Fiat 500 2008 News

Fiat is making the most of its biggest moment since returning to Australia, with the new 500 named as car of the Australian Grand Prix Celebrity Challenge. Thirty-two of the instantly recognisable baby cars will be fitted out for the annual novelty event, in which more cars finish in the kitty litter than over the line.But with the Australian allocation sold out four months beyond the March launch date, the racing 500s will be readapted for road use and sold.Fiat has released full pricing and specification for its instantly famous 500 baby car three months ahead of its local launch.Prices start from $22,990 for the 51kW 1.2-litre petrol model with five-speed manual transmission, rising to $29,990 for the 74kW 1.4-litre petrol with the Dualogic robotised manual.ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution are standard, but not ESP, except on the 1.4-litre cars. These models also get anti-slip regulation, hill holder and brake assist.Then we get to the three trim levels — Pop, Sport and Lounge — and the 17 main options.These are combined with a choice of three engines (apart from the petrol units there is a 1.3-litre turbo diesel, all of which meet Euro V emission standards) and three transmissions (the five- and six-speed manual or the five-speed Dualogic).With such a bewildering array of (mainly cosmetic) embellishments, buyers can personalise their 500s to a Mini Cooper-like degree. Indeed, Fiat has said that it's unlikely any two pieces of this post-modernist motor will be precisely identical.A sell-out success in Europe, this modernised homage to the original 1957 Fiat 500 combines a light kerb weight of less than 1100kg with modest but willing engines. The 1.2 makes 100km/h from standing in a fairly glacial claimed time of 12.5 seconds, but achieves combined-cycle fuel consumption of 5.1 litres per 100km.The 1.4 petrol is a tad thirstier and does it in 10.5 seconds, using 6.3-litres, while the diesel gets there in 11.5 seconds and uses 4.2 litres.Despite its air of novelty, a brief drive on a recent European trip showed carsguide the 500 is a proper car and one that promises to be both a practical urban conveyance and fun to drive. SnapshotFiat 500Price: from $22,990Engines: 1.2L/4-cylinder; 1.4L/4-clyinder petrol; 1.3L/4-cylinder turbo dieselEconomy: 5.1L/100km (1.2); 6.3 (1.4); 4.2 (1.3)Transmission: 5- or 6-speed manual, or 5-speed Dualogic 

The choice of such models will steadily increase over the next 18 months as the effects of stringent new emissions laws and environmental initiatives spur a spate of new arrivals from Europe and Asia. Nissan's Micra will be joined in the next few months by the newest Smart Fortwo and Fiat's already iconic 500.They are likely to be meet competition later in 2008 or in early 2009 in the form of Suzuki's sub-Swift-sized Splash and possibly the Peugeot 107, which is identical under the skin to Toyota's Aygo.As for Kia's Picanto, which in Europe has been compared favourably to mainstays such as Fiat's Panda, the Korean manufacturer will consider importing if a business case can be made.The good news, for both carbuyers and for environmentalists, is that these new models combine in varying degrees practicality and economy. And even a degree of luxury.All weigh less than a tonne, are not much more than 3.5m in length and can stay well below 10 litres per 100km in urban conditions for which they were received.In Sydney, Smart cars, when they're seen at all, are usually towing advertising hoardings. Visit any major western European city — in particular Italy — and you'll see not only the Smart, but a range of tiny commuter mobiles that are cheap, affordable and emission light.In the traffic maelstrom of Rome, where a Golf-size parking space is rarer than a slow Italian driver, light cars are almost the only vehicles that make sense. Indeed, production at the factory making the new Fiat 500 has been doubled to meet demand for the acclaimed compact.And as our traffic conditions deteriorate, the local allocation of 500s might not meet demand. Light cars have evolved rapidly recently, says Edward Rowe of Ateco Autmotive, which imports the Fiat and the slightly bigger Citroen C2.“You now have a car that people want to own, one with badge appeal, in addition to needing to own,” he says.“That's the very clever blend of the 500. It's got the visual appeal and cuteness but real substance with that. A five-star NCAP crash rating is better than any Australian-made full-size car.”While buyers are already less interested in big family cars, pressures beyond the marketplace are paving the road for light cars.Having wasted no time in signing the Kyoto Protocol, the Federal Government has promised to set up a $500 million fund to attract investment for Australia to produce environmentally-friendly cars. To be introduced from 2011, the Green Car Innovation Fund aims to generate $2billion worth of investment to manufacture low-emission vehicles in Australia, the automotive industry being asked to match a $500 million government contribution on a one-to-three basis.And last week, President George Bush signed a bill raising fuel efficiency standards for the first time since 1975 in a bid to cut US reliance on oil. The bill requires the automotive industry to reduce fuel consumption in most cars and light trucks by 40per cent, raising the fuel efficiency standard to 15km per litre by 2020.Rowe says to expect a “flock of 1.4-litre” engines, petrol and diesel, such as the twin-charged unit in Volkswagen's Golf GT Sport.“Engine size has become irrelevant,” Rowe says, “look at the power.”Their hands were forced by the Euro 5-emission standard and prestige marques are also embracing the “less is more” aspect with cars that, if not as diminutive as the Fiat, are considerably smaller than any yet seen from Alfa Romeo and Audi.The three-door Alfa Junior sporty supermini will reach us in 2009. Designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, the design is inspired by the 8C Competizione. The Junior will feature a 110kW turbocharged petrol engine.“People are under the impression that this is a new Alfasud,” Rowe says. “It's a size under that, closer to the VW Polo.”Audi's A1, seen in concept form at the Toyko Motor Show, is “definitely” on Audi Australia's wish list, spokeswoman Anna Burgdorf says.One motorist already enjoying the value of a light car is Peggy Polias. She bought a Smart Fortwo a year ago.“I just thought they were really cute and fun and I don't want to spend too much on petrol,” she says. “I like how tiny it is and it's just really fun, it's nippy and really handy for urban driving.”Averaging about 500km on a tank, the 26-year-old only has to visit a petrol station once every three weeks and spends about $40 to refuel.Polias acknowledges she could have bought a car with a lot more space and seats for the $22,700 price tag she paid.And while she looked at other cars, such as the Honda Jazz and Toyota Corolla, she decided the extra space wasn't something she really needed.“I don't drive with other people much and the savings I get with petrol seem to outweigh it, especially if I stick to the car for a while.”

