FIAT 500

Fiat 500 Overview

With history that spans more than 50 years, Fiat 500 is a 2-door premium luxury hatchback. A car that can be personalised to a large extent, new 500 offers luxury features were never seen before in a hatchback. Regarded as an appealing, compact city car, it is a one-of-its-kind car that has enjoyed tremendous popularity over the years.

500, offered by the Italian car-maker Fiat, is an example on designing and customising a car. Designed at the 'Fiat Style Centre', 500 can be made even more stylish according to the choices made by the customer. The car has won several awards, the most recent being the 12th edition of the 'Compasso d'Oro' ADI in July 2011.

Fiat 500 Introduction

Fiat 500, the car that has won many awards for its looks, performance and safety features, is one of the most luxurious hatchbacks in the world. It is highly inspired by its 5 decade-old heritage and is a classic example of tradition blending with modernity. An attractive, 2-door small car, 500 boasts of excellent handling and performance coupled with sporty and luxurious characteristics.

Part of a less popular segment in the Indian market, new Fiat 500 in India is aimed towards customers with high spending power. Buyers who want to add their personal touch to their car, be it in the interiors or the exteriors, choose this customisable hatchback. An expensive 2-door hatchback, 500 is not intended for the average car buyer in India.

Fiat 500 Launch History

Originally launched in 1957, Fiat 500 car had a 497 cc engine and was regarded as an excellent city car. In production till 1975, 500 was presented in several variants having different interiors, exteriors or engines. On the 50th anniversary of the launch of original 500, the Italian car-maker presented a new version of Fiat 500 car in 2007. The new 500 in India was introduced in July 2008 as a premium luxury hatchback to be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU).

In March 2011, Fiat 500 coupé Zagato was presented at Geneva. In August 2011, Fiat and Gucci introduced the new '500C by Gucci', which is a cabriolet version of the same car by Gucci. At the Frankfurt motor show in September 2011, Fiat presented the 500 TwinAir, which combines the revolutionary two-cylinder engine with dedicated looks and engineered contents. It is speculated that Fiat will expand the 500 line up by introducing multiple new versions of the car over the next few years. These will include 500 cabriolet, Abarth, Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Giardinetta.

Fiat 500 Variants (Models)

Fiat 500 in India is offered in two variants in India – Sport and Lounge. These two variants of 500 are differentiated on the basis of features and accessories, though both have the same engine and specifications.

Fiat 500 Pricing

In India, the Fiat 500 price lies in the range of Rs. 14.75 lacs to Rs. 15.25 lacs. Fiat 500 in India is imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), which leads to high pricing of the car. The final cost depends upon the variant chosen as well as the level of customisation opted for by the customer.

Fiat 500 Review

Ever since its launch in 2008, Fiat 500 has received excellent reviews from the media. The retro looks of the 2-door hatchback have been appreciated the most by auto enthusiasts. The vast range of customisable interior and exterior options for Fiat 500 in India is an exclusive add-on for buyers of this car. However, a section of reviewers also criticised the high price range of 500 as compared to other hatchbacks in India. The high price of the car is dedicated to its status as one of the few CBUs imported to India and its extensive level of customisation.

Fiat 500 Used Car Market

Fiat does not have a used car programme in India and sells only new cars in the market. Launched only a few years back, this premium luxury 2-door hatchback sells in small numbers in India. Subsequently, it is unlikely for Fiat 500 cars to be easily available in the used car market. However, if available, it is expected to have average resale value as compared to the price of the new car.

Fiat 500 Specifications

The specifications of Fiat 500 in India have been described below:

Fiat 500 Exterior

Exterior Appearance

Fiat 500 car has been designed at the 'Fiat Style Centre' where it has been rendered a compact, appealing, soft, rounded and playful appearance. While the front profile represents a similar design to the most recent Fiat models, it does have distinctive elements of the original Fiat 500. The elements inspired by the first Fiat 500 car include round upper headlights on top of the main beam lights, the whiskers as well as the logo. On the sides, the mid-line slopes slightly at the front, thus giving the car a sturdy look. The rear portion of Fiat 500 carsfeatures chrome handle that is reminiscent of a bicycle saddle.

500 comes with body coloured bumpers, chrome exterior door handles and body coloured wing mirrors. The Lounge variant of Fiat 500 has a chrome kit that includes – side window contours with chrome insert, chrome inserts in front and rear bumpers and chrome exhaust pipes. The Sport variant of Fiat 500 car is assimilated with a sport kit that includes a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust pipes and chrome insert on door sills. The kits – chrome and sport – are optionally available in the Sport and Lounge variant. The Sport variant of 500 comes with darkened rear windows and backlight, while these are optional in the Lounge variant. The Sport version additionally offers optional black / red / white chequered roof or red / black / white roof and engine bonnet arrow.

