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For the original Fiat 500 from 1957–1975, see Fiat 500. For the all-electric 500 released in 2020, see Fiat New 500. For other Fiat cars with the model number "500", see Fiat 500 (disambiguation).
The Fiat 500 is an A-segment city car manufactured and marketed by the Fiat subdivision of Stellantis since 2007. It is available in hatchback coupé and fixed-profile convertible body styles, over a single generation — with an intermediate facelift in Europe with model year 2016. The 500 is internally designated as the Type 312 by FCA.
Derived from the 2004 Fiat Trepiùno 3+1 concept (designed by Roberto Giolito), the 500"s styling recalls Fiat"s 1957 Fiat 500,BambinoDante Giacosa with more than 4 million sold over its 18-year (1957–1975) production span.Compasso d"Oro industrial design award for Fiat 500.
Manufactured in Tychy, Poland, and Toluca, Mexico, the 500 is marketed in more than 100 countries worldwide,CAR Magazine Car of the Year (2007)World"s Most Beautiful Automobile.
Since 1998, Fiat"s entry-level model in Europe had been the Polish-built Seicento, itself an updated version of the 1991 Cinquecento. These models had only ever been sold with three doors, although Fiat had responded to the growing demand for five-door city cars in 2003 by launching the Panda, which replaced a three-door model of the same name which had slotted into Fiat"s European range between the Cinquecento/Seicento and the larger Punto. Around the time of the Panda"s launch, Fiat set about developing a three-door city car to replace the Cinquecento.
The 2004 Fiat Trepiùno concept, from which the 500 derives, was introduced at the 74th Geneva Motorshow — designed at Centro Stile Fiat by Roberto Giolito in a style strongly reminiscent of the original Fiat 5001957.
The 500 uses a widened variant of the Fiat Mini platform. The 500 features Dante Giacosa"s 1964 breakthrough front-wheel drive layout — which ultimately became an industry standard,
The 500 uses Fiat"s Multiair hydraulically actuated variable valve timing (VVT) engine technology, winner of the 2010 Popular Science"s Best of What"s New.
In addition to the distinct 500C (Cabrio), Abarth (full sport), and 500e (all-electric) models, the 500 is marketed variously around the globe with other trim levels — for example, the Sport and Turbo trim levels in the United States, and the Pop Star trim levels in Europe.
The fixed-profile convertible variant of the 500 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009 designated the 500C (C for Cabrio), historically recalling the fixed-profile convertible of the original 1957 Fiat 500, as well as similar fixed-profile convertibles such as the Vespa 400 (1957), Citroën DS 3 (2013), Nissan Figaro (1991), Citroën 2CV (1948–1990) and the Nash Rambler Convertible "Landau" Coupe (1950).
The 500C features fully stamped body-side panels retaining the hatchback 500"s profile (door frames, roof pillars and side windows) to increase structural rigidity, reduce scuttle shake, and retain side and curtain airbags, in exchange for a less open experience than a fully pillarless convertible.
The top itself is a dual-layer, three-position power-retractable cloth top with a glass rear window, electric defroster and an integrated color-matched spoiler with a center high-mounted stop lamp that remains visible with the top in any position. The top retracts in three stages: over the two front passengers, overall four passengers (to the rear spoiler), and fully retracted with its stack folded behind the rear head restraints just above the rear cargo opening. The top is controlled either via the key remote or by open/close buttons at the windshield header adjacent to the interior ceiling light and retracts to the first two stages at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph), to its third stage at up to 80 km/h (50 mph)
With its 50/50 split-fold rear seats in their upright position, the 500C rear cargo capacity is reduced from 9 cubic feet (250 L) to 5.4 cu ft (150 L) compared to the hatchback, which offers 23.4 cu ft (660 L) of cargo volume with the 50/50 split-fold rear seats folded. At its rear trunk lid, the 500C features "parallelogram" liftgate hinges. When the rear cargo lid is opened while the top is fully lowered, the top automatically closes partially for greater cargo access. Because of limited rear visibility, 500C models are equipped with an ultrasonic rear park assist system to audibly indicate obstacles when backing.
The Abarth 500 is a performance model of the Fiat 500 tuned in-house by FCA"s Abarth subsidiary. It was unveiled at the 78th Geneva Motor Show, a year after the rebirth of Abarth brand and company.turbocharged and intercooled version of the 1.4 L Fire I4 petrol engine.
The Abarth 500"s 1.4 L engine is equipped with an IHI RHF3-P turbocharger, and is rated at 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 180 N⋅m (133 lbf⋅ft) (206 N⋅m (152 lb⋅ft) in sport mode) torque at 3,000 rpm. It includes a five-speed C510 transmission, low ride suspension, electric power steering with sport setting, 6.5 x 16" aluminium alloy rim with 195/45 R16 tyres and four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated). Interior includes turbo pressure gauge, gear shift indicator, aluminum foot pedals, Blue&Me entertainment system with telemetry and GPS. The car costs £13,600 in the UK. A 5-speed automated manual transmission (called MTA) is available as an alternative to the manual transmission.
A production battery electric Fiat 500e was unveiled in November 2012 at the Los Angeles Auto Show,zero emission vehicles. Fiat-Chrysler stated from the beginning that there were no plans to make the 500e officially available in Europe.Fiat New 500; the New 500 is not currently offered for sale in North America.
An electric conversion of the Fiat 500 was first shown at the London Motor Show in July 2008. The non-OEM conversion, carried out by Micro-Vett, entailed fitting a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor but retained the 5-speed transmission; it was marketed by the NICE (No Internal Combustion Engine) Car Company and was on sale for £25,000 (equivalent to £35,500 in 2021). The NICE/Micro-Vett 500 claimed a range of 75 miles (121 km) and a top speed of 60 mph (97 km/h).
A concept electric 500 by Fiat/Chrysler was shown as the 500 Elettra or 500 BEV Concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January, positioned as a competitor to the Mini E, but details of the electric vehicle were not initially available.
The American rollout was scheduled to continue to other states with mandates of sales of zero emission vehicles; for Europe, Fiat-Chrysler said in 2012 there were no plans to make the 500e officially available.CCS combination socket for fast charging.
In September 2019, Fiat announced it was discontinuing the entire subcompact hatchback 500 line in the United States, including the 500e; existing dealer stock was expected to sustain sales into 2020.
The 500e is powered by a 111 hp (83 kW) and 147 lb⋅ft (199 N⋅m) permanent-magnet, three-phase synchronous-drive electric motor, and its 24kWh liquid-cooled/heated li-ion battery delivers a range of 80 mi (130 km), and up to 100 mi (160 km) in city driving according to Chrysler.V AC source using the on-board 6.6kW charging module.V and 70A if the appropriate connector is retrofitted to the car.
