A composite article, in particular, a rear-view mirror for a motor vehicle, comprising a substrate generally made of glass, a reflective layer composed of an oxidized or nitrided metal, possibly in an under-stoichiometric state disposed on either the front face or the rear face, and a coating stack disposed on the front face. The coating stack comprises a layer having generally photocatalytic properties, preferably a titanium dioxide based layer, which may be covered by a fine hydrophilic layer. The coating stack may also comprise a barrier sub-layer. Preferably the hydrophilic layer and barrier sub-layer are composed of silicon oxide. A process for forming the composite article includes sputter deposition of various layers followed by heat treatment. Advantageously the article has an attenuated reflection which can vary between 40% and 75%.