The 2-door hatchback, Fiat 500, also has painted side mouldings with the 500 label. In addition to that, customisation can be done by the buyer, with lots of options for comfort, style and sportiness, thereby giving innumerable combinations for Fiat 500 cars. These customisations lay importance on very precise detailing of the car, with options available even for different badges on the side mouldings of Fiat 500.

Exterior Measurements

The exterior measurements of Fiat 500 have been described below.

Being just 345 cm long, 163 cm wide and 149 cm high, 500 can be easily manoeuvred on city roads. Courtesy its 230 mm wheelbase, Fiat 500 car has a turning radius of just 4.6 metres, which is perfect for city driving.

Fiat 500 Interiors

Interior Appearance

The interiors of Fiat 500 cars can greatly differ from each other owing to the customisation options available for nearly every aspect of the car's interiors. As part of the chrome kit, chrome crown on the gear knob is available as standard accessory in the lounge variant while the same is optional in the sport variant. Similarly, as a part of the sport kit, sporty seats with special foamed padding and specific interior colour and fabrics are standard in sport variant and optional in the lounge variant. In addition to that, optional 'Frau' leather interior and leather gear knob is available in 500. Buyers can choose different coloured fabrics for different interior-exterior combinations in both the variants of Fiat 500.

Interior Comfort

Fiat 500 cars come with several comfort features that include courtesy handle on passenger side, cigarette lighter, automatic climate control (one zone) with pollen filter as standard equipment. The rear seat with (50/50) split back and head restraints adjustable for height is also standard in both variants of 500.

Optionally available comfort features for both variants of 500 are – rear parking sensor, electrical anti-dazzle mirror with automatic day/night mode and passenger seat with mechanical position memory among others.

Interior Measurement

Despite being a compact car, 500 is a 4-seater hatchback with sufficient headroom and legroom for 4 adult passengers. Fiat 500 comes with a standard luggage space of 185 litres, which is enough considering its small size.

Fiat 500 Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

Fiat 500 car comes with a fuel tank of 47 litres, making it ideal for city as well as highway driving. The car has a 1.3 L diesel engine with 'multijet' direct injection system of Fiat, which is known for providing good fuel economy.

Fiat 500 On-road Drive

Driving 500 on city roads is a pleasure courtesy its small size which enables easy manoeuvrability in heavy traffic conditions. Being assimilated with the Dualdrive™ power steering also helps Fiat 500's cause. It comes with a peppy diesel engine with low-end torque that makes the car easy to drive. The ride quality of Fiat 500 cars is excellent owing to the independent front suspension with McPherson set-up, with the lower wishbones anchored to a subsidiary cross-member and stabiliser bar connected to shock absorber. Overall handling of 500 is also pretty good as compared to other hatchbacks.

Fiat 500 Power

A 1.3 L diesel engine enables the Fiat 500 car to generate maximum power output of 75 bhp at 4000 rpm. For a hatchback of such a small size, this power is enough for a comfortable driving experience in city as well as highway driving conditions. Subsequently, Fiat 500 does not feel out of power on full air-conditioning or while overtaking on highways.

Fiat 500 Acceleration and Pick Up

Fiat 500 cars take just 12.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 kmph to 100 kmph and can achieve a top speed of 165 kmph easily. The acceleration in 500 as well as low-end peak torque of 145 Nm at 1500 rpm provide excellent pick up to the car. This good pick up capability is particularly helpful while overtaking on highways as well as revving the car from complete stand-still on traffic signals.

Fiat 500 Safety and Security

500 has self-ventilating 240 mm disc brakes at the front for increased stopping power at high speeds. Fiat 500 cars come with many safety and security features, which include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and optional alarm with remote. Dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, sidebags, window bags and a segment-first kneebag come as standard equipment in both variants of 500. Fire Protection System (FPS) and Hazard activation (4 arrows) in panic braking are some other standard safety features in Fiat 500. Adjustable headlamps, fog lights, Daytime running lights and lane change indicator are also present in both the variants of 500.

A unique Fiat CODE (electronic anti-theft) system is also available as standard equipment in both variants of 500. The optional safety features in Fiat 500 cars comprise Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Hill Brake Assist (HBA).

Fiat 500 Comfort and Convenience

For comfort and convenience in the car, Fiat 500 has several standard and optional features. The standard features include athermic windows, instrument panel with rev counter, height adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front head-restraints, power windows and centralised locking. In addition to that, both variants of 500 have fuel tank plug with lock, 'follow me home' headlamps, Dualdrive™ power steering, backlight washer/wiper and heated backlight.