The official U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) range is 87 mi (140 km).mpg‑e (300 Wh/mi; 184 Wh/km) overall, 122 mpg‑e (280 Wh/mi; 175 Wh/km) in city driving, and 108 mpg‑e (320 Wh/mi; 198 Wh/km) on the highway.Regenerative braking is employed to extend range;
Robert Bosch GmbH supplies all the powertrain components for the 500e, including the electric motor, power electronics, and battery.smart fortwo electric and PSA GROUP"s HYbrid4.rpm. The inverter, designated INVCON 2.3 by Bosch, converts direct current energy stored in the traction battery to alternating current for the SMG 180/120 and weighs less than 15 lb (7 kg) in a package 12.2 in × 7.5 in × 6.1 in (310 mm × 190 mm × 156 mm) (L×W×H), including connectors.10 Best Engines for 2014.
Designers and engineers of the Fiat 500e worked to minimize drag while keeping the iconic styling of the conventional powered Fiat 500. For the 500e to achieve a 0.311 coefficient of drag (Cd), as compared to the 2013 Fiat 500 Lounge model"s 0.359 Cd, eight exterior refinements were developed in the wind tunnel to enable the 48 count drag reduction. The result of hours of wind-tunnel testing allowed the 500e to achieve an additional five miles of range compared to its gasoline-powered sibling. Among these changes are front fascia sealing, aerodynamically optimized front fascia design, drag-reducing rear fascia design, liftgate-mounted aerodynamic spoiler, and under-vehicle belly pans.
Development of the production 500e started with prototypes assembled by hand at Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan; the prototypes used components from suppliers (later announced as Bosch) and were shipped to Sonoma County, California (as the initially planned market was California) for testing in the summer of 2012. The Chrysler engineering team was tasked with integrating the hardware components and tuning the finished car to behave as close to a conventionally gas-powered 500 as possible. Some of the aerodynamic refinements developed for the production 500e were intended to be back-fitted to the regular 500.
Fiat describes the 500e"s unique exterior design as retro-futuristic, and the vehicle had a smartphone app that notifies the owner of the vehicle"s status.
The Fiat 500e pricing started at US$32,500 including a US$700 destination charge and before any applicable government incentives. Leasing is available with a down payment of US$999 due at signing and US$199 per month lease for 36 months. The leasing pricing is the same as the current lease offer on a gasoline-powered Fiat 500 Pop.Sergio Marchionne reported that Fiat loses $14,000 on every 500e it sells, and only produces the cars because California rules require automobile manufacturers who sell a certain number of cars in the state to sell a percentage of that total as zero emissions vehicles.
In April 2013, Fiat North America announced that to avoid range anxiety concerns and allow customers to cover longer travel distances, each 500e purchase will include the use of rental vehicles for up to 12 days a year for free through the first three years of ownership. The program, called ePass, entitles 500e owners to a business account with enough points to rent a gasoline-powered standard car with Enterprise Holdings, which owns Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car. Fiat will deposit additional points the following two years to extend the program.Dodge Dart or the Chrysler 200. Customers will also have the option to upgrade to a larger vehicle such as a minivan or a pickup truck subject to terms of the program.
Some electric cars depreciate more rapidly than conventionally powered cars and trucks, according to NerdWallet if depreciation is calculated based on the pre-tax credit price. For all-electric cars depreciation varies between 60% and 75% in three years. In contrast, most conventionally powered vehicles in the same period depreciate between 45% and 50%.wholesale prices of used three-year old Fiat 500e were as low as US$5,000 (equivalent to $5,650 in 2021), and were being sold at retail for US$10,000 (equivalent to $11,290 in 2021).
The first-generation 500e was assembled at the Toluca Car Assembly plant in Mexico.Renault in July 2019, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced it was investing €700 million to convert its entire Mirafiori plant to production of the second-generation 500e, hoping to produce up to 80,000 electric vehicles per year, starting in the second quarter of 2020.
In August 2013 Chrysler issued a recall to replace bolts that secure the Fiat 500e half-drive-shafts. The recall was not related to the 500e"s electric powertrain and affected 291 model year 2013 Fiat 500e cars, including vehicles at dealers" lots. When an investigation was launched after a customer"s 500e exhibited power loss, engineers discovered two assembly steps that had not been properly completed, thereby creating a condition that could lead to half-shaft separation. Fiat 500e owners affected by the recall were to receive free rental vehicles while their cars were repaired at no charge.
For model year 2016, the Fiat 500 and Fiat 500C received a facelift including redesigned grille and reshaped headlights incorporating daytime running lights with LED technology; revised 15" and 16" alloy wheels; new paint colors, rear bumper chrome strip with fog lights and rear taillights featured integrated LEDs. Interiors have revised controls and a redesigned steering wheel. Available trims are Pop, Pop Star, Lounge and S. Three engines are available in Europe: 1.2 petrol, 0.9 Twin Air petrol in either 85 or 105 hp setup, all Euro 6 emission compliant.
The facelifted 500 (and in some markets, the 1957 Edition) were introduced with strong product placement tie-ins with Charlie Puth"s debut single, "Marvin Gaye" — in both the song"s video as well as prominent print advertising.
For 2022 Fiat includes a Mild Hybrid version accompanied by a 1.0 three-cylinder engine with a combined power of 70 hp.RED can now be purchased, fight against AIDS and COVID-19 all proceeds will be donated to Global Flund.
FCA launched the 500 with three Euro5-compliant engines: two petrol/gasoline and one diesel engine.Multijet was equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Despite the 500"s name, which originally corresponded to its engine displacement, the lowest displacement is 1242 cc with 69 metric horsepower (PS),5001957–1975 and the Cinquecento1991–1998.
The new 500 has seven airbags in all models and available ABS brakes, ESP (electronic stability program), ASR (antislip regulation), HBA (hydraulic brake assistance) and hill holder.
The Fiat 500 has remote locking and an immobiliser as standard. The Fiat 500 was tested by Thatcham"s New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation and achieved the following ratings:
The 500 Start&Stop is a model based on the 1.2 Lounge, with the start-stop system, designed and supplied by Bosch and Fiat Powertrain Technologies, stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete stop and restart it when the driver wants to move off again. The car reduces fuel consumption by up to 12% over a regular 1.2 Lounge in urban driving, with 113g/km CO2 emission. Other standard features include hands-free telecommunications and entertainment systems. It costs £11,300 in the UK.
The 500 PUR-O2 is based on the Fiat 500 Start&Stop, but also includes an Eco-Drive system. Beginning in January 2009, a Dualogic transmission option is also available. The vehicle was unveiled in the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
In 2008, Fiat launched a special edition "By Diesel" 500. In a partnership with Fiat and Italian clothing brand Diesel, with a production run of 10,000 planned. The 500 by Diesel is available in a choice of three exclusive colours, and can be distinguished from standard 500s by unique alloy wheels, "Diesel" logos and burnished metal bumper and side-rub inserts. The interior features denim upholstery with coloured stitching and a "Diesel" branded gear knob. The 500 by Diesel is based on the 500 Sport, using the same 1.2 L petrol, 1.4 L petrol and 1.3 L diesel engines.
