Straightline - Fiat 500

Fiat 500

I think this new interpretation of the 60s-era Fiat 500 could be as big a hit as is the new Mini. I think it has just the right flavor—and is ever so "cute and Italian." As with the Mini, Fiat is selling it at premium price, which is ironic as the original 500 was the bottom-feeder in the Fiat range.

“Fiat’s new 500 is an interesting concept,” Max Warburton, head of European automotive research at UBS in London, told Automotive News. “The success of the Mini suggests there is a market for deliberately retro, nostalgic small cars and customers will pay a premium price.”

Also unlike the original 500, it doesn't have a 500cc engine. Instead it will be offered with a 1.2L 69 hp gas engine, a 1.2L 75 hp diesel, and a 1.5 gas engine with 100 hp.

Full story here.

Here's Inside Line's take: Mamma Mia: Fiat Steals the Show at Galleria Ferrari

More images after the jump.

Posted by Bob Jul 6, 2007 6:39 am

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Categories: Fiat | MINI

Comments

steve_ - Jul 6, 2007 7:34 am (#1 Total: 8)

Boise ID United States of America

I don't know the Italian market but I wonder if it will be in as much demand as the Mini is here. Fiat is asking premium prices for it, but it looks a bit too much like a Ka mixed with the original little 500's looks.

Maybe it'll look more distinctive in person, but from the photos I think they should have emphasized the side crease just a bit more.

ateixeira - Jul 6, 2007 9:14 am (#2 Total: 8)

Recife, PE, Brazil

Looks too dorky. They'll have trouble commanding a premium price for that thing. There are far better looking mini-compacts.

rsholland - Jul 6, 2007 11:05 am (#3 Total: 8)

Ellicott City MD United States of America

Ah... you have no sense of history. :) It's a perfect update for the lovable old 500.

desmolicious - Jul 6, 2007 11:37 am (#4 Total: 8)

What the story doesn't describe are the numerous active safety features that the Fiat has. For me the most interesting one is within the headrests. Upon sensing an impact, a strong vaccuum is acutated and your head is sucked into the unit (think toilet plunger except cleaner) thus eliminating the possibility of whiplash injuries.
To prevent embarrasment to the occupants, the car can detect the difference between natural and, umm, enhanced hair so that the system is disabled for those of the toupee persuasion.

estreka - Jul 7, 2007 5:15 pm (#5 Total: 8)

subarctic north - Great Falls, MT

If it offered Mini-level performance, I could understand the premium pricing. But a 69hp engine wont command anything.

Des - lol

rsholland - Jul 7, 2007 5:43 pm (#6 Total: 8)

Ellicott City MD United States of America

Ah, but a hot turbo Abarth version with a whole bunch more hp may be in the wings! :)

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/07/fiat-500-abarth-official-presentation.html

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/06/video-fiat-500-abarth-testing-in.html

carlisimo - Jul 8, 2007 8:25 pm (#7 Total: 8)

United States of America

Don't forget, the base MINI engine in the US is actually the second engine in the rest of the world (the base engine also delivers two-digit hp figures).

italusa - Aug 11, 2007 12:05 pm (#8 Total: 8)

There is a market for thiscar in the USA. The one to arrive on our shores will most likely have the bigger engine. If the Smart is coming next year then why not the Fiat 500?