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Thursday, July 30, 2015

Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evo at Spa Francorchamps

Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione


Watch the video of Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione and Abarth 500 Assetto Corse race cars compete on the demanding Spa Francorchamps race circuit in Belgium. These racing highlights were filmed during the Trofeo Abarth Selenia Europe race series that were held July 24 - 24th, 2015. The Trofeo Abarth Selenia Europe race series gives Abarth drivers an affordable opportunity to race their cars on the most prestigious race tracks across Europe. The Abarth Assetto Corse cars are prepared directly by the Abarth Officine (Workshop), and are then delivered to “Abarth Racing” tuners who care for racetrack maintenance and support.



Abarth Assetto Corse are special built race cars and come in various levels - the 190 hp 500 Assetto Corse, 205 hp 695 Assetto Corse and the top of the line 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione. The Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione is powered by a 1.4 T-Jet engine with 215 hp and uses a 6-speed sequential gearbox. During the races on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps the Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione ran an extremely high average speed of 150 km/h.


Abarth Officine preparing Assetto Corse Race Car

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Thursday, July 23, 2015

Fiat 500 Ranked Best in JD Power APEAL Awards

Fiat 500 Picnic

The Fiat 500 ranked best in class in the JD Power's APEAL Awards. The J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) test study examines what owners like about their new vehicles after 90 days of ownership. APEAL is based on evaluations of 77 attributes in 8 categories of vehicle performance and design: engine/transmission; ride, handling and braking; comfort/convenience; seats; cockpit/instrument panel; heating, ventilation and cooling; sound system; and styling/exterior.

The Fiat 500 was the only car to outperform the segment's average in this year's APEAL Study. It was the second time the Fiat 500 has won its segment since its introduction in the 2012 model year.

New Fiat 500C and Original

The Fiat 500 was scored as having the best overall performance and design; features and instrument panel, performance, and style in its class. Competitors in the City Car category soundly beaten by the Fiat 500 included the Chevrolet Spark and Smart FourTwo.

JD Powers APEAL Ratings by Category - City Car
Overall Perform.
 and Design
PerformanceComfortFeatures and Instrument PanelStyle
Fiat 500       *****      *****   **       **********
Chevrolet
Spark
       ***        ***    *****       ***  **
Smart FourTwo       **        **  ****       **  **

***** Among the best **** Better than most *** About average **The rest

The Fiat 500 has won many awards, but this JD Power award is particularly important because it shows that Fiat owners are happy with the design and performance of their car, which is what ultimately matters the most.

To give perspective on how well the Fiat 500 did, let's take a look at how some other popular cars were ranked by owners in the JD Power Appeal awards.


Fiat 500 VS. Others in JD Powers APEAL Ratings
Overall Perform.
 and Design
PerformanceComfortFeatures and Instrument PanelStyle
Fiat 500       *****      *****   **       **********
Honda
Civic
       ***        ***    ***       ****  ***
Honda
Fit
       ***        ***    *****       ***  ***
Hyundai
Veloster
       ***        **    ****       ***  ***
Nissan
Versa
       **        **    **       **  **
Subaru
BRZ
       **        **    **       **  **
Toyota
Corolla
       ***        ***    ***       ***  ***
Toyota
Yaris
       ***        ***    ***       ****  ****

The Fiat 500 is sold in more than 110 countries and sales have reached over 1 million since 2007. Just ask an owner and they'll tell you why.




Source:JD Power

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Fiat 500 Number 1 in Total Quality

Fiat 500e Wins Total Quality Award

The Fiat 500 was ranked number one in total quality in Strategic Vision's Total Quality Awards program. The research firm Strategic Vision specializes in understanding consumer decision making and is used by a variety of Fortune 100 clients. Their Total Quality Award measures the overall ownership experience, and the Fiat 500 took top honors in its class, beating the VW Golf, Mazda3, Nissan Cube and Kia Soul among others.

Total Quality Index score is ranked by customers and is based on the following:
  • Satisfaction with the complete ownership experience
  • Perception of quality
  • Owner reported delight
  • Future purchase intent
  • Emotional attachment to vehicle



2015 Total Quality Awards Score rankings in the Small Multi-Function Car Segment
  1. Fiat 500: 867
  2. Volkswagen Golf: 861
  3. Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback: 859
  4. Nissan Cube: 859
  5. Fiat 500L: 858
  6. Kia Soul: 855
  7. Ford Fiesta Hatchback: 854
  8. Mazda Mazda2: 850
Segment Average: 834
Note: Only cars that scored above the segment average are shown

According to Strategic Vision, differences of 3-5 points in this scoring system are significant, so the Fiat 500's score over its competitors is impressive.