The 500 Aria is a concept car based on the 1.3 L Diesel vehicle, but with diesel particulate filter, Stop & Start system, Dualogic transmission, recycled rubber floor from used tires, recycled and woven leather upholstery (mataleather) by Matamata, Ecolabel polyester fabrics by Apollo company.2008 Geneva Motor Show.
The Fiat 500 Ferrari edition is a limited edition model (200 units) of the 1.4 (100 bhp) Sport, mainly used by Ferrari dealers as courtesy cars for owners to use while their Ferraris are being serviced. It includes a red body color, aluminum pedals, red brake calipers, 16-inch wheels with 195/45 tires, sporty steering wheel and a few tuning and exhaust modifications.
A special edition of the 500 designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the toy icon Barbie. Created by Centro Stile Fiat and Mattel, the car was unveiled on March 9, 2009, in Milan"s fashion district, and parked at the entrance to La Rinascente department store, in Piazza Duomo, where German singer Nena performed live in the background. The 500 Barbie Edition will also be making an appearance
The Fiat 500 by Gucci was a version of the Fiat 500 celebrating 150 years since the unification of Italy and Gucci"s 90th anniversary. Customized by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with Fiat"s Centro Stile, it included a choice of 2 body colours (black or white), custom wheels for 195/45 R16 tires, and a red and green stripe around the car. The black version has detailing in metallic chrome with a sharp black and white interior for a contemporary and sporty feel, whilst the white version has satin chrome detailing with an ivory and black interior creating a softer look. Versions with the 1.4-litre engine include rear brake calipers in Gucci green.500C by Gucci. It included a choice of two body colours (white with matte chrome-plated elements or gloss black with shiny chrome-plated accents), a black soft top with green-red-green Gucci web pattern printed lengthwise (the same graphic pattern is sported on the side of the car), 16-inch alloy wheels, and two-tone Frau leather seats with Guccissima print.
The convertible version began to be available to order in August 2011. As part of the product launch, beginning on 19 August, 500C by Gucci car took a tour in Saint Tropez (from 19 to 27 August) followed by Berlin (8–14 September), Barcelona (25 September – 2 October), London (16–23 October) and Geneva (23–30 October). In Italy, the tour started from Forte Dei Marmi (22–28 August) and then reach Rome (4–11 September), Florence (19–26 September) and Milan (8–16 October).
A total of 500 coupés and 500 convertible versions were available in the European market that was inspired by the United States where Fiat 500 sales began in 2011, and where Fiat"s collaboration with the American pop singer Jennifer Lopez started. The "America" model includes mirror covers with "Stars & Stripes" graphics, stickers, dedicated beltline, and 16" alloy rims with red cap edge, an interior of red/ivory seats, and contrasting white dashboard, manual air conditioning, and exterior chrome-plated trim. The coupe model also includes metallic shade America Blue body.
The special edition, marketed variously as the Vintage 57 (Europe) or as the 1957 Edition (North America), features exterior paint in Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) or Celeste Blue (pastel sky blue) combined with a white roof and mirror caps; brown leather upholstery and color-matched (in the US, white elsewhere) 16-inch forged aluminum wheels, retro-styled with a wide chromed lip, body-color accent and large center caps with historic "FIAT" emblem — the design mimicking chrome hubcaps.
This version of the Fiat 500 features a silhouette of the historic Nuova 500 on its side panels. The interior includes black-ivory Poltrona Frau leather upholstery. It is available only in Crossover Black Metallic with white trim.
The new Fiat 500 Dolcevita special edition sports a Gelato White livery, enhanced by a red, white and red beauty line drawn around the entire silhouette. The convertible version for the first time in the history of the model, it is fitted with a horizontal white-and-blue striped top with embroidered red "500" logo inspired by the deck chairs and beach umbrellas of the Italian Riviera of the Sixties. The engine range includes the 69-hp 1.2-litre engine paired with the Dualogic automatic or manual transmission, the 85-hp 0.9-litre Twin Air and the 69-hp 1.2 LPG, the latter two both with a manual transmission.
The 500 Abarth "Opening Edition" is a limited production model (100 cars) for the Italian market. It includes the upgrades found in the 500 Abarth Esseesse. The car is available in two colours (Campovolo grey or pearlised White), while there is also the option of special stickers including a red chequered flag on the roof (exclusive to the Campovolo Grey shade) that pays homage to the numerous sporting victories of the Abarth brand.
The Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" is a limited edition version developed in collaboration with engineers from Ferrari based on Abarth 500. The 1,368 cc (1.4 L; 83.5 cu in) Turbo T-Jet 16v engine is further developed and uses a different Garrett turbocharger. Rated at over 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm.automated manual transmission), an electrohydraulic-actuated transmission with paddle shifters, unique to this version, 17 inch alloy wheels with performance tyres, Brembo 284 mm (11.2 in) multi-section discs with fixed 4-piston calipers, "Record Monza" variable back-pressure "dual mode" exhaust, Scuderia Red body with Racing Grey wheels and rear air intakes, Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting xenon headlights, "Abarth Corsa by Sabelt" seats in black leather upholstery with carbon fibre shell and seat base, black leather steering wheel with red leather inserts and a tricolour hub, Jaeger instrument panel, non-slip aluminium foot wells, Scorpion racing pedals, special kick plates and a plate bearing the vehicle series number. This version will eventually be released also in blue, yellow and grey. The vehicle was unveiled in the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Abarth 500 "SpeedGrey" is a very limited edition version model (10 cars only) produced by Neubauer, the official Abarth distributor in France, exclusively for the French market. Starting from the "Esseesse" version of the Abarth 500, Neubauer added the "Record Monza" variable back-pressure "dual mode" exhaust system (boosting output to 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp)), as well as a pair of "Abarth Corsa by Sabelt" seats in black leather upholstery with carbon-fibre shell and seat base. Tinted windows were added, along with the Blue&Me GPS system. Finally, Neubauer repainted the car in a special "Maserati Grey" paint.
The Abarth 500 "Cabrio Italia" is a limited (150 units) model commemorating the 150th anniversary of Italian unity, unveiled at the 64th Frankfurt International Motor Show in 2011.Abarth Esseesse, 5-speed manual gearbox, Torque Transfer Control device, Esseesse brake system, Abarth Corsa by Sabelt natural leather seats, Blu Abu Dhabi shade dashboard, Abarth Blue&Me MAP satellite navigation unit with a telemetric function developed by Magneti Marelli, black leather with a double-stitching steering wheel, magnesium shade mirror covers, 10-spoke 17" rims with diamond effect and yellow Brembo front calipers.
