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Thursday, August 19, 2010

Will someone 6 feet 2 inches fit into a Fiat 500 (?) and other questions...


The other day I received a comment from a reader of this blog who has a few good questions. I thought I would share them with you.

My thanks to Michael M for checking out my blog and for taking the time to post a comment.


Hello Chris, three questions 1) When will the cars arrive in the Northern California Area and is there a place I could see one now?
Fiat North America has been showing up at various auto shows with the European Fiat 500. Recently it was at the Concorso Italiano auto show in Monterey, California. Keep an eye on this blog for when it will show up next.

Great news is folks on the west coast will be lucky this Fall as the North American version of the Fiat 500 will make its debut at the LA Auto Show, November 19-28. Don't miss this!


2) How supportive will the dealerships be for the 500?
The Fiat 500 will be marketed through select Chrysler dealers. Only the best dealers will be able to get the Fiat Franchise. The requirements are very stringent including a separate, dedicated staff. You can read more about Fiat dealers here.
After talking with the head of Fiat North America, Laura Soave, I can tell you she (and everyone I met from Chrysler) is absolutely committed to Fiat's success in this country. Soave has a strong background in customer service that will serve us well here.

With Fiat's help, Chrysler has refocused on customer service. An example is Chrysler is the first in the industry to introduce free, downloadable vehicle owner-information apps for smartphones. Besides an owner's manual, this app features includes product literature, detailed feature descriptions, photos, videos, frequently asked questions, and the ability to set up service appointments and purchase parts. Read more about this mobile app
here.


Our driver, who is just about 6'2", with the seat all the way back. Actually leaning forward with lots of room



3) I'm six foot 2+inches and 205 lbs and 67 yrs old I am wondering if I am going to be able to get in and out of one of these cars with ease. The Abarth knocks my sox off, I'd love to have one of those. I'm driving an 05 Subaru legacy wagon that is a rocket (I love it and it will pass anything on the road except a gas station) Thanks Michael M Oakland CA
Our driver at his normal seating position



The Fiat 500 was developed to fit large people. Here's a picture of a big guy (just about 6'2") sitting in the car. He drives this car regularly and has no problem fitting in.

Check out this road test on the English show "Top Gear". Jeremy Clarkson is 6'6" and has no problem fitting in.
A driver who is approx 6'2.5" getting into the front seat of the Fiat 500. Notice how his back can remain upright, without stooping



You can read more about the Fiat 500's interior accommodations and watch a neat video here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael, hope this helps.

Thanks again and best regards, Chris



With thanks to Chrysler Media, Fiat Group Press and
our accommodating driver, Jason.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dang... The Seattle Auto show comes just before LA in early Nov so I guess that means I'll see the Euro spec model then...

I can't wait for the unveiling of the US spec car and then we go forward. I've been cross shopping in the hopes of buying something in the first half of next year. So far I've test driven the Honda Fit sport auto and the Ford Fiesta Auto (sorry, no shift it yourself option, but it IS the DSG based 6spd auto however) and of the two, I really like the Fiesta. I still have to test drive the Kia Soul and of course, the 500.

John

Rusty said...

I'd love to see Clarkson and Hammond in the back for a nice side by side comparison (:

mani said...

good

good

Unknown said...

Will the Fiat 500, or any other Fiat model, be available with a turbo diesel engine in the United States any time soon???

Anonymous said...

I'd love to see the 95 HP Turbi Diesel in the Fiat 500 and Panda/mini Jeep (Trailduster?)