Fiat 500C Cabrios in New York

The Fiat 500e was also awarded the Total Quality Award in the Small Alternative Powertrain (APT) Car Segment.

Small Alternative Powertrain (APT) Car Segment Rankings:
  1. Fiat 500e: 856
  2. Ford C-MAX Hybrid: 850
  3. Honda Civic Hybrid: 827
Segment Average: 824

Strategic Vision has presented Total Quality Awards annually since 1995. The Fiat 500 also earned the Top Quality Award in 2012.




Sunday, July 19, 2015

Fiat 500X in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh from the Fiat 500X backseat

Made it to Pittsburgh for the 2015 Fiat FreakOut earlier this week and decided to take a look at this historic city that has contributed much to the world. Pittsburgh was a pillar of the industrial revolution and the hub of America's steel production for nearly 100 years. During World War II, Pittsburgh produced more steel than Germany, Japan and Italy combined. The city also outproduced all the allied countries put together. There is a nearly countless list of innovative firsts developed in the city and by its residents. These include:

  • Alternating current is developed by Pittsburgh's Westinghouse Electric.
  • Pittsburgh's George Ferris invented the first Ferris Wheel.
  • Dr. Jonas Salk, of the University of Pittsburgh, developed the polio vaccine.
Home of numerous world’s firsts, including:
  • The first wire cable suspension aqueduct bridge.
  • The Western Hemispheres first successful petroleum refinery.
  • The world’s first motion picture theater.
  • The first gas station.
  • The first full-scale atomic-powered electric plant.
  • The first production of commercial aluminum.

Here are some random shots of Pittsburgh while we toured the city in our Fiat 500X.

Pittsburgh bridge

Pittsburgh is home of 446 bridges. The most of any city in the world.

Fiat 500X at Pittsburgh Doubletree

Arrived at the Doubletree Hilton, ready to unpack.

Fiat 500X Trunk

Unloading...

Fiat 500X concealed cargo area

Almost forget the concealed cargo area!

The Duquesne Incline

The Duquesne Incline on the way down.

View at top of the Duquesne Incline

Breathtaking view of Pittsburgh at the top of the Duquesne Incline.


Pittsburgh Industry

Pittsburgh was the steel capital of the world.

Pittsburgh Smog

Lots of pollution back then.

Pittsburgh 1936 Flood

Pittsburgh saw its share of floods.

Pittsburgh Architecture

Great architecture all over the city.


Pittsburgh Strip District

The 500X in the very cool Pittsburgh strip district.

Fiat 500X in Pittsburgh

Lots of cozy neighborhoods in Pittsburgh filled with shops, restaurants and theaters.

Senetor John Heinz History Center Sherman Tank

Senator John Heinz History Center is a must see. You will learn the fascinating history of Pittsburgh and all the surprising contributions the city has made to the world.


Source: Pittsburgh Firsts

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

On the Road to the 2015 Fiat FreakOut!

2016 Fiat 500X Trekking Plus in Bianco Gelato

Fiat owners from all over the country are on the road right now heading to the Fiat FreakOut. The Fiat Club America's national convention called Fiat Freakout is a fun family event held over 4 days and brings Fiat enthusiasts from around all over North America. Now in its 32nd consecutive year, the 2015 Fiat FreakOut is being held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and starts July 15.

 Fiat500USA.com packed up our new 500X and headed out on the 400 + mile road trip to the FreakOut on Monday. Along the way we couldn't help but stop at Punxsutawney, the town nicknamed the Weather Capitol of the World, to visit Punxsutawney Phil, the noted weather prognosticator. Here are some images and notes from the trip.

2016 Fiat 500X Luggage Capacity

Travelling "light." Eight days worth of luggage for three people (minus Buddy!).

2016 Fiat 500X Trunk
It all fits! The dog is in there somewhere! ;)


2016 Fiat 500X Back Seat

We found him! Buddy is on vacation, too. Going to the pet resort complete with doggy water park!

2016 Fiat 500X on Highway

The Fiat 500X is at home on the highway. The highways we traveled on in Pennsylvania where smooth, plus the speed limit is 70 mph in many parts! Being from Italy, the Fiat 500X is made to handle high speed roads like Italy's Auto Strada and the speed unlimited Autobahn in Germany. So far, our Fiat 500X has averaged 32.06 mpg on the trip.