The Abarth 695 "Competizione" is inspired by the Abarth 500 Assetto Corsa, which debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show together with the Cabrio Italia.
It is a limited (499 vehicles) version of the Abarth 500C convertible with the 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v engine rated at 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp), 5-speed electrically operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox with steering wheel controls, Maserati "Neptune" 17" alloy wheels with performance tires, Brembo 305 mm brake discs with fixed four-piston caliper and special shock absorbers, Record Modena variable back-pressure "dual mode" exhaust, Pontevecchio Bordeaux body-color, Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions, sand beige Poltrona Frau leather seats with containment strips featuring single-layer padding and the pista grey contrasting electro-welding, black leather steering wheel, aluminum pedal unit and sill plate, carbon fiber kick plate and boosted hi-fi audio system.
It is a limited (299 vehicles) version of the Abarth 595 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the original Fiat-Abarth 595, with 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 1.4 T-Jet engine, Abarth Competizione gearbox, 17-inch alloy wheels with 695 Magnesio Grey design embellished and red liner, Brembo 305 mm floating brake discs, fixed four-piston caliper, special shock absorbers, "Record Monza" variable back-pressure dual-mode exhaust, matt three-layer white body color, Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions, red leather sports seats with white inserts and red stitching, Abarth logo at the black leather steering wheel with red inserts and finder and the kick plate.
The 500 Abarth esseesse is a conversion kit for the Abarth 500, to be installed within 12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 mi) of the car"s first registration. The engine is upgraded to 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 5,750 rpm and 206 N⋅m (152 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm (230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) in sport mode).£2,500 in the UK.
The Abarth 695 70° Anniversario was unveiled at the 2019 Abarth Days in Milan, as part of the brand"s 70th-anniversary celebrations. Limited to 1949 units, it is powered by the 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine. Highlights of the special edition include an adjustable rear spoiler.
Abarth has recently launched a special edition of the 500 for the Mexican market to end its production in Toluca. It has a 1.4 litre 160 hp (119 kW), 170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m) turbo engine, accompanied by a 5-gear manual transmission gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission, but with 157 hp (117 kW) and 183 lb⋅ft (248 N⋅m) of torque.
The new 500 was introduced in Mexico in September 2008, powered the 1.4 L 16V 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) engine, transmissions are Dualogic for the "500 Classic", "500 Lounge" and "500 Vintage" trims or six-speed manual gearbox for the "500 Sport" Trim. The "Abarth 500", "Abarth 500 esseesse", "Abarth 500C", and the "Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari" variants have been sold through independent importers. Mexico became the first country in the Americas in which the new 500 is sold. As of 2011, the Fiat 500 is also manufactured in Mexico. In 2012 when the North American 500 released all Mexican 500"s got an update to meet the North American Spec. As of Sept. 2019, the Nuova 500 has ended production for the North American market.
The Fiat 500 debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show with production beginning in December 2010 — effectively reintroducing the Fiat brand in the United States and Canada after 26 years.
The North American 500 is marketed in Pop, Lounge, Sport and Turbo trim levels with market-specific modifications including increased body strength; revised suspension; changes for reduced noise, vibration, and harshness; BiHalogen projector headlamps and amber front and red rear sidemarker lights and reflectors on each wheel arch edge to comply with FMVSS 108; new four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system with new front calipers; larger 10.5 US gal (40 L; 9 imp gal) fuel tank; upgraded heating and cooling system; revised front seats with an armrest and seat cushion; easy entry system designed into the driver"s seats; revised steering wheel controls and revised steering; a Bose branded audio system as well as a more rounded center grille and a plastic lip that wraps onto the bottom of the spoiler. FCA offers the North American 500 with either an AISIN 6-speed automatic transmission with a driver-selectable mode as well as a 5-speed manual.
The North American 500 has the 1.4-litre 16v MultiAir FIRE engine from the Fiat Panda 100HP, and the European-market Fiat 500 1.4 16v. The engine produces 100 hp (75 kW) at 6,750 rpm and 97 lb⋅ft (132 N⋅m) at 4,250 rpm.
The US version of the 500 is rated at 38 mpg‑US (6.2 L/100 km; 46 mpg‑imp) highway by United States Environmental Protection Agency when equipped with the manual transmission; the 500 with the automatic transmission has a fuel mileage of 34 mpg‑US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg‑imp) highway.
The Toluca-built version of the 500 is for sale in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and was launched in mid-2011 in Brazil and Argentina where it replaces the European version made in Poland.
For 2015 the 500 lines (500, 500c, and 500/500c Abarth) received updates to its interior styling and features. The Easy model is added above the Pop model and below the Sport model. All models also now include the U Connect 5.0BT infotainment system, which features an AM-FM stereo, iPod/USB and 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jacks, U Connect hands-free Bluetooth phone w/ hands-free stereo audio streaming, a five-inch color touch-screen display, and voice command, plus six speakers (six Beats premium amplified speakers on higher-end models), replacing the previous stereo, which included an AM-FM stereo, single-disc CD/MP3 player, 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jack, and six speakers. A rearview backup camera with rear backup sensors is available, as well as a built-in GPS navigational system. SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio remains an option on lower models and standard on higher-end models. The 500e electric model is not available for 2016.
Trim levels are the Easy (500 ONLY), Pop, Sport, and Abarth. The 1957 Edition is replaced by a Retro Appearance Package, which is now available on all 500 models (aside from the performance-oriented Abarth model).
The Abarth version for North America was introduced in the LA Auto Show in November 2011 with a 1.4 L turbocharged Multiair engine producing 160 hp (119 kW) and 170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m) of torque.The NA Abarths came with the esseesse package as standard.
As of 2018, the 500 Turbo engine, brakes, 16" wheels, suspension tuning, and body kit became standard for all 500 trim levels in the US market (aside from the more powerful 500 Abarth and the electric-drive 500e), and new colors were introduced: Brillante Red, Mezzanotte Blue Pearl, and Vesuvio Black Pearl.
As of September 2019, the Nuova 500 has ended production for the North American market. 2019 is the final model year for the Fiat 500, 500c, 500e, and Abarth in North America, while the 500L and 500X continued to be sold there.
It is a limited (500 units) version of the Fiat 500 with the 1.4L 16v 100HP engine, for the US market. It include a choice of 3 body colours (Bianco (White), Rosso (Red) and Grigio (Gray)), 5spd manual transmission, exclusive Prima Edizione badge, sequential VIN and badge.
It is a limited (250 units) version of the 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge model produced in partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It includes a choice of Argento (silver) and Bianco (white) body, with a signature dark pink bodyside stripe, Nero leather front and rear seats with pink accent stitching on the perimeter and signature "500" logo embroidered on the front seatbacks and a pink ribbon embroidered on the floor mats and pink accents on Nero leather steering wheel.