A hectic 2007 proved to be lucrative for the car industry with a plethora of new cars launched and more than a million sales throughout the year. And there's no indication that it will be slowing down in 2008.AUDI The new A4, to rival the 3 Series and C-Class is expected here about April, while July will see the hot sports wagon, the RS6 Avant and the A3 Cabrio. Extra A5 variants will follow. BMWBMW has a busy year ahead, starting with the 320d and 335i touring this month. The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale around April, followed by the convertible in May-June. But its big one for the year will be the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, arriving between July and September. It comes with three engine variants, all twin-turbo, an in-line six, a 3.0-litre diesel and a 300kW 4.4-litre V8. Pricing is expected to start at just under $100,000. And the X5 scores a new engine in February, with the first variable twin turbo diesel offered in the range. CHRYSLER/JEEPJanuary will be a busy month for Chrysler, with the Sebring Cabrio and Grand Voyager people mover both arriving in Australia. The Jeep Cherokee will also get a total makeover. CITROENBased on the C4 Picasso, but bigger and better equipped, Citroen will introduce the Berlingo van between July and September, with a mainly diesel range. This will make room in the line-up for the new Nemo small van mid-year. The C5 will also get a new V6 diesel engine.FERRARIDeliveries of the exquisite F430 Scuderia, priced at about $550,000, will start mid year. Only about 40 will come to Australia and New Zealand. FIAT The reincarnation of the 1960s Bambino will arrive in March, but Fiat has already sold the first four months' supply. The new Fiat 500 will have three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, a 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 56kW 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Pricing is expected to start from $22,000. The new Ritmo will join the Fiat 500 in March with pricing from $30,000. FORD One of the biggest launches for the year will be the new Falcon. Ford will release details of the new model in February and it's expected to be followed by an unveiling at the Melbourne motor show in the same month, with the official launch around May.FPV FPV will start the year with a new model, the hot turbo Territory, known as the F6 X model. It's the first non-Falcon model from FPV, with 270kW and 550Nm. The FPV Falcon range will also arrive this year. HOLDEN/CADILLACWith Ford's big year planned, you can't expect Holden to keep quiet. But so far, Holden has only announced it is expecting the VE Sportwagon, due in the first half of the year. GM-Holden is also introducing Cadillac with the first model due late in 2008. HONDA Honda will start the year with the new Accord model, due to be launched in February. The small Jazz is also getting an update after the middle of the year. Details on the new generation will be released closer to the launch. The Accord Euro is also expected to arrive later this year. HYUNDAI No big launches just yet, although an upgraded Sonata is expected mid year. JAGUARJaguar's major release for the year will be the new XF in June, with pricing expected to start from $105,000. It will be available in a V6 diesel, as well as a V6 and V8 petrol. KIAPreviewed at the Sydney motor show last year, Kia will launch its new seven-seater Rondo crossover in February. It is expected to start from as low as the mid-$20,000 mark. LEXUSNew for Lexus will be the LX570 around April or May, followed by the IS-F towards the end of the year. Details still to come. MAZDAThe second-generation Mazda6 will go on sale at the end of February with pricing from less than $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, with 125kW and 226Nm.MERCEDES-BENZThe first arrival for Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the C 63 AMG in mid March. It will be followed by the S 320CDI, priced at $189,874 and the C-Class wagon, which will carry a $3000 premium over the sedan, coming in just under $60,000. MINIAnother new version of a 1960s cult car is also headed our way, with the Mini Clubman launched in February. The modern successor of the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate won't get into showrooms until March or April. Pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 area. MITSUBISHIMitsubishi will release two turbocharged Lancers this year. The top-level Lancer Evo X GSR will be here in April and sell for about $58,000. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo engine pumps out 200kW and 422Nm. Joining it will be the detuned version in the Ralliart all-wheel drive, at about $40,000. NISSANNissan's first addition for the year will be the all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis. Starting at $28,990 and stretching to $35,990, it's powered by a 102kW, 2.0-litre engine. PEUGEOTThe big launch for Peugeot will be the 308 replacing the 307 range, which will start with the 308 hatch in February in both petrol and diesel guises. The touring will follow in June or July, with the 308cc model a prospect for late 2008 or early 2009. PROTONProton has announced the Persona, based on the Gen2 hatch platform, will make its debut at the Melbourne motor show in late February, going on sale in March. It will be priced around the mid-teens. The Gen2 will also get engine updates and minor styling changes. RENAULTThe all-new Laguna will go on sale mid-year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. SAABJune sees the arrival of the Turbo X AWD. SSANGYONGThe South Korean company will go completely diesel in 2008, with no more petrol engines on offer in Australia. SMARTThe new Fortwo arrives in Australia in February. The one-model brand will get both the 52kW and 62kW models, in hatch and cabrio, being bigger than the current models. SUBARUThe star WRX STi comes in February with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, although pricing is still to come. The third generation Forester arrives in March. SUZUKIFebruary's proving to be a busy month, with Suzuki also launching its Grand Vitara diesel. TOYOTAAfter a big year in 2007, Toyota is expecting a quiet year, with only the TRD Hilux due to be launched in April-June. VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen will kick off the year with the SUV, the Touareg R50, to be released in April. It's powered by a 258kW V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan also arrives about October.  VOLVOThe recently launched XC70 arrives in showrooms this month, joined by the C30 diesel also in January. It's priced at $43,950. A base model C30 will also enter the line-up, at $34,450. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engined V70 will arrive in March. 