2016 Fiat 500X on Winding Road

Besides highways, Pennsylvania also has many twisty country roads. The 500X's is also at home here. Italy is a mountainous country and Italians expect a car that has impeccable handling and powerful brakes. The 500X is a joy to drive on these roads.

2016 Fiat 500X Center Console


The obligatory Fiat travel mugs and Charms candy.

Punxsutawney Road Sign


Punxsutawney, home of Phil the Groundhog was along the route so we decided to stop.

Punxsutawney Phil and Fiat 500X

Punxsutawney Phil checked us in at the hotel. Phil is everywhere in this quaint town.

About Groundhog Day


Groundhog Day dates back to 1866. Over the years it has become a world-wide phenomenon as tens of thousands attend Punxsutawney's Groundhog Day event held on February 2nd. In 1997, over 35,000 people showed up to see Phil's weather prediction.

Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney with Fiat 500X


Punxsutawney Phil


Punxsutawney Phil in his burrow. You can visit him all year long in a pleasant park located in the center of town.

Punxsutawney Phil and the FIat 500X

Yep, Phil is everywhere! Next stop: Pittsburgh!




Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Fiat 500 Birthday Celebration 2015

Fiat 500 Guinness World Record for the Largest Human Car Image

The Fiat 500 celebrated its birthday last weekend. July 4th marked the 58th anniversary of the debut of the Fiat 500 in 1957. Every year Fiat holds a celebration to mark the occasion. This year was also special because Fiat rolled out the new, redesigned 500.


New Fiat 500 at Parco Sempione


Fiat kicked off the weekend early on July 3rd with "500 Night," an event held at Fiat dealers throughout Italy where people could buy Fiats at special sale prices.

 Fiat 500 Logo at Parco Sempione


July 4th brought "500 Days" with the unveiling of the new Fiat 500 and other fun activities held during a picnic at Parco Sempione in the heart of Milan. More than 15,000 people attended the celebration, during which 328 people formed a human image of a 500 and broke a Guinness World Record for the "Largest Human Car Image." Colorful mats were also layed out to form the distinctive 500 logo visible from above. Celebrants could lounge on these all day long, eating and relaxing to music at "GQ FreakOut," a concert Fiat sponsored with GQ magazine at the park.

New Fiat 500 Masterpiece Reloaded


If you are in Italy next year at this time, make sure you check out what events Fiat has planned. They shouldn't be missed!

Fiat 500 Classics on Display at Parco Sempione


Here are some more birthday celebrations Fiat has held over the years.



Saturday, July 4, 2015

The New Fiat 500 Unveiled!

New Redesigned Fiat 500

Fiat unveiled the new redesigned Fiat 500 today in Italy on the 58th anniversary of the unveiling of the 1957 Fiat 500. The new Fiat 500 features numerous refinements and updates to the modern day classic that debuted eight years ago on July 4, 2007. Below is the press release and full details on the new, redesigned Fiat 500 for you to enjoy!



The New Fiat 500
New Redesigned Fiat 500 at Lingotto

The model in brief
July 4 has always been a red-letter date for Fiat 500: the ‘great little car’ and emblem of mass motorisation in Italy, of which nearly 3.8 million were sold and which has become firmly established in collective imaginary, was introduced on this day in 1957. Fifty years later, in 2007, Fiat chose to capitalize on that heritage and drive into the future: the new 500 was born and it was an immediate success.


Eight years later, with over 1.5 million sold, the torch is being passed to the New 500 with which Fiat is preparing to take on new market challenges without forgetting its own deep roots. Made by the Centro Stile Fiat, the car has a refreshed exterior and interior design which is unmistakably 500 and even more attractive. It has not grown in size but it is packed with more technology, engine versions and customization ideas: only in this way can the icon evolve and refine the features which have turned it into a masterpiece even further.


Available in two versions (saloon and convertible), the New 500 will have three trim levels at launch: Pop, Popstar and Lounge. The first includes seven airbags, Uconnect Radio 5” with six speakers, AUX-IN and USB ports, controls on the steering wheel and LED daytime running lights as standard equipment. The Popstar version adds manual climate control system, chrome-plated mirror domes and vintage style steel hubcaps. The New 500 Lounge version is even richer featuring additional sophisticated details, like a panoramic glass sunroof, 15” alloy rims, chrome-plated front grille, Uconnect Radio 5” LIVE touchscreen infotainment system and leather steering wheels with controls allowing to integrate a smartphone, use many apps on the onboard system and stay connected.