It is a production version of the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Hottest Sports Compact Car award-winning car but based on the 2012 Fiat 500 Sport with 2-stage options.
Stage 1 includes Giallo (yellow) exterior body, Black Chrome exterior door handles and mirror caps, 17-inch by 7-inch Abarth Hyper Black aluminum wheels with wider 205/40 R 17 performance tires, tinted head and taillamps and license-plate brow, Mopar"s vinyl bodyside and roof graphics in the black checker, Mopar"s Katzkin leather seats, Alcantara seat centres, Giallo black leather bolsters, and Giallo accent stitching, Mopar carbon-fiber instrument panel decal and Mopar shifter ball finished in Gloss Black.
It is a version of the 2014 Fiat 500c produced in association with Condé Nast, with the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo (160 hp) engine, five-speed manual transmission, 16-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels with Hyper Nero (black) with a Rosso (red) center cap and accenting inner backbone, a cloth-top mounted spoiler, a rear-fascia diffuser with dual exhaust, Gloss Nero headlamp, taillamp and parking lamp bezels, a "GQ 500" badge located on the B-pillar, a thick-rim three-spoke steering wheel wrapped in Nero leather with a contrasting Steam (white) inner leather ring, a large concentric instrument cluster with 160-mph speedometer, tachometer and trip computer sits behind the steering wheel with a Nero leather-wrapped cluster brow finished with Tungsten accent stitching; a Nero shift knob with Tungsten accent thread stitching, satin chrome interior accents, Nero leather-wrapped tightly contoured seat bolsters, Alcantara inserts and a Steam leatherette center stripe on the seat cushion, Tungsten accent stitching and a "GQ" embossed in the seatbacks, instrument panel bezel matching body colour with a matte finish, a choice of 4 body colours (Nero Puro (straight black), Argento (silver), Granito Lucente (granite crystal) and Bianco (white)).
It is a limited version of the 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge for the North American market, commemorating the 57th anniversary of the original 1957 "Nuova" Cinquecento. It included the 1.4l 16v 100HP engine, choice of 3 body colours (Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) or exclusive Celeste (celestial blue)) with Bianco roof and mirror caps, 16-inch retro wheel design with a wide chromed lip, body-color accent and large center cap with historic "FIAT" emblem; a sport-tuned suspension and all-season performance tires, "FIAT" badges on the front fascia and rear liftgate, Avorio (ivory) interior, Marrone (brown) leather seats, Avorio accent stitching at the seatbacks and seat cushions and perimeter; Grigio (grey) door panels with a unique Avorio inner panel, Marrone door armrests and shift boot (with manual transmission) are color-keyed to the leather seats; exclusive Avorio leather-wrapped steering wheel with Marrone leather on the "inner ring" and features a retro "FIAT" badge; a uniquely styled key fob with Marrone casing and Avorio-painted "1957" graphic, six-speaker and 276-watt FIAT premium audio system with SiriusXM Radio, C514 five-speed manual transmission (optional six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes), driver-selectable "Sport" mode on the instrument panel.
It included a double hump roof, a turbocharged Twin Air engine rated 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm, 17-inch "chrome shadow" wheels with a brand new double spoked shape and synthetic inserts (made of APP-TECH), 205/40R17 tyres, 4 perforated brake discs.
FIAT unvailed 3 concepts of the 2024 fiat 500e at the LA Auto Show They are a preview of the upcoming redesigned second generation Fiat 500e to replace the original 500e that was discontinued in 2019
The Micro VettLondon Auto Show by the NICE Car Company. The Micro-Vett electric Fiat 500 is powered by a Lithium polymer – Kokam battery with a 22 kWh capacity and is able to get to a top speed of 60 mph (97 km/h). The range of the Micro-Vett electric Fiat 500 is 70 miles (110 km) and after that will need 6–8 hours to re-charge it.
Chrysler unveiled the Fiat 500 Elettra concept electric car at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters. Initially the electric car was scheduled go into production in 2012.
Within three weeks of the 500"s launch, the entire year"s production of 58,000 had been sold out. To date, Fiat has received more than 205,000 orders for the 500. While Italy has been the 500"s main market (in October 2007, some 9,000 cars had been sold in Italy, making it the 3rd bestselling car there), the 500 has gained a strong following in many countries. Fiat France had received more than 10,000 orders by the end of October 2007. To cope with demand, Fiat has announced that production has been increased to 200,000 in 2008. The 500 was launched on January 21, 2008, in the UK.
By the end of 2013, the Fiat 500 had accumulated over 1 million sales in Europe. In 2013, the 500 outsold the Fiat Panda to become Europe"s best-selling minicar for the first time since its launch.
In North America, initial sales were lower than anticipated, as of December 2011, only 16,000 500s were sold in North America, short of the initial goal of 50,000. Poor marketing and a shortage of dealers were blamed for the low numbers, Chrysler Group replaced North American head Laura Soave with Timothy Kuniskis, who was director of marketing for the Chrysler brand.
The launch show, which took place in the Turin"s Murazzi del Po region, was a huge firework spectacle that also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the old 500 launch. The show was coordinated by Marco Balich, who was also responsible for Turin"s 2006 Winter Olympic Games and was an event never made before for a car launch. Several artists performed during the show, including Lauryn Hill, Israel I dancing group Mayumana, and others. In the first part of the show, artists reproduced scenes of the 60s, such as scenes from films by Federico Fellini, a Beatles show made by a cover band and Marilyn Monroe"s iconic "Happy Birthday, Mr. President", which became "Happy Birthday, dear Cinquecento" (sung by a Marilyn cover to celebrate the original 500"s fifty years). Several bikes also represented the Giro d"Italia competition, filmed by a cameraman inside an original 500, just like in the 60s. Both the 500 and the bikes floated on the river.
A project called "500 wants you" was launched by Fiat as part of a major online advertising campaign. The project uses the Internet to involve the public in planning the evolution of the new vehicle. The official 500 Internet page has been visited by over four million people.
As part of the Fiat 500C launch in Germany, an interactive game event was held inside a movie theatre. Theatre attendants would find steering hands with a coupon that allows the attendant to win a weekend driving a Fiat 500C. Attendants played the interactive game by trying to collectively drive two on-screen Fiat 500C cars around a uniquely designed race track.
As part of the 500 by Gucci product launch, a commercial featuring model Natasha Poly was produced. The commercial was shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott in Rome, and conceived by Giannini. In addition, single and double-page print ads were also produced.
Papillon Polaroid (produced by Olivier Zahm (Editor in Chief of Purple Fashion magazine)) featuring Betony Vernon, is set at the Museo Casa Mollino, Torino, the former home and now a museum dedicated to Italian designer and architect, Carlo Mollino. This film would create a poetic combination of three pillars of Italian design: Fiat, Gucci, and Carlo Mollino.
