Fiat 500: Rebirth of an icon

[si|verfish]

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8644/fiat5001560pxzw2.jpg

I can't help but notice that, while our European cousins can't stop wanking over the new Fiat 500 (Fiat can't make them fast enough it seems), there's hardly a murmur generated by the petrol heads over here. Why is that?

Top Gear (the magazine) very recently voted the original Fiat 500 as the sexiest car ever ever. And the new one has no plans of making a mockery of its predecessor. Certainly, its makers are hoping the new 500 will be to Fiat and cars, what the iPod is to Apple and gadgets.

Judging by the huge demand, they are off to a great start. They've already got 57,000 orders through its dealers just 3 weeks after its launch. And that's just from Italy and France. Fiat head honcho Sergio Marchionne is already revising the planned annual output figure from 120,000 to 140,000. They are already increasing this year's production from 58,000 to 67,000 units.

Personally, I can't wait to see it on our shores. It looks achingly sexy inside and out. Looking funky and classy all at the same time. If you care about fashion and looking good, this is the car for you. Plus, with an options list that can make your head explode, you can customise it to your hearts desire. As a matter of fact, check out the Fiat 500 Configurator at their http://www.fiat500.com/eng/.

And for those of you who want to get a taste of what its like to drive; have a look at http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/print.php?sid=839.

Pictures from Car Magazine:
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/2058/fiat5002560pxts2.jpg
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/4505/fiat5003560pxog5.jpg
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/4999/fiat5004560pxqq3.jpg
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/7066/fiat5005560pxpt9.jpg
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/9427/fiat5006560pxut7.jpg
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9754/fiat5007560pxce6.jpg

 

[infernaL]

wank over that ? can i have whatever you're smoking ? a *insert jdm kcar equivalent* would surpass it in all categories of looks, performance and of course price.


j/k j/k, not to take anything away from the fiat which is looking stylish especially with that interior but seriously, isnt the Mini already the statement thingy for cars ?

 

[si|verfish]

Well, IMHO anyway, the new Mini is getting on a bit. The retro design which seemed so fresh at the time is now a bit stale. And the new new Mini is just a rehash of the rehash, but less successful compared to the first time. And its bigger, heavier, has that now comically large speedo and the Cooper now has a fake bonnet scoop. Not saying that the new new Mini isn't good. Besides, Fiat is basically copying the Mini recipe from BMW and hope to be just as successful. Just that the Fiat 500 is new and the new new Mini is kinda old. And to fashionistas, that means a lot.

 

[kRiminaLz]

This car is really sexy...

Regarding Top Gear's comment.... I SECOND that!...

 

[infernaL]

the fiat itself has been thru several designs itself, *searches for new 08 design pics of the mini and looks at not so convincing photos - http://blogs.motortrend.com/6212953/car-news/2008-mini-cooper-clubman-hits-the-web/index.html

oh well, i get your point. the 500 wins. i cant wait for the TG's verdict, also looking forward to the new season after the epic polar special last week.

 

[si|verfish]

i cant wait for the TG's verdict, also looking forward to the new season after the epic polar special last week.

You betcha! I just hope they feature more road tests and reviews this time around. Too many crazy stunts in the last series, although I now know its because they didn't have enough air time after the Hammond accident, so they showed all the expensive to produce "stunts". A lot of cars have been launched and Top Gear has a lot of catching up to do.

Speaking of the Mini Clubman...that thing just looks damn weird. And is pretty unnecessary. Despite the extra space afforded by the ugly back, it still isn't what you would use to lug stuff around, like a proper station wagon or an MPV. Its just a slightly bigger Mini. Which just ruins the look of the Mini further. Have a look at what Top Gear has to say; Top Gear | New Mini Clubman is, er, as ugly as 1960s version shock!

 

[infernaL]

defeats the purpose of the mini dont chya think ?

id pass that and take a classic one with a liter bike engine in it.

 

[si|verfish]

Exactly.

The old Mini is still the best Mini.