The engine line-up of the New 500 includes a 0.9 TwinAir engine (85 hp or 105 hp), a 1.2 litre 69 hp engine and a 1.2 litre LPG 69 hp bi-fuel. In particular, the two-cylinder engines boast record-breaking performance: 90 g/km for the 85 hp engine, 99 for the 105 hp. 'Eco' configurations of the 1.3 Multijet 95 hp and the 1.2 litre 69 hp (available after the launch) will limit emissions to 99 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In short, the latest arrival is even more focused on sustainable future mobility. Finally, for some markets, the engine line-up of the New 500 will feature a TwinAir 0.9 65 hp aspirated engine and a 1.4 litre petrol 100 hp engine.

Audacious and seductive, the New 500 has no fewer than 1800 innovative details, all designed to enhance originality and make its style even more refined at the same time. New are the front headlights with LED daytime running lights, the rear light clusters, the colour palette, the dashboard, the materials: the updates are substantial but loyal to the unmistakable 500 style. Not by chance, the iconic Fiat is the manifest of a new concept of mobility; it is a 'gentile revolution’ on the world's roads because it can make apparently opposite values meet.



So, today the New 500 is refreshed under the sign of aesthetic continuity and technological evolution. This is the magical formula of being 500, the only model capable of coherently blending opposites: it is exclusive, yet accessible; it is a global best-seller with a quintessentially Italian heart; it is an elegant product which is also packed with fun. It is very personal although over 1,500,000 units have been sold. What is more, the New 500 combines technology and sentiment to reassert itself as the benchmark in its segment from all points of view.

Fiat Lingotto Car Factory

The Lingotto in Turin
  • The Lingotto in Turin was chosen for the world première of the New 500, and not by chance as this a symbolic location has adapted over time and evolved while remaining true to its tradition, not unlike the iconic 500.
  • Opened in 1923, the Fiat factory is still admired today for its modernity and elegant vertical development. At the time, the solution of building a test track on the roof gained the admiration of architect Le Corbusier.

Even before having been completed, the building which has been designed as a place of work had become the symbol of the burgeoning Italian industry and soon gained a footing in the nation's collective imaginary. The cars which rolled off the lines here have travelled through the decades and contributed to motorizing Italy until production was transferred to more modern plants. After having been decommissioned, the Lingotto was renovated to suit the needs of a changing urban fabric: from fine example of industrial archaeology, the factory underwent a long interior refurbishment while maintaining the exterior appearance unaltered.


Fiat 500 on Lingotto Factory Roof Test Track

Today, the New Fiat 500, the heir of the icon which during the 1950s was tested on the track on the factory roof, will be revealed at the Lingotto: the deep link between the Lingotto, the New 500 and the city of Turin is being renewed.

New Fiat 500 Upper View

A concentrate of Italian style
The New 500 is compact: it is 357 centimeters long, 163 centimeters wide, 149 centimeters high and has a 230 centimeter wheelbase. The design of the front and rear ends has been changed while remaining true to itself. The exterior style of the New 500 expresses all the distinctive elements which traditionally characterized the 1950 classic precursor and today reasserts its identity with more complete technical content.

New Fiat 500 Headlight and Driving Light

The most obvious reference to the past is in the upper headlights – which are still circular but have a more dynamic slant to convey the look of a more audacious gaze – together with the lower cluster, which combines LED technology for the daytime running lights and the 'whiskers and badge' set.

New Fiat 500 Headlight and Driving Light

Today, the upper headlights implement an innovative polyellptical module for clear night vision and extra safety: its 'eyes' are always open on the road. The dipped beam headlights and direction indicators are built into the cluster. The lower light cluster integrates the main beam headlights, the daytime running lights and the LED side lights, which follow its circular profile. The effect graphically reproduces the zeros of 500. The New 500 will stand out even in the dark with its unmistakable traits.

New Fiat 500 Front View

The bonnet has preserved its enveloping shape folding down onto the sides: this typical 500 style element is complemented by the front end with the very harmonious, classic trapezoidal nose sporting the elegant chrome-plated 'whiskers'. Today, the ribbing is bolder and the auxiliary air vent is a three-dimensional grille with chrome-plated buttons on the Lounge version which adds to the agreeable appearance of the car. At the same time, robustness and strong personality are emphasized by chrome-plated badges which direct the eye to the wheel arches. In this way, the New 500 is even more expressive and has a seductive gaze.

