In Brazil, the Fiat Grande Punto has been elected Carro do Ano 2008 by a panel of 37 journalists from the country’s national specialist press. The Grande Punto scored 235 compared with the Citroen C4’s 208 points, Nissan Sentra’s 152, Renault Logan’s 146 and the Chevrolet Vectra GT’s 134.

The Fiat brand also brought home the AUTOBEST 2008 award with its Linea model. The title’s international media jury was made up of specialist journalists from 15 European countries including Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Romania, Russia and Turkey, demonstrating the versatile C-segment saloon’s cosmopolitan appeal.

With a winning points total of 850, the Linea again finished in a commanding position. The second-placed Kia C’eed managed 784 points while third-placed Mazda 2 scored 705. Skoda’s Fabia scored 679 while the Toyota Auris was awarded 583.

The tough AUTOBEST award is made from a final shortlist of five cars on the basis of 13 elements including design, comfort, economy, driveability, price and value for money.

The Fiat 500 has also received Car of the Year 2008, Auto Europa 2008, EuroCarBody 2007, Auto Trophy, Fifth Gear Car of the Year, and CAR Car of the Year. The Fiat 500 has also just been voted best City Car in the BBC Top Gear Awards 2007.