ALFA Romeo's striking new lower medium contender - the 147 - has followed in the footsteps of its bigger brother - the 156 - by taking the 2001 Car of the Year award.

The Italian sports hatchback triumphed over the Ford Mondeo, Toyota Prius and Audi A2 in a poll of 56 motoring writers from 21 European countries. It's the 10th time a Fiat Auto Group car has taken the award.