Alfa Romeo 147 hatchback
Alfa Romeo has stepped up its comeback by taking the European Car of the Year crown for the second time in four years.
The Alfa Romeo 147 hatchback won the 2001 title, following the success of the 156 in 1998. The Alfa Romeo 147 hatchback is a hatchback, praised by judges for its sporty handling and driving pleasure.
That’s just what Fiat Auto, which owns the Alfa brand, wanted to hear. Alfa is rediscovering the sporting virtues which gave the marque its status decades ago.
Fifty-six motoring journalists from 21 European countries made the selection. UK motoring writer Ray Hutton, who chaired the selection panel, said: ‘People thought the Alfa Romeo 147 hatchback had great styling and was superb fun to drive.’
Alfa was in the doldrums in the Eighties but started its fightback in the Nineties when huge Fiat manufacturing investment was combined with fresh design flair.
The styling team went for a distinctive nose on the 156 with a deep shield-shaped radiator and number plate under one headlamp.
The Alfa Romeo 147 hatchback, which goes on sale in the UK in March, has helped Fiat Auto to strengthen its position as the most successful Car of the Year manufacturer. Its models have won ten times, more than any other.
Fiats have taken seven titles, starting with the 124 in 1967 and the most recent was the Fiat Bravo/Brava in 1996.
This was how the shortlisted finished in order:
1 Alfa Romeo 147 hatchback: all but five of the 56 jurors made it one of their favourites.
2 Ford Mondeo: disappointment for the UK market leader which wanted the title as it fights to regain lost market share in Europe.
3 Toyota Prius: the Japanese hybrid, with its petrol/electricity combined power pack, took the green vote.
4 Audi A2: notable for its light weight and aluminium construction.
5 Mercedes-Benz C-class: judges praised the handling of the saloon which challenges the BMW 3 Series.
6 Opel/Vauxhall Corsa: much more of a big car feel in the latest version of this family hatchback.
7 Volvo S60/V70: the S60 has been praised as the best-looking Volvo yet, and the saloon was teamed with the V70 hatchback.
8 Chrysler PT Cruiser: great for its eye-catching retro styling but the judges would have marked it down on its engine.
9 Peugeot 607: low score for Peugeot new big saloon.
ten Citroen Picasso: Citroen must be crushed by poor showing of its medium MPV, flagged as the model marking the return of distinctive Citroens.
