July 4 has always been a red-letter date for the FIAT 500. A symbol of mass motorisation in Italy, of which almost 3.8 million were sold, the original FIAT 500 was introduced on this day in 1957. Exactly fifty years later, on July 4 2007, FIAT chose to celebrate that heritage by introducing the New FIAT 500 restyling.
Available in two body styles (hatchback and convertible), the New FIAT 500 will be available in three trim levels: Pop, Pop Star and Lounge. All models have LED daytime running lights, seven airbags and a Uconnect infotainment system with six speakers, AUX-IN/USB ports and steering wheel remote controls as standard equipment. The Pop Star version adds air conditioning, body-colour mirror caps with defrosting function and 15-inch alloy wheels, while the Lounge version adds sophisticated features such as a panoramic glass sunroof, rear parking sensors, a chrome front grille, front fog lights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a Uconnect 5" LIVE touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration and numerous built-in apps to help users stay safely connected while on the move.
The engine line-up of the New FIAT 500 at launch includes a 0.9-litre TwinAir engine (85hp or 105hp) and a 1.2-litre 69hp unit. The two-cylinder engines boast exceptional efficiency - 90g/km for the 85hp engine and 99g/km for the 105hp unit - while a new ‘Eco' configurations of the 1.2 litre 69hp (available after the launch) will reduce emissions to 99 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
The new car retains its city-friendly dimensions - 357cm long, 163cm wide and 149cm tall with a wheelbase of 230cm - but the design of the front and rear ends has been sensitively refreshed to ensure the identity of the popular and beloved 500 remains. The exterior style of the New FIAT 500 expresses all the distinctive elements which characterised the 1957 original but now reasserts this appeal with more a contemporary look and additional technical content.
The New FIAT 500 is powered by a range of environment-friendly, Euro 6-compliant engines combined with five- and six-speed manual gearboxes or a Dualogic robotised transmission depending on the model. The engines line-up available at launch include the 1.2 litre 69hp, the TwinAir 85hp and the TwinAir 105hp.
The TwinAir 0.9 85hp has an official fuel consumption figure of 74.3MPG or 3.8 litres/100 km on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 90g/km, remarkable figures which not only have positive environmental implications but which also ease the burden on the owner's pocket too.
The New FIAT 500 range will be expanded after the launch with the 1.2-litre 69hp engine in 'Eco' configuration and the 1.3-litre 16v Multijet II 95hp turbo diesel unit. Please note, the UK availability of both engines is to be confirmed. The 1.2 ‘Eco' will be equipped with a smart alternator, a specific aerodynamic pack and new 14- or 15-inch tyres with low rolling resistance and high resistance to wear resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions from 110 to just 99g/km. The New FIAT 500 is the only car in its segment, alongside the FIAT Panda, to offer a small diesel engine ideally suited for those with long commutes into congested cities: The 1.3-litre 16v Multijet II 95hp will emits only 89 grams of CO2 per kilometre and comply with Euro 6 standards when it goes on sale later in the year.
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