Fiat's funky 500 has been voted Car of the Year 2008. The international jury was made up of 58 specialist motoring journalists, representing 22 European countries.

It topped the judges' votes with 385 votes. Mazda's 2 was runner-up with 325 votes and Ford's Mondeo came third with 202 votes.

Three engines, four trim levels, 12 colours, 15 interiors, nine types of road wheel and more sticker treatments than healthy guarantees there's a 500 for everyone's individual tastes. And a five-star crash safety rating by Euro NCAP furthers the model's appeal - making it the first car of this size (barely 3.55 metres) to be awarded the maximum score.

The Car of the Year award started in 1964. New cars must go on sale in at least five different European markets in the course of the year. Judgments are made on design, comfort, safety, economic operation, driveability, performance, practicality, respect for the environment, price and value for money.