Alfa Romeo's stylish 156 saloon is the winner of the European Car of the Year award 1998, announced yesterday. But the real story is the car that had been a runaway favourite to take the accolade, the small, tall and radical Mercedes-Benz A-class.
The A-class's downfall came just over a month ago when it flipped over during an airfield test by Swedish motoring journalists. They were travelling at 36 mph, simulating a moose avoidance test. At first Mercedes-Benz denied there was a fault but when influential German magazines started expressing concerns, it announced a series of modifications including an £800 electronic stability system, anti-skid features and new tyres. Now it plans to modify the suspension with a wider track, more resistance to body roll and a lower centre of gravity. Production is suspended.
For the European award, the 156 attracted 454 points, far ahead of its nearest rival, the Volkswagen Golf with 266. Third place was taken by the Audi A6 with 265 points. The A-class or baby Benz was in fourth place with 211, just ahead of the Citroen Xsara with 204.
Judging was done from a short-list of five cars by 56 motoring journalists. They came from 20 European countries including Ireland (represented by this writer).
Yesterday, Mr Bill Duffy, sales director of MercedesBenz here, admitted that the Aclass's Irish debut, originally planned for next spring, is likely to be delayed because of the modifications. The European Car of the Year 1998 goes on sale here next January with prices starting at £17,900 for the 1.8 litre Twin Spark.