2008 Fiat 500
On July 4, 2007, exactly 50 years later, again in Turin, Fiat presented the new Fiat 500 which went on sale in Europe immediately after the launch. The new car will conclude an equally important cycle of revival and renewal for Fiat Automobiles SpA. Developed by the Fiat Style Centre and manufactured in the Tychy factory in Poland, the new 500 is a 3-door model with very compact measurements: 355 cm long, 165 cm wide, 149 cm tall and a wheelbase of 230 cm, a compact car that appeals immediately for its soft, rounded line.The front combines the current family resemblance between the latest Fiat models with the distinctive elements of the first Fiat 500. For example, the strongest reference to the earlier car is the combination of the circular upper headlights together with full beam lower lights and the 'whiskers and logo' unit.
The exterior styling of the new car is set off by twelve bodywork colours (metallic, non-metallic and one pearlescent), all combined with the wide range of fabric and leather upholstery. And last but not least, the Fiat 500 is the first Fiat model to use its own name as a logo, positioning it on the wheel hubs. The car is perky to drive, due to its three engine choices: a 75 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet turbo diesel unit and two petrol engines, the 69 bhp 1.2 8v and the 100 bhp 1.4 16v, all of which are available with five or six speed mechanical gearboxes. Designed to respect the most stringent standards, the Fiat 500 is one of the safest cars in its entire segment. The Fiat 500 can be fitted with up to 7 airbags as standard equipment (two at the front, two curtain bags, two side bags and one to protect the knees): a record for this vehicle class.
The new model also adopts sophisticated technical solutions to guarantee that the driver is in complete control of the car at all times (active safety): from ABS complete with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), to the sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), plus a Hill Holder, to help the driver on hill starts, and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) which steps in for emergency stops. And the Fiat 500 can boast all the dynamic features and comfort that enable its occupants to tackle any type of route comfortably and safely. The merit also goes to the suspension: an independent MacPherson system at the front, and semi-independent interconnected wheels with a torsion axle at the rear. The new 500 is the most up-to-date solution for the motorist who wishes to enjoy a car in complete freedom. 500 have already been pre-sold in Australia, with just 1000 models destined for our shores. The new Fiat 500 will be available from February with an expected price of around $22,000. Look out for the history of the original Fiat 500 in a future issue of JUST CARS.
FIAT 500 FOR GRAND PRIX CELEBRITY CHALLENGE
The car that's taking the world by storm - the Fiat 500 - is to be driven in the Celebrity Challenge race at the 2008 Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. "In keeping with our fresh approach to the 2008 Grand Prix, there could be no better choice of car for the celebrity race than the Fiat 500," said Drew Ward, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. The car unveiled (below) is the first Fiat 500 to be seen in Australia or New Zealand; the first right hand drive model to be seen anywhere in the world, and the first racing version to be seen anywhere in the world. Recently retired AFL players, Nathan Buckley and Luke Darcy are confirmed starters for the always-entertaining celebrity challenge, joining rugby union legend, Ben Tune.
The F1 Australian Grand Prix kicks off this March 13 - 16.
Go to www.grandprix.com.au for details.
