Fiat 500 & 500 C
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Over fifty years ago, on 4 July 1957, Fiat introduced the Nuova Fiat 500, which became an icon of our times, and with which Fiat completed a revival that had begun immediately after the Second World War.
This summer exactly 50 years later, and once again in Turin, the company will be presenting its new Fiat 500. This new car will also mark an important cycle of revival for Fiat Automobiles SpA.
Developed by the Fiat Style Centre and manufactured in Fiat's Tychy (Poland) plant, 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. Produced with three engine options: a 75 bhp 1.3 16v MultiJet turbodiesel and two petrol engines, a 69 bhp 1.2 8v and a 100 bhp 1.4 16v, with five or six speed manual gearboxes, the new Fiat 500 is designed to be notably entertaining to drive.
The new car's arrival confirms Fiat Automobiles SpA's undisputed leadership in this category - and the new Fiat 500 takes a leap forward in terms of comfort and safety, technology and equipment for this segment.
The new Fiat 500 is the most up-to-date solution for motorists who wish to drive a vehicle that is entertaining and practical, environmentally-friendly and accessible, but also appealing and full of fun.
Please contact us on (03) 9848 8888 or email us for more information
Fiat 500 Convertible
Lance Dixon Fiat is taking orders now for what will be the hottest fashion item for the coming summer – the new Fiat 500C, the open top version of Fiat’s Bambino, the car that has already captured hearts and, thanks to its green credentials, minds, around the world. “The interest in the open top Fiat 500 C has already proven as strong as it has been for the normal Fiat 500,” explains Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager for Fiat in Australia. “So we have opened up the order books now, so everyone who wants to be seen in the chicest car this summer can be ready to take their top off the moment summer arrives!”
The new Fiat 500C is available now to order in two versions, both equipped with the 1.4 litre 74 kW engine with a choice of a manual or DuaLogic gearboxes, with deliveries starting in early January. Prices start at a recommended retail price of $28,990 for the manual version and $30,990 for the self shifting DuaLogic version, excluding statutory and on road costs.
“The 500C has been the car to be seen in during the European summer this year and the demand, like that for is solid roof cousin, has run well ahead of supply,” explains Mr Zaitzev. “With limited numbers coming to Australia and existing pent-up interest, we expect the expect demand to run ahead of supply here, too, so now is the time to start planning for chic open top motoring this summer!”
The stylish new Fiat 500 C pays homage to the original 1957 fabric roof Fiat 500, but today’s thoroughly modern interpretation offers customers innovative solutions in terms of mechanical design, performance and comfort.
The Fiat 500 C’s introduction is thus absolutely in line with the authentic Fiat tradition of giving customers access to segment firsts in terms of content and technology, and comes just 18 months after the local launch of the Fiat 500.
Starting from the basis of the highly successful hatchback, the introduction of a soft top version does not change the winning characteristics of the model, such as its four comfortable seats and its comprehensive safety equipment, but it does add new functions that heighten enjoyment, including easy access to the boot even when the soft top is fully open, thanks to a clever system of parallelogram hinges.
Another strong point of this original convertible version is its exceptional climate and acoustic comfort. Thorough aerodynamic research means that turbulence experienced on the move with the roof open has been reduced to a minimum, allowing full enjoyment of fresh air and the company of fellow passengers.
The decision to re-interpret the original design in a modern idiom, with an electric sliding roof that retains the shape of this classic vehicle, makes the Fiat 500 C less of a seasonal product and one that can be enjoyed the whole year round. In short, all these features make this new vehicle one of the most successful convertibles in the modern city car segment.
The Fiat 500 C soft top stands out for its elegant electrically controlled movements and its impressively finished and carefully selected technical features, from the glass rear window to the third brake light built into the soft top itself.
The new Fiat 500 C has an exclusive feel to its interior, which is embellished with top quality desirable fabrics, including optional Frau leather upholstery, and a long list of standard features: from automatic climate control to the innovative Blue&Me telematics system.
New Fiat 500 C retains the same dimensions as the hatchback (355 cm long, 165 cm wide and 149 cm high) and uses the powerful engine, the 1.4 74 kW petrol engine, available with manual or Dualogic semi-automatic robotised gearboxes
Please contact us on (03) 9848 8888 or email us for more information
Meet the hottest 500 ever built! This is the Abarth SS – a pocket rocket with an engine that’s the brainchild of the man behind the formidable V10s in Ferrari’s Formula One cars.
Legendary motorsport figure Paulo Martinelli has been credited with fine-tuning the four-cylinder in this model, which will hit the UK’s roads in the summer. Described as the ultimate incarnation of the Fiat-based Abarth 500, the top-of-the-range Super Sport, or SS, delivers enough performance to rival MINI’s flagship Cooper S.
The newcomer follows in the footsteps of its older brother the Abarth Grande Punto SS, promising an uprated 1.4-litre turbo engine and racy looks.
As you can see from our images the Abarth SS will get an aggressive bodykit. What’s more, it is likely to be rounded off by a low front splitter, deep air intakes and twin bonnet vents.
At the rear, there are twin chrome exhausts, as well as a diffuser-style lower bumper. The white paintwork and contrasting red wing mirrors and side stripes are complemented by Abarth’s famous scorpion badging, which features on the wheels, grille and bootlid. Inside, the model has sporty instruments and figure-hugging bucket seats. But what will make the SS a truly special machine is the turbocharged unit under the bonnet.
While the standard Abarth 500’s engine produces 135bhp, the SS has an even more powerful version that delivers 155bhp. With a kerbweight of around 1,000kg, the 500 promises to be a sensational performer: it will complete the sprint from 0-60mph in only 7.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 130mph. A torque output of 230Nm will ensure superb in-gear acceleration – although changing ratios will be a joy, as the car has the same slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission as the Abarth Punto.
To ensure the SS handles just as well as it accelerates, engineers have lowered the suspension, uprated the dampers and springs and fitted larger brakes. What’s more, as with the flagship Grande Punto, customers will be able to choose from an impressive and exclusive line-up of Abarth-branded components. These will include further suspension options, lightweight carbon fibre body parts and bigger brakes, all of which will be available from the UK’s 10 Abarth dealers.
Rumour has it that a special tuning kit is set to be offered as well. It has yet to be officially revealed, but is likely to take peak power to 180bhp – which would give a 0-60mph time of less than seven seconds.
The regular Abarth 500 & SS will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, if you would like any further information, please contact Lance Dixon on (03) 9848 8888 or click here to email him