The instrument panel in Sport variant of 500 has sporty graphics, though the same is not available in the lounge variant. Apart from that, optional features for both the variants of Fiat 500 include luggage compartment protective tray, trunk organiser, pull-out towing hook with wiring harness among others.

Fiat 500 Wheels

Fiat 500 cars come with standard 185/55 R 15 tyres in sport and lounge variants. In the Sport variant, 5-spoke 15 inch Sport alloy wheels are standard features, though buyers can opt for 18-spoke 15 inch alloy wheels as well. On the other hand, the Lounge variant of Fiat 500 car is available with 18-spoke 15 inch alloy wheels, but buyers have the option to choose the 5-spoke 15 inch Sport alloy wheels as well. In addition to that, Fiat 500 cars are available with 9-spoke 15 inch alloy wheels and 5-spoke two-colour 15 inch sport alloy wheels with diamond finish as options.

Fiat 500 Stereo and Accessories

Both variants of Fiat 500 come with a 4-speaker and 2-tweeter car radio with CD and mp3 player. 'Blue&Me™', handsfree system with Bluetooth R technology, voice recognition, steering wheel mounted controls and digital audio file player with USB port are available in 500. Optionally available is support for iPod and cell phones and a Hi-Fi 'Interscope Sound System' with 100 W amplified woofer.

500 has a huge number of optional accessories for adding to the car's comfort, safety, convenience, security and style which can be chosen by the buyer. These include – Black / Ivory fragrance dispenser and refill, sporty aluminium pedal covers and foot supports and steel kick plate among others. Canvas cover with image of 1st series Fiat 500, black / red 500 badge for side mouldings, black / ivory coat hanger for front head-restraint are also available. Chromed wing mirror covers, rubber carpeting, barcode badge for side mouldings, 500 'Italia' badge for side mouldings, 'Italian flag' badge on fender are also present in the vehicle.

Fiat 500 Dealers

Fiat has a joint venture with Tata Motors for sales, service and spares support in India. Fiat 500 cars are available at the dealerships described below:

Fiat 500 Company Quotes

Speaking about the pricing of the new Fiat 500 at its 2007 launch, Fiat Brand Manager, Luca de Meo, had said, "We are not positioning Fiat as a European competitor to cheap Korean cars. That is simply not coherent with the image of Italy. Think about it - if you go into a clothes shop the Italian suit is not going to be the cheapest, is it?"

When Fiat 500 got a 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2007, David Stone, General Manager, Fiat Australia, had said, “These results prove that there is real engineering and technological substance behind the cheeky good looks of the new Fiat 500.”

Fiat 500 Competitor Analysis

Placed in the premium luxury hatchback segment, Fiat 500 in India competes only with Volkswagen Beetle. The iconic people’s car, Volkswagen new Beetle is available in India as a premium luxury hatchback and is imported in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). The new Beetle comes with a 2.0 L 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 116 PS of power at 5,400 rpm and torque of 172 Nm at 3,200 rpm. Beetle has much more power output and torque than Fiat 500 courtesy its larger engine, though 500 sports a relatively economical diesel engine. In addition to that, it is highly customisable with several options for interiors as well as exteriors. Still, Fiat 500 in India is cheaper, with a price tag of Rs. 14.75 lacs to Rs. 15.25 lacs as compared to Rs. 18 lacs to Rs. 20 lacs tag of the new Beetle.

Fiat 500 LPG/CNG version

New 500 in India is not available as a LPG or a CNG version. 500 is only available with a diesel engine option in the Indian market. However, a LPG variant called '500 EasyPower' was launched internationally in February 2011.

Fiat 500 Pros

Be it the appealing looks or the compact size, new Fiat 500 in India is a car which provides luxury in an ultra compact size. Advanced features which are not seen in cars of the size of 500, make it a very comfortable and convenient car. Contrary to its looks, new Fiat 500 is one of the safest small cars in the Indian market, with multiple airbags and many other stability features. Its peppy diesel engine not only has excellent power output and torque but proves to be economical as well. One of the few cars in India to provide customisations, Fiat 500 can be personalised to a considerable extent, such that no two 500s might be completely same.

Fiat 500 Cons

The biggest and negative point of Fiat 500 in India is its high price. However, 500 is imported in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and, despite being a heritage car, provides extensive personalisation for the customer. These are the reasons that lead to the new Fiat 500 price being too high in the Indian market.

Fiat 500 Conclusion

Fiat 500 is an extra-exclusive small car with premium luxury features. Not targeted at the mass market, it is an excellent option for buyers looking for luxury in a small sized car for city driving. In addition to that, 500 is a car for people who want to decide themselves how their car should look as it offers high levels of personalisation. Despite having loads of advanced features covering all the aspects of the car – safety, convenience, security, comfort, luxury – the new Fiat 500 boasts of good fuel economy.