Fiat 500

Fiat launched the Nuova 500 today, exactly 50 years after the arrival of Dante Giacosa's 1957 Cinquecento, which was produced until 1975. The original 500 was marketed as a cheap and practical town car to combat high levels of congestion in Italian cities and became an icon of Italian motoring. Measuring only 2.97m long and powered by a tiny 479cc two-cylinder air-cooled engine, the 500 redefined the term 'small car'.

Previewed by the Trepiuno concept shown at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, this latest edition of the 500 delves deep into the retro-look pioneered by Volkswagen's New Beetle and BMW's New Mini. But Fiat says it's goal has not been to design a car that 'looks like' a 500, but one that 'could be' the 500 again.

The new 500 meets Euro5 emissions standards, has four specification levels, and is anticipated to score 5-stars in the EuroNCAP impact rating. Three engines will be available from launch, along with 12 colors; including 6 vintage colors 'that will bring the 1950s and 1960s to mind'.

Design Review coming soon...

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Fiat 500

Fiat is on a roll: the svelte Punto and Bravo models will soon be preceded in the line-up by this, the new 500, faithfully carrying through the styling previewed by the 2004 Trepiuno concept. Differences between the two are hard to spot: rubbing strips have been added outside and the rear lamps and bumper are new, but the most notable changes occur inside, Fiat no longer billing the car as 'three-plus-one' as they did on the concept, while the whole IP has changed as well.

The Fiat 500 launch on July 4 marks the 50th anniversary of the original car it mimics, and will be available with one of three engines: a 75PS diesel, and two gas motors producing 69 and 100PS. As we said in our Design Review of the Trepiuno, "It looks set to address the needs and desires of first time buyers in a way no other car in Europe can." Renault should be worried. Key dimensions: length 355cm, width 165cm, height 149cm.

Related stories:
Design Review: Fiat Trepiuno concept
cardesignnews

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