Redesigned Fiat 500 Rear Bumper


The profile is still soft and round and gives the New 500 a cheeky look that sparks a smile of complicity when tackling congested city traffic, small spaces and frenetic lifestyles. With a characteristic appealing shape, the car has a large side window, minimum overhang and a very short bonnet. What is more, the belt is slightly inclined towards the front enhancing its robustness.

New Fiat 500 LED Tailight

The rear end has a large characteristically shaped chrome-plated handle that is reminiscent of the number plate light of the first Fiat 500 and today fits exclusive new light clusters. It is the only car in its segment to fit 'empty' light clusters – a ring-shaped structure which lets the body colour transpire from the middle – housing the light modules shaped to follow the sinuous profile of the car body degrading from the rear window to the new bumper. In this manner, light emerges from the body drawing nothing short of a 'light tattoo'. The rear fog lights and reversing light are arranged underneath at the ends of a black or chrome-plated thin, dynamic-looking grille. This division is functional and guarantees greater light efficiency.

New Fiat 500 Wheels

New design alloy rims – 15” and 16”, also diamond-finished – are also available. The color palette features 13 body paints (seven pastel, one three-coat and five metallised), featuring the new Corallo Red and Opera Burgundy. Two striking black-yellow and black-red variants are also available in combination with 'Second Skin', an exclusive customization offered by the New 500 to satisfy the most different moods and creative needs. Everyone can tailor the 500 they want and dress it with ever new looks. Walking into a dealership will be a bit like walking into a high-end fashion house.

New Fiat 500 Camouflage Paint

Like a garment, like a second skin
The New 500 offers a further outstanding opportunity which will not cease to surprise and stimulate imagination and flair while respecting the spontaneous congeniality that the iconic Fiat has always triggered. It is called 'Second Skin' and it is an exclusive customization for transferring one's own personality onto the bodywork and feeling always at ease with Italian made taste and elegance.

New Fiat 500 in Camouflage Paint

Customers can pick the 'Small' version, featuring a geometric, trendy ethnic pattern along the belt line, while the 'Medium' solution includes pillars and roof – and in some cases also the bonnet and tailgate – with four patterns: 'Lord' (classic tartan), 'Comics' (pop decoration) in combination with the new two-colour body paintwork, 'Navy' (fresh and breezy) and 'Camouflage' (fashionably military). Like a tailor-made garment, everyone can express their own personality with a unique, distinctive style with the 'Second Skin' collection of the New 500.

New Fiat 500 Interior

Elegance and innovation for timeless interiors
The interiors are all new, starting from the dashboard design: it now integrates the innovative Uconnect infotainment with 5” screen (touchscreen on Lounge) for outstanding visibility, which is harmoniously inserted in a carefully designed, ergonomic whole. As a whole, it is new and high-tech but still unmistakably 500.

New Fiat 500c Red Dashboard

The passenger compartment is still enveloping, protective and packed with small details, full of references to the past re-interpreted in a modern key and embellished with exclusive materials. In this perspective, the buttons and dome over the dashboard are redesigned, like the steering wheel: today, the controls are more versatile and complete and the chrome-plated edging adds a precious touch. More in detail, the passenger compartment of the New 500 is the epitome of complete, modern, ergonomic equipment and design inspired by the classic 500.

New Fiat 500 Dashboard

The steering column is characterised by concentric circle analogue instruments which provide all the necessary information to the driver at a glance: the speed is shown on the outer rim and the odometer is placed underneath. The onboard computer information, with the digital fuel gauge and coolant thermometer, appear in the middle.

New Fiat 500 Instrument Panel

Worth mentioning is the innovative instrument panel with 7'' TFT display (available on demand), developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli, the international leader in the design and manufacturing of high-tech automotive systems and components. In detail, the device provides all the necessary information to the driver and expresses, once more, the 'trend-setting' spirit of this model, an icon that is always one step ahead.

New Fiat 500 Gauge Cluster

The driver can monitor the data from the speedometer, odometer and trip computer simultaneously at a glance. Moreover, the central section of the display – sporting an image of the car – can be configured by choosing which trip computer data to show, such as distance traveled, instant fuel consumption, range, trip time. Highly visible are also the warning messages, such as doors open, temperature, etc. and the “GSI” (Gear Shift Indicator) system indicator, which advises when to shift gear to maximize fuel-efficiency by switching on a specific symbol.