Assembly line (produced by Chris Sweeney (Film Director for NOWNESS)) fuses two powerhouses of Italian design with a playful twist that brings the 500 to life in a completely unexpected way.
Divergence (produced by Alexi Tan (Film Director)) features two lovers who are having a secret affair. They long to be together and at the same time, they know they shouldn"t be. Just like their passionate encounters, their one of a kind cars, two Fiat 500 By Gucci also reflect the state of their relationship, moving fast apart but always finding a way to come back. She decides to leave once and for all, he makes the chase... will they return to one another one more time?
A tagline "Simply More" was used to define "The Fiat 500 as everything you need and nothing you don"t. It represents the notion that the simple things in life are treasures, alongside the thought that the richness and fullness of a life well-lived is defined by one"s view of self-expression."
In the "Life Is Best When Driven" campaign, Jennifer Lopez was featured in the "My World" ad.The Smoking Gun reported the Big Block-produced commercial was shot in Los Angeles, and a body-double was used for the scenes showing the car driving through Lopez" "hometown of the Bronx".American Music Awards with a 2012 Fiat 500 during her performance of "Papi",
As part of the 2014 Fiat 500c GQ Edition launch, the FIAT brand sponsored the "How GQ Are You?" online photo-sharing platform, where participants can upload photos of themselves to compete in online style contests, with winning participants awarded monthly prizes, culminating in December with the give-away of one Fiat 500c GQ Edition to the "Most GQ Guy of the Year," chosen by the public and the editors of GQ Magazine.
In 2009, an art installation designed by architect Fabio Novembre featured 20 full-size fibreglass replicas of the Fiat 500C, shaped as planters, along Milan"s famous Via Monte Napoleone.
Initially only available in a 2-row, 5-seat configuration, the lengthened 3-row, 7-seat variant, called the "500L Living", began production in 2013 for the European market. For model year 2018, the 500L received an intermediate facelift, with revised front and rear fascias along with In-car entertainment (ICE) updates and interior revisions.500L was discontinued in the North American market after model year 2020.
The 500L derives its name from Fiat"s widely known 500 models, including the original 1957 Fiat 500 and the current Fiat 500, introduced in 2007. Underscoring its increased length and overall size over other 500 variants, the suffix L denotes "large", "light" and "loft".
In April 2010, when Fiat released its 2010-2014 product development plan, the 500L was identified as a replacement for the Fiat Idea and its rebadged variant, the Lancia Musa — and was given the internal designation L0 or Ellezero. Two variants were projected, five and seven passenger, the latter originally targeted at North America but ultimately only marketed in Europe.
The 500L platform was based on Fiat"s "Small" platform, first used with the Fiat Grande Punto and further developed since its launch in 2005. With the 500L, the platform is both longer and wider to accommodate the 500L"s cab forward architecture, prioritizing interior volume and reducing of the volume of mechanical systems.
The packaging design closely follows the Lancia Megagamma concept, which Fiat had commissioned from Italdesign in 1979, for a 4-meter, high roof, high h-point, multifunctional, monospace design.
Designers of the 500L said its overall architecture was inspired by Villa Savoye, the modernist house designed in the 1930s by Le Corbusier located in Poissy, France. Fabrizio Vacca, senior interior designer with Fiat"s Centro Stile in Turin described a "layered" theme with a base, a middle with expansive visibility and above that an available, very large, dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
As a five-door, five passenger, two-box, high-roof B-segment MPV, the 500L is based on a variant of the Multiair engines, a hydraulically-actuated variable valve timing (VVT) engine technology enabling "cylinder by cylinder, stroke by stroke"
The 500L"s structural architecture uses 74% high strength steel (HSS) and complies with international safety standards. With three front-end load (crash) dissipation paths the design has wide rear door openings; roof pillars that enable a 90% visibility for the driver"s 360° field of view. Bodywork has a frontal area of 2.54 m2 and a low aerodynamic coefficient of drag (cd) of 0.30 enabled by rear spoiler, underbody engine and rear suspension shields, and integral rear side window nolder profiles (i.e., small aerodynamic lips) to decrease pressure behind the bodywork and reduce mud and debris build-up on the rear window.
The 500L uses shock absorbers (marketed as Koni Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) Technology) designed to filter out high-frequency suspension inputs from uneven road surfaces while maintaining ride control mechanically rather than electronically.
In 2012, the 500L debuted formally at the Geneva Auto Show — followed by a media introduction at the Officine Grandi Riparazioni (OGR), the former Grand Repair Workshops of the Italian Railway, now a cultural center located at Corso Castelfidardo 22 in Turin — on 4 July, the day of the year when Fiat has historically introduced its 500 models. The introduction presentation was built around the 500L themes of Large (a large MPV within a 4.1 meter footprint), Light (a light eco-footprint), and Loft (an expansive, lofty interior).
Manufacture of the 500L began at Fiat"s Kragujevac plant in Serbia,joint venture (JV) between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) which owns 67% of the operation and the Republic of Serbia, which owns the remainder. The facilities had previously served as the factory and headquarters for Zastava Automobiles.
500L production was originally scheduled for manufacture at the Italian Mirafiori plant in Turin and was moved to Serbia, because of poor labour relations in Turin.
In 2013, a ship carrying the first 3,000 Fiat 500L units for the North American market docked in the port of Baltimore to unload its first consignment, subsequently delivering the remainder of its cargo to the Canadian port of Halifax.
Fiat markets the 500L in various trim levels worldwide, beginning in 2014 in the US with four trim levels: Pop, Easy, Trekking, and Lounge — subsequently consolidated to three levels with model year 2017. Trim levels available globally include Sport in Canada in lieu of Easy — and Pop Star in Europe. Engine and transmission options vary by country and model year. Available transmissions include a six-speed manual, dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and an Aisin six-speed traditional torque converter automatic.
Trekking models, first presented at the 2012 LA Auto Show feature revised front and rear fascias, optional two-tone Nero/Marrone (black/brown) interior upholstery and distinct options packages. In 2017, the Fiat 500L Trekking is renamed Fiat 500L Weekend in some markets, including France.
To complement the regular length 500L, codenamed Fiat L0 (or Ellezero) (design code 330),Living (or MPW in Ireland and the UK), developed under project code L1, Elleuno, or design code 334.
In 2021, new 500 family Hey Google series debuts with Google assistant, so customers can connect to their car even when they are away from it, using their own voice to request and receive information on the car and to interact with it. They can do so via their smartphone or the Google Nest Hub.
For model year 2018, all models received slightly-revised exterior styling, as well as interior revisions, including a TFT color instrument display screen centered on the instrument panel, replacing the previous monochrome LCD instrument display screen.
A new Uconnect 4C 7.0 infotainment system, replaces the Uconnect 3 5.0BT and Uconnect 3C 6.5N units. The new unit includes an AM-FM radio tuner with Radio Data System (RDS), SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
With the facelift, the seven-seat model was renamed the 500L Wagon (including in Ireland and in the UK, where pre-facelift models had a different name than anywhere else).
