FIAT 500

Niche market retro chic doesn't come cheap

discount new cars  » Get the best price on a new Fiat 500

The basic Fiat 500 with a 1.2-litre engine and five-speed manual box will cost Aussie buyers $22,990. Buyers for whom money is no object can up the price by specifying a sunroof ($1950), leather interior trim ($1450) and various cosmetic options starting from $450 for various striping packages.

So the new 500 is more about cachet than the cash.

Ateco Automotive, the distributor for Fiat in Australia, is already swamped with advance orders for the new car, suggesting that the 500 will be a sales success in the shorter term, at least.

Three levels of trim are available. The basic Fiat 500 Pop offers the full range of drivetrain options, including the 51kW 1.2-litre engine coupled to the standard five-speed transmission or a Dualogic robotised manual transmission.

There's also a 74kW 1.4-litre engine driving through a six-speed manual or a five-speed Dualogic box.

For those of a green hue, Fiat also offers the 500 Pop with a 55kW 1.3-litre turbodiesel and five-speed manual transmission combination.

The next level up is the 500 Sport, which is only available with the 1.4-litre petrol engine and the choice of six-speed manual or five-speed Dualogic.

Topping the range, the 500 Lounge offers the same drivetrain options as the 500 Sport.

All grades of the Fiat 500 are fitted with ABS/EBD and seven airbags, including two curtain airbags and a knee airbag for the driver.

The 500 Pop is fitted as standard with air conditioning, a trip computer, front electric windows, remote central locking, rear-seat headrests, height-adjustable steering column, split-fold rear seat and a six-speaker MP3-capable audio system with remote controls on the steering wheel.

For the 500 Sport specification, Fiat has added 15-inch alloy wheels, 'Blue&Me' telematics USB facility, rear spoiler, leather steering wheel, leather gear knob, side skirts and red brake calipers.

Over the 500 Sport specification, the 500 Lounge includes a different design of alloy wheel, satin finish aluminium exterior mirror shells, chrome trim pack, climate control and a fixed glass sunroof.

1.4-litre versions of the car offer the benefits of ESP and traction control (ASR), a hill-holder and Hydraulic Brake Assistance.

Ateco will release the car to the public after the Celebrity Challenge Race at the Australian Grand Prix in March (more here).

Pricing:

500 Pop 1.2 $22,990
500 Pop 1.2 Dualogic $24,990
500 Pop 1.4 $24,990
500 Pop 1.4 Dualogic $26,990
500 Pop 1.3 JTD $25,990
500 Sport 14. $26,990
500 Sport 1.4 Dualogic $28,990
500 Lounge 1.4 $27,990
500 Lounge 1.4 Dualogic $29,990

Options:

Leather trim $1450
Electric sunroof $1950 (TBC for 500 Lounge)
Metallic paint $750
Pastel paint $750
15-inch alloy wheels (Pop only) $750
16-inch alloy wheels (N/A Pop) $950
Cosmetic packages (striping et al) $450
Chequered roof $650 (N/A Lounge)

 

discount new cars  » Get the best price on a new Fiat 500

 

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Powered By Motoring.com.au Published : Tuesday, 22 January 2008
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