And when that project has its origins in the family's homeland, it's all the more special.

Just a week after US President George W. Bush told a Sydney media conference about how battery cars that didn't look like golf carts were being developed, the real things were displayed at the world's largest motoring show.General Motors showed off its Flextreme from its European subsidiary Opel. It's a small commuter car with an electric-diesel hybrid that can travel 55km on a single charge before switching to fuel. It is a concept car, meaning it may or may not go into production.Volvo will also unveil its plug-in hybrid concept at the show. Called the Recharge and based on its C30 hatchback, it uses four separate electric motors to power each wheel, augmenting a 1.6-litre four-cylinder Flexifuel engine.Meanwhile, Volvo said a fully charged model can travel about 100km before it needs to be recharged. And it is not a slug. It can reach 0-100km/h in nine seconds on the way to a top speed of 160km/h.VW is claiming fuel consumption of as little as three litres per 100km for its spiritual successor to the original people's car, the Beetle.The Up concept is a miniature four-seat city car powered by a rear-mounted two or three cylinder engine,  the first rear-engined car VW has made since the original Beetle. VW said the car would be low-priced and a fuel miser. It has claimed 3.5litres/100km with a target of reducing that to less than 3litres/100 km.That's better than Australia's current best the Toyota Prius hybrid at 4.4litres/100km, the Citroen C4 diesel at 4.5litres/100km and the Honda Civic Hybrid at 4.6litres/100km.It is also better than the new-age Fiat 500, which will have a diesel model with a claimed consumption of 4.2litres/100km and the next generation Smart car.VW boss Dr Martin Winterkorn said: “This is VW reinventing the Volkswagen. It is what the brand stands for — mobility for everyone.”Dr Winterkorn said show visitors' reaction to the car would decide whether the Up goes into full production.Volkswagen Group Australia managing director Jutta Dierks said: “If the philosophy stays the same as it was for the original Beetle, to be a car affordable to everyone, then it will certainly be a good fit into our market.” Volkswagen Up2 or 3-cylinder engine Fuel economy of 3.5l per 100km.Available in 2011.GM FiextremeElectric-diesel hybrid.Can travel 55km on battery power before switching over to diesel fuel. Volvo RechargeFour electric motors plus a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine.Can travel 100km on battery power before re-charge needed.Top speed of 160km/h. 