For most markets, the 500L is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines: the 2-cylinder 0.9 L Twin Air and the 4-cylinder 1.4 L petrol, and the 1.3 L and 1.6 L MultiJet II common rail diesel engines. In North America the 500L is available with only a single 1.4 L turbo petrol engine, not available in Europe. A "Natural Power" methane powered version of the 0.9 L Twin Air is available in selected European markets.
The 1.6 MultiJet II 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) and 1.4 T-Jet 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) engine versions for the 500L, 500L Trekking and 500L Living were unveiled in Frankfurt Motor Show 2013.
For 2014 three new engine options (1.6 MultiJet II (120PS) turbo diesel, 1.4 T-Jet (120PS) petrol, 1.4 Turbo LPG) were announced for all 500L derivatives. A 1.4 turbo LPG engine models of 2014 Fiat 500L would be available at later date.
For the USA introduction of the 500L, Fiat launched a commercial created by the Doner Company filmed in Old Salem, North CarolinaBryce Pinkham. Titled "Italian Invasion," the ad showed Paul Revere noticing an Italian rather than British Invasion.
FCA donated eight dark grey 500Ls for Pope Francis"s 2015 visit to the United States, two of which the Pope rode in. After serving the Pope, the cars were donated to organizations involved in the Pope"s visit, including the Archdioceses of Washington, Philadelphia, and New York.
2013 SEMA concepts: Two special versions of the 500L were unveiled in 2013 SEMA Show with a "surf and turf" theme.Mopar roof rails and a roof basket, and many other accessories from the Mopar range. The 500L Thalassa is based on the Fiat 500 Beach Cruiser from 2012, with bright orange body work and 18" orange wheels and other Mopar accessories.
2014 Fiat 500L Beats Edition: The Beats Edition was produced in association with artist and record producer Dr. Dre, Interscope Geffen A&M Records chairman and record producer Jimmy Iovine, with two-tone grey/black livery in matt or gloss finish and new interior trim. It went on sale in spring 2014 Italy, and subsequently in other markets.
Everywhere we drove of course there were Fiat vehicles along with the ubiquitous scooters whose rasping song makes me remember that holiday now if I hear one! At the time we were in a Fiat Strada - not my favourite car of all time If I"m honest -and I was very envious of the stylish little 500 nipping along picturesque streets.
I love the style of the little Fiat 500, even the modern version which is a fitting tribute to the vintage version I remember from my trips abroad. I had a test drive - it was as fun as I expected and nippy too. I loved the styling which sings to my vintage-loving soul.
Apparently their goal was to make the new Fiat 500 even more 500, even more convenient with even more technology. They wanted to achieve aunique combination of spaciousness and personality hoping to capture all the style andexcitementof the Fiat 500 with thespaciousnessandfunctionalityof an MPV.
And the result? Well my first thought was that it was not terrible by anymeans! The 500 influence is very visible in the styling even though whopping total of40% of all components are new.
dashboard. I have to say Iwasn"ttoo keen on this - it felt like it was trying too hard to remind you this was a Fiat 500. I"d have preferred aplaindash.
There"s a TFT colour digital display, with a full set of useful information including instructions on when to shift gear. I initially thought this was a bit patronising but as the cost of fuel rises ever upwards think it might be a useful tool to maximise fuelefficiency.
500L displays an innovative wraparound glazing concept to improve visibility and ease of parking, with its glazed A-pillar. Available as a fixed panel or electrically
A seven-inch high-definition TFT display will be included in the instrument panel of Fiat"s 2015 US-spec 500. To be showcased at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, the revamped 500 will also feature a redesigned center console. The minor interior facelift is complemented by the addition of three new exterior paint colors: Giallo Moderna Perla (modern pearl yellow), Laser Blu (bright metallic blue) and Billet Argento (billet silver).
The new 7-inch TFT cluster display can show the driver data like speed, fuel level, Eco index and trip information. If the vehicle is equipped with Rear Park Assist, the system will display a parking screen that guides the driver when reversing. If Sport mode is engaged, the color theme changes in order to complement the more engaged driving experience.
Other screen options include a radio screen that displays information about the station selected and a telephone screen showing call information. The 7-inch display will be an optional extra on the entry-level 2015 Fiat 500 Pop, but comes as standard on the Sport, Lounge, Turbo and Abarth models. As for the redesigned center console, features include a new cup holder design and an additional USB port, complemented by the addition of Bluetooth audio streaming.
In addition to the interior improvements across the Fiat 500 lineup, we"ve told you a little while back that the Abarth and Turbo versions will add a six-speed automatic transmission as an option for 2015. The new Fiat 500 lineup will be available from July 2014. Since launching in March 2011, more than 135,000 Fiat 500s have been sold in North America.
What I thought of doing, if the original radio needed to be connected, is to hide it out of the way in the boot and run whatever wires as an extension, tapping into the original loom back into the car but from what I can gather, the original radio has standard ISO A/B/C. Also, I would have thought if it had anything to do with the radio, it would have worked when I plugged the original back in with the TFT.
This guy (http://www.fiatforum.com/500/434392-ret ... uster.html) is running a 2015 cluster in a 2008 car and he"s not reported any issues - the date on the speedo matched the post"s date!
It seems like the TFT has defaulted to a template that contains different menu features for different markets. Just need to activate the template somehow! It still doesn"t explain why the most basic feature of setting the time and date isn"t available though.
China is a goldmine for car manufacturers. Since 2009 it has been the world’s largest car market. The car industry has experienced record sales for the past few years in China. But Fiat was not part of this phenomenon. Let’s find out why the Italian Group failed for over thirty years to enter the Chinese car market.
However, Fiat didn’t follow the trend at first and lagged behind rivals due to an inappropriate strategy. Everything started in 1982 when a Chinese manufacturer visited Fiat in Italy to offer a joint-venture. But the company didn’t really believe in the potential of the Chinese market so the manufacturers left Italy for Germany and established a joint-venture with them instead.
The Italian group realised its mistake and decided to expand its models into China in 1986 through a joint-venture with Iveco and Nanjing Automotive. In 1999, Fiat signed a joint-venture with Nanjing Automotive but the group was already far behind its competitors. In 2002, after investing around 330 thousand euros (i.e. almost £280,000), it started the production of the following models: Palio, Siena and Perla.
However, introducing three old car models to the Chinese market was not enough to adapt to the market trend. Along with this unsuccessful strategy, Fiat experienced management issues (the joint-venture’s president changed four times) and they achieved much lower sales than expected. As a consequence, the joint-venture split up and its factory was sold to Volkswagen in 2007.
