get this car and its fashionable brand back to North America, along with Alfa Romeo.