New Fiat 500 Uconnect Radio

This is all perfectly integrated with the Uconnect™ 5” Radio LIVE and Uconnect™ 5” Radio Nav LIVE so that the media player, telephone and navigator can share the same screen. Additionally, the LCD screen shows the Sport button activation signal on the 105 hp 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engine version.

This element together with the central console and the radio-air vent set, may be ivory or black, to enhance the requisite vintage or sporty personality of the car. Incidentally, the new instrument panel of the New 500 is the ideal combination of retro look and modern technology.

New chrome-plated accents stand out on a harmonious whole, which is pleasant to touch and to look at but is practical at the same time: there are plenty of cleverly arranged object compartments and the controls on the steering wheel are standard on all versions. Also standard are the air conditioning system and the novel air vents with parallel fins for accurate air direction and flow rate adjustment.

The upper part of the body conveys sophistication and personality underlined by the central fascia which picks up the body colour, while the lower part is super-functional with capacious new object compartments. The gear lever is positioned on the dashboard for easy operation and looks like a sophisticated mechanical component, with chrome-plated parts and an efficient knob, which can be glossy black or chrome-plated according to the versions. The set of most frequently used buttons is inspired by the warning lights and levers of the classic 500. They are easy to identify and immediate to use.

New Fiat 500 Glen Plaid Interior

The upholstery is available in nine colour combinations. Guaranteeing all the comfort you could possibly wish, the new seats are made with even more ergonomic materials and designed to facilitate passenger access to the rear seats. Seats for the for Pop trim level include tone-on-tone Chevron patterns while those for the Lounge version feature Glen plaid with ivory, olive green or coral accents and piping, contrasting head restraints and black or ivory eco-leather crescent. Optional is black, burgundy or tobacco Frau leather upholstery with 500 logo embroidered on the crescent with contrasting ivory or light blue crescents for the burgundy seats.

New Fiat 500 Leather Interior

The rear seat is very comfortable for two passengers and picks up the design of the front seats. What is more, the upper contour of the backrest emerges from the upper edge to provide more support and shape the backrest more ergonomically and emphasize the actually available space. On the Lounge version, the 50/50 back seat can be split and folded to adapt to all loading needs in the best way.

The new concept upholstery and panels convey the impression of authentic, outstanding quality of the model at a glance. In detail, the door panels are decorated with contrasting upholstery matching the seats and plastic structure integrating a large object compartment and the speakers. Finally, the chrome-plated hook-shaped door handles are reminiscence of a key element of the classic 500.

New Fiat 500 White Dashboard

Furthermore, although small in size, the new model has plenty of room resulting from the clever distribution of object compartments: there are two compartments on the dashboard (one for the driver and one for the passenger), a handy compartment on passenger's side, now closed by a lid, and compartments on the door panels and on the tunnel. Finally, the boot is generous: 185 litres which can become 550 by folding the rear backrest. Furthermore, the New 500 has a low threshold to facilitate loading objects.

There is something else which you cannot see but which is immediately perceivable and appreciable: the car fits new soundproofing panels in the wheelhouse and firewall making the passenger compartment even more comfortable and silent.

New Fiat 500 Uconnect Navigation

Always connected with UconnectTM
The large screen of the UconnectTM system stands out in the middle of the dashboard of the New 500, between the air vents arranged lower than on the previous version. On the Pop trim level, the system includes radio, six speakers, controls on the steering wheel, AUX-IN and USB port with hands-free system and Bluetooth.

The New 500 Lounge offers Uconnect™ 5” Radio LIVE touchscreen, the next frontier of infotainment, as standard equipment. This system implements a wide range of functions, like Uconnect™ LIVE and music options offered as standard for five years in addition to FM/AM radio, Bluetooth hands-free system, and voice recognition. The driver can connect multimedia devices via USB or using the 3.5mm auxiliary jack or stream music via Bluetooth using a compatible smartphone. DAB digital radio is available on demand. The system is provided with SMS reader for reading text messages received on compatible telephones using 'text to speech' technology.

