Fiat 500 scoops top diesel award

9:24am Friday 2nd May 2008

The stunning new Fiat 500 - Car of the Year 2008 - has just been crowned Best Small Car in the annual What Diesel Car Of The Year awards.

This latest industry recognition is yet another top honour to be collected by the popular city car, which was launched in the UK in January. Up against impressive opposition, the victorious 500 impressed What Diesel's panel of judges with its blend of style, quality and modern diesel engine technology.

It's an important time to take a leading diesel award - with registrations of cars powered by the fuel now close to smashing the 50 per cent barrier of the new vehicle market. Announcing the award winners, editor Ian Robertson, said: "This year has seen some tough opposition join the new car market, with the Fiat 500 and Jaguar XF (the overall winner) leading the pack."

As well as the frugal 75 bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel version, the new 500 can also be ordered with 69 bhp 1.2-litre and 100 bhp 1.4-litre petrol engines. All three are ultra-low emission, Euro 5-ready units.