On the other side of the fence are two models that achieved the poorest results of 2010. These are the Citroen Nemo with three stars and China's Landwind CV9 that received only two stars.
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Dubbed the Giulietta G430 iMove, the demo car is fitted with special tires sized 235/35 R19 tires boasting a fluorescent, green pigment, which glows in the dark. The compound is rich in silica content and other materials, minimizing rolling resistance and, thus, improving fuel consumption. The car rides on 19-inch Barracuda Karizzma wheels, painted in a contrasting black tone.
“The jury acknowledged today that the Nissan LEAF is a breakthrough for electric cars. Nissan LEAF is the first EV that can match conventional cars in many respects”, said Håkan Matson, President of the Jury, Car of the Year.
The Giulietta came in second with 248 points, while the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva took the bronze, with 244 points.
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In an apparent nod to the belief that Alfa Romeos have a soul, the mosaic was created by using thousands of photos from past and present owners, historic stills from film, TV and landmark motorsport successes.
That's good enough to propel the standard production car from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 6,8 seconds and on to a top speed of 242 km/h or 151 mph.
The Golf-sized hatchback will make its global debut at the 2010 Geneva Salon next March with sales due to start in Europe in Spring of the same year. The Giulietta's lineup will consist of two petrol and two diesel engines, all turbocharged and all fitted with start-stop systems to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
At launch, the petrol range will include the 1.4-liter TB and 1.4-liter TB Multiair petrol units with 120HP and 170HP respectively, and the diesel, the 1.6-liter JTDM and 2.0-liter JTDM diesels with 105HP and 170HP respectively.
Hot hatch enthusiasts will be glad to know that Alfa will present a "Quadrifoglio Verde" (four-leaf clover) version later in the year that will be powered by a 1.7-liter (1,750cc) four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing a hefty 235 horsepower.
Following the release of the first photos and details of Alfa Romeo's Giulietta sport hatch (formerly known as the Milano), a new animated film of the car has appeared on the internet. We're guessing that the 12 second-long video was most likely created for use on Alfa Romeo's official website. Other than showing us the 147's replacement from a few new angles, there's really nothing else worth mentioning about the film. Hit the break to check it out.
*Update: Alfa Romeo has officially announced that the car's name is 'Giulietta'After many bizarre events including a series of factory spy shots and more recently, a squabble with the current and former employees of the Italian firm's Milan plant that led to a last minute decision to drop the 'Milano' name, Alfa Romeo has finally published the first official image of its new compact hatchback that will replace the 147 and compete in the all-important C-segment in Europe.
Even though there have been rumors about the use of the 'Giulietta' name, the Italians have yet to announce something official.
However, there's still some time left to choose a name as the compact hatch won't be fully revealed until the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010.
The 147's replacement, which will be made only as a five-door model, is based on the Fiat Group's new C-Evo platform that will also be used in future Chrysler and Dodge products.
Measuring in at 4,350mm in length, 1,460 mm in height and 1,800 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,630mm, the new compact hatch is slightly longer, taller and wider than the current 147. It also features a boot capacity of 350 liters.
When it arrives in Alfa's showrooms in spring next year, the hatch will initially be offered with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, all turbocharged.
The range will include the 1.4-liter TB and 1.4-liter TB Multiair petrol units with 120HP and 170HP respectively, and the 1.6-liter JTDM and 2.0-liter JTDM diesels with 105HP and 170HP respectively.
Later in the year, Alfa Romeo will introduce a sportier version wearing the "Quadrifoglio Verde" (four-leaf clover) badge to compete against the VW Golf GTI and Renault Megane RS. The QV will be powered by a 1.7-liter (1,750cc) four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine delivering an output of 235 horsepower.
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