BMW is considering developing a new car smaller than its Mini model as part of a review of its market position and car portfolio.If built, the vehicle will help the German car maker lower its mostly large-engined fleet's average carbon dioxide emissions as the European Union pushes ahead with CO2-cutting laws.According to three people with knowledge of the project, BMW has ordered initial work on prototypes of a low-emission car smaller than any of the company's models.“BMW is considering a small car under the Mini,” one of the people said. “It's very serious.”The car maker, which is based in Munich, declined to comment on its plans but is expected to give an update on an ongoing strategic review of its operations when it announces its quarterly results tonight.It is, however, unlikely to give any concrete details of the supermini idea or others it is mooting, believed to include acquisitions or platform-sharing with other manufacturers.BMW is solidly profitable, but the controlling Quandt family is keen to improve the company's performance as it faces stiffer competition from Volkswagen's Audi brand and DaimlerChrysler, which will soon be relieved of its loss-making US unit, Chrysler.According to people familiar with the project, BMW will be unlikely to use its brand for the new car, which might be built on the same platform as the next-generation Mini.German media has carried unconfirmed reports recently that BMW might team up with Mercedes on making a small car.The super-small city car or “fun car” segment is growing rapidly in Europe as regulators push for lower-emission cars.Fiat claims to have sold all its 60,000 current-year production for the revamped 500 supermini, which it launched last month.EU regulators are pushing car makers to reduce their average CO2 emissions by 25 per cent by2012.BMW has recently introduced several low-emission new models in its 1 Series range and is believed to be eager to avoid the mistakes made by Mercedes on its Smart city car, on which it has lost billions of euros since the car's launch in 1998.And Land Rover is considering developing a vehicle smaller than its Freelander sport utility vehicle, according to the head of the Ford subsidiary. 

That newly reincarnated bastion of mini-motoring, the Fiat 500, arrives in Australia from March. As thousands of car enthusiasts converged on the centre of Fiat's home city Turin this week to mark the launch of the new Cinquecento, the car's Australian pricing and basic specification were announced. The reborn 500 will be available here with the current top-of-the-range engines. The 1.4-litre petrol and 1.3-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel as seen in the bigger Fiat Punto. Pricing will be in the mid-$20,000 range. It is expected that the 'hottish' Abarth version, with a 110kW 1.4-turbo engine, will arrive late in 2008. A convertible will follow in 2009. A video of the Abarth Cinquecento being tested on the Nurburgring, with a tasteful exhaust burble clearly audible, has been airing on YouTube. But suggestions of an appearance at this year's Sydney motor show were quashed by the importer, Ateco Automotive. Although the 500 is sure to add some spice to Fiat's local passenger car range which; currently consists solely of the Punto; the reception in its home city has been hyperbolic. Some 200,000 people have converged on the Turin city centre. Perhaps more impressively, in excess of 12,000 orders for the 500 were placed on a single day. Hundreds of old 500 models, including the original Topolino (Little Mouse) from the 1930s and the spiritual predecessor of the current 500, which was manufactured between the 1950s and '70s, were driven across the European continent to the Fiat fiesta. It's a daunting prospect to anyone of more than average height who has ever folded themselves into an old 500 for a trip further than the shops. This weekend, 30 other Italian cities will donate their fabled main squares to presentations of the new 500, including the Piazza del Popolo in Rome and Piazza del Duomo in Milan. But this outpouring is more about the future than the past. Fiat's Polish plant, which currently produces the Panda and Seicento (600), is being readied for the new minicar, which will be joined next year by its Ford sister vehicle, the Ka. At that point, the Polish facility will be producing more than 500,000 cars per year. Minicars have always been logical means of mobility in Europe's congested cities. Now in Sydney's ever-worsening traffic conditions, the appeal of an inexpensive, economical, environmentally friendly but stylish car is suddenly appealing. Developed by the Fiat Style Centre and manufactured in the Tychy plant in Poland, the new 500 is a three-door model with ultra compact measurements: 355cm long by 165cm wide; 149cm tall with a wheelbase of 230cm. If the bigger potholes that pockmark NSW roads can be avoided, the 500 promises to be a fun drive, especially with the 1.3JTD which is good for 66kw and a fat 200Nm. The new 500 incorporates design aspects of the old model. It is seen as a competitor for BMW's lower-end Mini range and the Smart. Fiat officials say its dealers have already ordered 23,000 of the new model against the 58,000 sales target for this year, and 120,000 on a full-year basis. Australians are sure to be well represented among buyers.  

