New $14K price position for Fiat 500

Fiat 500 Pops up down under – and entry-level model will burst the bubble of three-door Koreans

Fiat is no longer content with selling its diminutive retro hatch in niche volumes. The brand has taken the plunge into the volume-selling vortex with an expanded 500 range that reintroduces the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol powerplants previously offered, but were subsequently succeeded by the 0.9-litre TwinAir engine.

Well now they're back, and the 1.2 powers a new entry-level model, the 500 Pop, which Fiat anticipates will inject some retro appeal in a segment better known for its appliance-like functionality than charismatic design. Explaining the rationale behind the transition to the volume-selling band of the VFACTS light-car segment was Aitezaz Khan, Product Development Specialist at Fiat Chrysler.

"What have we done with the 500? We've made it accessible," he told journalists present for the launch of the newly expanded range.

"500 was always meant to be an inclusive – not exclusive – concept; and we understand that. So, we've expanded the range to eight variants... 'accessible' and 'range expansion' would mean that we're now moving more mainstream... it would also mean that we're now part of a much larger competitive set..."

That competitive set includes other three-door hatches in the segment, namely the Hyundai i20, Kia Rio, Opel Corsa and Volkswagen up!, but Khan quickly explained that he didn't consider the 500 had any direct competitors in this segment – or at such an affordable price.

The range now starts from $14,000 (including on-road costs) for the 500 Pop powered by the 1.2-litre four. For that money you get to shift gear for yourself, holding the shift lever for a five-speed transmission. As the entry-level model, the 500 Pop is the only variant being marketed with driveaway pricing. All other models are promoted with their respective Manufacturer's List Price.

The basic 500 is one of just two variants offered with a manual transmission – the other being the mid-range 500 Lounge powered by the 1.4-litre DOHC engine. That particular model features a six-speed manual transmission. All other variants in the rejigged 500 range come with Fiat's Dualogic automated manual transmission, which is a $1500 option when it's not standard.

The 500 range is structured in three tiers: Pop, Sport and Lounge, with a limited edition model, the 500 by Gucci offered to around 100 local buyers. According to Fiat that allocation from the factory is unlikely to meet anticipated demand for the high-spec 500 from local buyers. Price is $23,200 for the limited edition model, or $25,650 for the 500C trimmed to the Gucci level.

Like the hard-top 500, the 500C, with its cabriolet roof, is now pitched to the market at lower starting price now. The convertible version of the 500 Pop is priced from $17,900, rising to the flagship model 500C Lounge at $22,700.

Technical specifications for the three engines are unchanged. The 1.2-litre SOHC four develops 51kW and 102Nm, for a fuel consumption figure of 5.1L/100km (with manual transmission, or 5.0 with the MTA). Mid-range 500 Sport models are powered by the 1.4-litre DOHC engine, driving through a six-speed manual transmission or the optional Dualogic transmission. Peak power and torque figures for this engine are 74kW and 131Nm, with combined-cycle fuel consumption rated at 6.1L/100km. Only the 500 Lounge models – the flagship level of trim – are powered by the TwinAir two-cylinder, which produces 63kW and 145Nm and posts an average fuel consumption figure of 3.9L/100km. Limited edition Gucci models are fitted with the 1.4-litre powerplant.

The 500 rides on a combination of front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam, with steering provided by means of an electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion system. Braking for the 500 is handled by a disc/drum combination for the Pop and Lounge variants, with the mid-range Sport grade boasting four-wheel discs, ventilated at the front. Only the 500 Pop rides on steel wheels (with full wheel covers). Wheels and tyres for the base-grade model measure 175/65 R14 and 5.5Jx14. Both the Sport and Lounge models move up to alloy construction and a 15-inch diameter – with 185/55 R15 tyres and 6.0Jx15 rims. The Gucci models are based on the 500 Sport specification, but step up to 195/45 R16 tyres on 6.5Jx16 alloys.

Standard equipment for the entry-level 500 Pop includes: leather-bound steering wheel, air conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows, electric mirrors, height-adjustable steering wheel, height adjustment for driver's seat and MP3-compatible six-speaker CD audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and USB/AUX inputs.

The mid-range 500 Sport models additionally come with a body kit, fog lights, sports seats, flat-bottom steering wheel and a sport button to change steering and throttle responsiveness. For the range-topping 500 Lounge models the specification is enhanced with climate control, an ECO button, electrochromatic mirror and auto-stop/start.

In addition to the larger alloys already mentioned, 500 by Gucci models are equipped with fashion and styling details, leather upholstery, the 500 Sport's uprated braking system, reverse parking sensors and a premium audio system with 30-Watt amp and a 100-Watt subwoofer.

According to Aitezaz Khan, the 101 units of the 500 by Gucci allocated for Australia are likely to sell out quickly and demand is expected to exceed supply by a substantial margin.

Safety features fitted to the five-star NCAP-rated Fiat comprise seven airbags (among them side curtains and a knee bag for the driver), stability control, Hill Holder and MSR – Fiat and Alfa Romeo's system designed to raise engine torque on manual transmission downshifts to prevent wheel lock-up under brakes.

New pricing for the 500 follows:

500 Pop 1.2 manual $14,000 (driveaway),

500 Pop 1.2 Dualogic $15,500

500 Sport 1.4 manual $16,900

500 Sport 1.4 Dualogic $18,400

500 Lounge 0.9 Dualogic $20,300

500 by Gucci 1.4 Dualogic $23,200

500C Pop 1.2 Dualogic $17,900

500C Sport 1.4 Dualogic $20,800

500C Lounge 0.9 Dualogic $22,700

500C by Gucci 1.4 Dualogic $25,650

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