The Alfa Romeo 147 has won what is believed by many to be the world’s most prestigious automotive award, the European Car of the Year.

And it was a convincing win, with no less than 51 of the 56 judges across the whole of Europe putting the Alfa 147 amongst their favourites.

To take the 2001 title, the new Alfa Romeo, which is due in Australia next year, beat some of the most advanced cars ever seen in the world, including the Audi A2, the Toyota Prius, the Mercedes C Class, the new GM/Holden Corsa, the Volvo S60/V70 and the Citroën Picasso.

For the Alfa Romeo and Fiat Group, it adds to their status as one of the most successful award winning companies in the world.

The Alfa 147 brings the Fiat Group’s total wins to ten, with seven for Fiat, two for
Alfa Romeo and one for Lancia. This is, in total, nearly double the number of awards won by the second and third placed companies.