However Fiat decided to persist with the Chinese market by establishing a new joint-venture with Chery. The aim of this partnership was to create 175 thousand Fiat and Alpha Romeo cars, but this strategy was cancelled in 2009. As a consequence, Fiat established another joint-venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co and invested 400 million euros (i.e. around £337 million). In 2011, Fiat aimed to sell 300 thousand cars in China by 2014. To do so, Fiat was relying on its alliance with Chrysler, which was the first American automaker to build vehicles China.
Lorenzo Sistino, Fiat’s head of international operations confirmed its ambition to export small cars and green technology to the Chinese market. The Fiat 500 was introduced in China last year and was supposed to be the company’s “weapon”. However, sales of the Fiat 500 didn’t really take off in 2012.
As mentioned below, Fiat experienced management issues and failed to adapt their cars to the Chinese market. Indeed, while Chinese people are looking for bigger cars than in Europe, Fiat just imported old models without adapting them to the country.
If we compare this strategy with the other big car manufacturers, we notice that most of them modified the models making them bigger than the originals in order to match the Chinese expectations. Take the example of the Volkswagen’s Passat. The Chinese version is larger and longer than the European models which is a perfect example of adaptation while Fiat just imported the models without making any changes.
Creating a Fiat 500 in China that is adapted to the market trend could be an alternative, but it won’t be a piece of cake. According to Chinese social networks and blogs, both experts and potential clients are doubtful of its possible success since small cars can be perceived as low value, even if equipped with the best technology. The price of the Fiat 500 might be too expensive for the country given that numerous competitors offer small cars with very competitive prices in China.
However, even if its market shares remain very low (0.39%), Fiat-Chrysler Chinese sales soared by 45% in 2012 compared with 2011 which is an encouraging growth rate. The group also announced its plans to reintroduce Jeep – a brand of Chrysler Group - on the Chinese market whose sales more than doubled last year. After 30 years of mistakes in the Chinese market, Fiat is at last on the right track but still has a long way to go. If the group wants to succeed, it will have to adapt to the Chinese trend and expectations which has not been the case so far.
The New 500 has filled all of Fiat with its positivity, bringing with it an energy and creativity unparalleled since 1957 and 2007. From that point, it came naturally to design a car with more ‘bodies’, such as the cabrio and hatchback versions, but that wasn’t all. To accompany the evolution of the 500 customer base, we needed to go further, to respond to the developments in the requirements of customers who have grown and whose habits have changed. The young person who darted onto the city streets aboard their 500 after a day’s work, is now a ‘working mom or dad’, struggling to get their one or more children to school in the morning before heading to work, then to their dance class or foreign language lessons in the afternoon, all the while keeping their own personal commitments going. That customer has therefore become a family that needs the interiors to be more accessible, but still ‘cool’ as only the 500 can be by nature. That’s where the New 500 3+1 comes in. All new, all electric and with one extra door. But still a 500. This has enabled Fiat designers and engineers to look to the future without letting a single opportunity pass them by, at the same time maintaining continuity with the current success of the 500.
Exclusivity. The New Fiat 500 3+1 “la Prima” is marked out by a range of exclusive details: full LED headlights with an ‘Infinity design”, two-tone 17″ diamond-cut wheel rims and chrome-plated inserts on the windows and side panels. Seats, dashboard and steering wheel in eco-leather, Fiat monogram on the seats, two-tone steering wheel and exclusive “la Prima” tag on the console. When it comes to comfort: six-way adjustable front seats, mats, electrochrome internal rearview mirror and 360° ‘drone view’ parking sensors. It also features automatic air conditioning, a wearable pebble key, 85 kW fast charging and an 11 kW Mode 3 cable for charging at home or in public, all as standard. Even better, it comes with level 2 autonomous driving, for the first time in a city car. Connectivity. The new UConnect 5 infotainment system: 7″ TFT Display, 10.25″ Touch Screen NAV, DAB Radio, Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto, Uconnect Box (a telematic box enabling the connected services) and a wireless smartphone charger. As well as in the opening edition, 3+1 trim will also be available on the PASSION and ICON versions.
The New 500 ACTION is aimed at young customers with a hectic lifestyle and a daily routine made up of short journeys, who require an environmentally responsible car. They therefore need range for driving in the city and optimum safety, achieved with all the ADAS on board. The Entry-Level New 500 is the ideal electric city car, aimed at those who live life in the city, town centers and ZTL restricted traffic zones to the full, at those who drive an average of 50 km per day and favor dynamic and cost-conscious mobility. The 500 ACTION is fitted with a 70-kW e-motor, with 0100 km/h acceleration in 9.5 seconds and its speed self-limited to 135 km/h. The ACTION is the perfect car for millennials who are fans of alternative mobility such as car-sharing. The New 500 ACTION includes a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 23.8 kWh, resulting in range of more than 180 km in the WLTP cycle, or over 240 km when only driving in the city. If we calculate that on average, daily use comes in under 50 km, that means customers would need to charge their New 500 every few days.
A major concern for customers looking at switching to electric cars is charging time, so the New 500 ACTION is equipped with the 50-kW fast charging system, to charge the car’s battery very quickly. For example, all you need to build up a sufficient energy reserve for daily mileage requirements (around 50 km) is less than 10 minutes, about the same time it takes to have breakfast in a café. The fast charging system also offers the option of charging the car overnight in your garage at home, using the included Mode 2 (3 kW) cable, or during the day while you’re at work. The ‘Combo 2’ socket located on the rear right side panel of the car powers fast charging, in both AC and DC. For charging at home or in public, customers can also buy a three-phase 11 kW Mode 3 cable or a Wallbox by Mopar.
Designed for a young audience, the New 500 ACTION includes all the ADAS you could need for driving in the city as standard, such as ‘Drowsy Driver Detection’, to monitor driver concentration levels; ‘Autonomous Emergency Braking’, which can also recognize cyclists and pedestrians; ‘Lane Keep Assist’, a system that alerts the driver to get back in lane when it detects any drifting in trajectory; and ‘Traffic Sign Recognition’, which reads road signs and recommends the correct speed to drive at. Where connectivity is concerned, the New 500 ACTION comes with an infotainment system designed for those who always want to stay connected. We call it ‘smart audio’. It consists of a smartphone cradle, an ergonomic base to mount your smartphone both vertically and horizontally, a Bluetooth connection whereby your smartphone links up to the loudspeakers built into the New 500 and a specific app for ideal use of and interaction with the car. That’s how your smartphone becomes the fulcrum of the car’s infotainment system.
The New 500 is designed to be the ideal car for urban use. In its creation, we considered every aspect of its interaction with the city, starting with safety, i.e. 360° protection. The 500 therefore includes Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), making it easier, safer, simpler and more fun to drive, as well as being the first car in its segment equipped with level 2 autonomous driving. But FCA’s engineers didn’t stop there. Their aim was to humanize the technology, by implementing specific solutions tailor-made for the 500: from advanced d