THE humble Fiat 500 has been named as CAR Magazine’s Car of the Year 2007, taking top prize ahead of some of the most glamorous motoring brands in the world.

The tiny Italian motor took pole position ahead of an elite field that included the everyday civilised supercars in the Audi R8 and the BMW M3, the revolutionised Ford Mondeo, the agile and refined Mercedes C-class and the head-turning Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupé.

CAR’s editor, Phil McNamara, said: "There have been strong contenders for Car of the Year 2007, but none is more deserving than the Fiat 500.

"The cheapest car on our shortlist is also the best. It’s a welcome return to form by Fiat – a small car that’s bursting with big personality, desirability and raw ability. It speaks volumes that a city car costing £8,000 beat a £300,000 Rolls-Royce to walk off with CAR’s prestigious Car of the Year gong."

Life for the Fiat 500 started in 1957 when the original model rolled off the production line. Measuring only 9ft 9in long, the Fiat redefined the meaning of "small car".

The Fiat 500 was not the only winner. Lewis Hamilton was crowned Man of the Year after only just missing out on the season’s Formula One World Drivers’ Championship. Other category winners included BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme which picked up CAR’s Green Award, the Jaguar XF for the Best Interior, Engine of the Year went to the BMW 4.0-litre V8, Audi took home the Company of the Year prize and the Best Concept award went to the Toyota iQ.