Uconnect ™ LIVE services, which are included in the price of the car, are now making their debut on the New 500. The Uconnect™ LIVE app can be downloaded from Apple Store or Google Play Store on a smartphone. As soon as the smartphone is connected to the New 500 Lounge, many applications can be viewed and controlled on the touchscreen of the UconnectTM system. The apps have been redesigned and adapted for use while driving to keep concentrated on the road. Uconnect™ LIVE will be gradually available in many countries across Europe; today, it is available in Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Luxembourg on Uconnect™ 5” Radio and Radio Nav for Android and iOS smartphones.

Uconnect™ LIVE allows direct access on the touchscreen to TuneIn Internet radio, with over 100,000 stations worldwide, Deezer Internet music, with over 35 million tracks for ’Deezer Premium‘ users, Reuters, to remain updated on the most recent world news, and Facebook and Twitter, to keep in touch with friends. Finally, it can also be used to access eco:Drive, the award winning driving style app which allows to slash fuel consumption by up to 16% and contributes to reducing CO2 emissions by providing driving tips in real time.

Furthermore, Uconnect™ LIVE connects directly to my:Car with real time warnings, service deadline memos and an interactive owner handbook to manage car maintenance as best as possible. When a smartphone is connected via Bluetooth, the most important warnings are transferred to the Uconnect™ LIVE personal account to make servicing easy as never before.

Finally, Uconnect™ 5” Radio Nav LIVE with TomTom 2.5D and voice controls is available on demand. Navigating even the most complicated crossroads and junctions is easy with powerful features like the advanced lane indicator. Additionally, the TomTom IQ Routes® function is the most simple way to calculate the fastest route based on real clocked average speeds. Not last, turn-by-turn instructions can be safely displayed on the instrument panel when other functions are working on the radio.

Uconnect™ LIVE with TomTom LIVE services
Uconnect™ 5’’ Radio Nav LIVE includes TomTom Live services with voice controls and high-quality traffic information to make every trip more efficient with the Uconnect LIVE app.
New 500 drivers can now experience the connected navigation quality of TomTom and latch onto the world's biggest source of traffic information with over 100 million of monitored kilometres of traffic collected everyday. The navigation system updates every two minutes and UconnectTM suggests the faster routes and more accurate estimated arrival times by implementing an evolved processing engine. In addition to real time information on traffic conditions, users can also benefit from the information on the location of fixed and mobile speed traps (where available) and weather forecasts in real time. Finally, with TomTom Search & Go users can run searches by category or type, like petrol stations or supermarkets, and be directed there.

Environmentally friendly engines
The New 500 fits brilliant but fuel-efficient engines which are even more environment-friendly, as demonstrated by the Euro 6 type-approval. Combined with five or six speed mechanical gearboxes or a Dualogic robotised transmission, the engines line-up available at launch include the 1.2 litre 69 hp, the TwinAir 85 hp or 105 hp and the two-cylinder 1.2 litre 69 hp EasyPower (LPG/petrol).

The TwinAir 0.9 cm3 is available in two versions: 85 hp and 105 hp. Fuel consumption of the first is equal to 3.8 litres/100 km on the combined cycle with emissions lower than 90 g/km of CO2: this is a remarkable result in terms of eco-sustainability and further proof of the concrete, accessible technological solutions made available by Fiat to a very large audience to provide the best possible benefits for the environment and for the owner's pocket. In particular, the TwinAir engine stands out as a concrete example of how technology can reduce consumption and emissions, at an affordable price.

The New 500 range will be expanded after the launch with the 1.2 litre 69 hp in 'Eco' configuration and the 1.3 16v Multijet II 95 hp turbodiesel. More in detail, the first
fits a smart alternator, a specific aerodynamic pack and new 14” or 15” tyres which guarantee low rolling resistance and high resistance to wear. These evolutions as a whole translate into real savings on running costs and a sustainable environment impact. One number for all: the CO2 emissions total only 99 grams per kilometre.

The New 500 is the only car in its segment, together with Panda, to offer a small diesel engine which is the best of today's engineering technology: it is the 1.3 16v Multijet II 95 hp, which emits only 89 grams of CO2 per kilometre and complies with Euro 6 standards.

Finally, to provide answers to all mobility needs, for some markets, the New 500 may be equipped with a TwinAir 0.9 65 hp aspirated engine and a 1.4 litre petrol 100 hp engine.

New Fiat 500 Dualogic Shifter

It is clear that the New 500 is as dedicated to the environment as its predecessor, which has been chosen for many innovative, sustainable mobility projects especially for its features. Not by chance, fleets of 500 are today the protagonists of car sharing projects in the most important Italian cities: efficient, simple and user-friendly services, which allow to live a more aware, shared use experience always under the sign of environmental respect.