The Linea, which was launched in Europe last week, is designed for the European market with smaller 1.4-litre and 1.3-litre engines and a manual transmission.Fiat Australia spokesman, Edward Rowe, says the company is keen on the new sedan. “We have put our hand up for it, we'd like to have it here as part of our range,” he says.But the Linea isn't likely to arrive in Australia until the end of next year.Fiat has recently signed a deal with the Chinese group Chery Automobile to supply Fiat with 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre engines with an automatic transmission.These drive-trains have been sourced specifically for the Linea model, which will make it more suitable for the Australian market.It is expected to arrive for sale here some time between July and the end of next year and is expected to sit just above the Punto in price. The car is currently manufactured in a plant in Bursa, Turkey, but will also be manufactured in Brazil, India, China and Russia at a later date. But in the meantime, Fiat has confirmed two more models will join the Punto in Australia. The Bravo is next on the list, with the launch set for September.It will be followed by the new version of the legendary Fiat 500. This will be launched and go on sale overseas at the beginning of July to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the launch of the original Bambino.But there will be a wait until Australia gets the revived Bambino. The debut of the car Down Under isn't expected until the model makes its official launch here in March next year, although there is a possibility it could make its debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney in October.A special edition of the model was announced last month for the European market, in connection with the International Milan Furniture Fair.Only 500 of these opening-edition models will be available, with some to be customised by the Italian designer, Cappellini.But as these are only left-hand-drives, no limited-edition models will be offered in Australia. Rowe says Fiat initially committed itself to launching 19 new models across its brand in five years, which includes Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia.

The cute tiddler will make its European debut in July. It will arrive here in time for the Sydney Motor Show before launch early in 2008. In July, 1957, Fiat presented the Nuova Fiat 500, which became something of a motoring icon. On July 4, 2007, exactly 50 years later, and also in Turin, Fiat will present the new Fiat 500 which will go on sale immediately. It will conclude an important cycle of revival and renewal. Developed by the Fiat Style Centre and manufactured in the Polish Tychy factory,the new 500 is a 3-door with compact measurements – only 3.55m long, 1.65m wide and 1.49m tall. It is said to be an entertaining drive and powered by a choice of 1.3-litre turbo diesel and two petrol engines of 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre – all of which are available with five or six-speed mechanical gearboxes. Fiat says the new 500 is ‘‘the most up-to-date solution for the motorist who wishes to enjoy a car in complete freedom, appreciates it for day-to-day use but also wishes to drive a car that is entertaining and practical, environmentally-friendly and accessible, as well as being appealing and full of fun.’’

The iconic Italian brand disappeared from our shores 18 years ago, its cars tainted as unreliable and lacking excitement. But the president of Fiat cars Luca De Meo, who is in Australia this week spearheading the brand's return, has made some bold predictions for its future in Australia.Mr De Meo says Fiat is treating Australia, thanks to its market diversity, as a test to see if it can succeed in re-establishing itself on the global stage.He wants Fiat to achieve a 5000 sales target in this country by 2008 and to also become the leader in the diesel passenger car market, overtaking European rivals in Volkswagen, Peugeot and Citroen.To back that up it has a bevy of new models heading our way to join the existing Punto, including a mid-sized Bravo next year, a born again bambino 500 in 2008 and a mid-sized all-wheel drive five and seven-seater crossover wagon, which will be offered in both diesel and petrol variants, in 2009.Fiat is still working on what to call the Bravo in Australia and has narowed it down to a short list of three names.The Bravo name is already owned by Mazda.De Meo told CARSguide.com: "We want to be there to be able to compete with the other traditional European manufacturers face-to-face in terms of product image and price positioning, service levels and customer satisfaction."We feel we have the opportunity to start from scratch (in Australia) which is a challenge on one side but on the other side it's an opportunity for us."We are here to stay a long time. This is an important market as we re-enter the global competition with Fiat."We are looking at being a small car specialist and we want to do things the others cannot do. The idea of creating a young dynamic fashionable brand is part of the story."You buy an Italian product outside of Italy because it is good looking, fun and reasonably priced. Those three ideas we need to match with our cars."I cannot imagine a Fiat in this market which is too similar to midstream models otherwise people would by a Toyota or buy a Holden."We need to have some kind of character, a (range of) cars closer to what people expect from an Italian brand."Keith Didham is a senior roadtester on the CARSguide team and also editor of Mercury CARSguide. A version of this review, as well as other news, reviews and analysis will appear in the Mercury this weekend.