Fiat finally presents the new 500

Posted Tue Mar 20 2007 7:41 PM by Alex Kaufmann

These are the first official images of Fiat's cute 500, the Italian rival to popular minicars such as the MINI Cooper and Nissan Micra. The 500 was originally planned to hit the market in September but it’s now scheduled to be released on the 4th of July, and unlike the original "cinquecento" models of the 1950s, the new 500 will be positioned as a premium model. Fiat will be offering customers multiple customization options to add to the car’s life-style appeal and up-market cachet.

Prices should start at close to the €10,000 mark, putting the new 500 above the larger five-door Panda in terms of price. Fiat is expected to sell up to 58,000 units by the end of the year, with this figure likely to jump to around 120,000 cars per year thereafter. Fiat will build the 500 in Tychy, Poland, alongside the upcoming second generation Ford Ka, with which it shares its platform.

The new 500 gets double projector headlights at each side, with a chrome ornament on the front bumper sporting the new Fiat logo. The 500 will only be offered in a three-door configuration and is limited to carrying four passengers. Fiat will be launching the 500 with three different engines initially, a 1.3L turbodiesel with 75hp (55kW) and two gasoline units delivering 69hp (51kW) and 100hp (74kW) respectively. All engines will be available with either a five or six-speed gearbox, and expect a high-performance 1.4L unit with 150hp for a sporty Abarth version in the near future.

Rival manufacturers are rushing to release their own minicars including premium versions from the likes of Volkswagen and Audi as well as more budget-based models from GM and Toyota. But none of these new models will have the cult-status of the new 500, its popularity garnered by the wholesome appeal of the original. It's clear that Fiat's marketing strategy for this model is heavily influenced by BMW's revived Mini Cooper and we’re sure the new 500 will steal some of its limelight.

Now updated with high-res images.

Reader Comments

Wed Mar 21 2007 5:39 AM
Kinan Alhabbal says

It's Just a great work, and a wonderfull car, and better than the mini.
Italian do it better.
Wed Mar 21 2007 6:40 AM
t4tigger says

While the 500 certainly follows the "predictable" retro route set by the new Mini, the BMW product has proven ( thanks in part to heavy marketing and high visibility ad campaigns - and ok it's a fairly decent drive too ) that fashion does indeed turn in circles ( especially when you need / want it to )

Maybe it won't be long before we see Ford offering a Model T ...........

But, in the cheeky retro-esque spirit of the Mini the FIAT is at least well resolved and I'm sure the 500 will see some success

Make mine an Abarth !!!
Thu Mar 22 2007 1:49 PM
Lucky says

I think that it is going to sell really well, its retro' Design is very balanced and not cartoony. Now I hope that the real quality will mach the perceived one on videos and photos..

www.lucianobove.blogspot.com
Tue Apr 3 2007 2:55 PM
Jose says

Is the diesel version going to be available in California? If yes when will it be available? If the diesel version won't be available, then when and where can I buy the gasoline model here in Los Angeles California.

Thank You.

Jose Gallardo
Tue Apr 3 2007 4:34 PM
Daniel says

Here's the convertible:

http://www.infomotori.com/a_17_IT_19671_1.html
Wed Apr 11 2007 5:25 AM
Parcival says

After the huge success of the Mini, I can not enjoy even a original one anymore.
I've seen to many uptown girls and over-fashionable gay's in this trendy status object.

I pray the 500 will appeal to a more mainstream group of car enthusiasts. The looks
are stunning I think, now we wait for the test drive. Given BMW's background and the
square dimensions of the Mini, it would surprise me if the 500 would come close to the
high level of handling and fun the Mini offers. But then again, you will be driving a car that, if lucky, everybody will love for fewer costs.

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