Fiat 500 in short supply
Local dealers taking orders now to hedge against demandAs the old advertising jingle goes, avoid disappointment, order now.
Ateco Automotive, the Australian distributor for Fiat, advises that the Fiat 500 has sold out in Europe within weeks of its international launch (more here) -- and that follows upping the production by a further 20,000 units for 2007.
With the Fiat due here next year and the Australian allocation fixed, Ateco is strongly recommending buyers interested in purchasing the car place an order now, to be sure of acquiring a car with the right mix of colour and accessories.
Pricing hasn't been announced for the local spec car, but local Fiat dealers are worded up on indicative prices. Official pricing will be finalised in late November.
The company wants the Australian-delivered cars to be built to customer order, rather than taking a wild stab at what the company thinks customers may want. Customers will be able to purchase the 500 in Australia with the full availability of drivetrain options, trim levels and accessories.
Engines will be a 1.2-litre four, developing 51kW of power, a 1.4-litre DOHC four, developing 73.5kW of power and a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel developing 55kW of power.
Initially, the engines will be matched to a standard manual transmission only, with the option of a DuaLogic automated manual due later.
Three levels of trim will be available: 'Pop', 'Sport' and 'Lounge'. In addition, Ateco will offer a local grade which will feature standard air conditioning.
Ex-factory options and accessories are:
- Alloy wheels in seven different designs with a choice two different hub caps,
- Eight decal packs in two colours for 19 different combinations,
- Ten different types of badging for model variant,
- Nine different colours and designs of car keys,
- Two different Body kits: Sport and Chrome,
- Three different style of exterior luggage kits and racks
- Italian Flag badge on the front guards,
- Chrome trim for the mirrors, bumpers, bumper overriders,
- Sun roof,
- 14 Different upholstery options, including cloth, leather and Alcantara,
- Colour coordinated/colour contrasting dashboard for all 12 exterior colours,
- Steering wheel and gear lever in white, black or dark brown,
- Two areas of the centre console and the instrument pack finished in the same colour as dashboard or a contrasting colour,
- 'Blue@ME' communications package, upgrade audio system and SatNAV package,
- A special iPod holder and a perfume dispense,
- A car cover painted to look like an original Fiat 500,
- A decal kit similar to that used on the Ferrari F1 car.
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