Safety and comfort at the top of its segment
Created to comply with the toughest standards, the Fiat 500 is one of the safest cars in its entire segment. The already stable, effective braking has been improved further in versions equipped with 1.2 FIRE 69 hp engine by adopting a system with oversized discs. Furthermore, the efficient, brilliant engines guarantee good pick-up and predictable behaviour on the road. In brief, the car can overcome critical situations at ease.

The New 500 is also fitted as standard with seven airbags (two front, two window bags, two side bags and one for knee protection) as standard equipment. The new model also employs the most sophisticated technical solutions to ensure that the driver is in perfect control of the car (active safety): ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD), advanced electronic stability control (ESC), anti-slip regulation (ASR) system, the Hill Holder devices – which help the driver with hill starts – and hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) to help with emergency stops.

The New 500 is also packed with dynamic and comfort properties making it perfect to tackle all journeys comfortably and safely. These qualities are enhanced by the suspension layout: the front system is a McPherson independent configuration, while the rear suspension features interconnected (i.e. semi-independent) wheels with a torsion beam. Based on a Magneti Marelli design, both configurations have been appropriately revised and developed for the new vehicle to ensure great handling and top level driving comfort.

New Fiat 500C

Range: an answer for all needs
At launch, the New 500 has three trim levels, Pop, Popstar and Lounge, and it is available in saloon and convertible version, except for the EasyPower engine which is available on the saloon version only.

Below you'll find a description of the range destined for the entire EMEA region which, depending on the market, features some differences in content (standard or optional) in order to best meet the needs of the individual countries. To see the specific range for each country, visit your local Fiat Press website.

Standard equipment again includes seven airbags, Uconnect Radio with six speakers, AUX-IN and USB ports, controls on the steering wheel and LED daytime running lights. The Popstar version adds manual climate control system, chrome-plated mirror domes and vintage style steel hubcaps. Even richer is the New 500 Lounge which adds further sophisticated details like the panoramic glass sunroof, 15” alloy rims, leather steering wheel, chrome-plated front grille and Uconnect 5” Radio LIVE infotainment.

The engines, all Euro 6, can satisfy all needs. The 1.2 litre 69 hp (also with Start&Stop), TwinAir 0.9 85 hp or 105 hp (both with Start&Stop) petrol engines and the 1.2 litre 69 hp EasyPower (petrol and LPG), all with front wheel drive or Dualogic automatic transmission will be available at launch. The range will be expanded later with the 1.2 litre 69 hp in 'Eco' configuration and the 1.3 16v Multijet II 95 hp turbodiesel.

There are 13 body colours (pastel, metallised and three-coat), including the new Corallo Red and Opera Burgundy; eight alloy rims, 15” and 16”; and ten different interior configurations.

The New 500 is like a garment made to measure. For this reason, three different customisation packs are offered exclusively for the Lounge trim level and provide interesting advantages with respect to purchasing the single items individually. For instance, the 'Style' package comprises 16” alloy rims, side moulding and fog lights, while the 'Cult' package includes leather interiors, 7” TFT digital instruments, glossy black roof and wing mirrors. For customers seeking top level comfort, the New 500 saloon version only, offers the 'City' package: two-zone automatic climate control, handy parking sensors and electrochromic rear-view mirror.

Redesigned Fiat 500

Magneti Marelli for the New 500: state-of-the-art technology and components
International leader in engineering and making high-tech automotive systems and components, Magneti Marelli supplied much of the technology used on the New 500. These include, instrument panels, front and rear lighting systems, shock absorbers, suspension system, exhaust system, electronic control units, intake manifold, Dualogic robotized transmission, in addition to pedals, dashboards and other plastic components.

In particular, the instrument panel supplied by Magneti Marelli, in addition to the analogue version, is also available with 7’’ TFT digital display, already projected towards the most evolved HMI (Human Machine Interface) standards. The panel with TFT display provides all the useful information to the driver, like speedometer, tachometer and trip computer, all visible simultaneously at a glance. Furthermore, the display shows all the information from the UconnectTM in the various versions.

The central section of the display – sporting an image of the car – can be configured by choosing which trip computer data to show, such as distance travelled, instant fuel consumption, range and trip time. Depending on the version of New 500, the TFT digital display is available with two basic graphic layouts – saloon and convertible – and it can change appearance according to the selected driving mode (Normal, Sport and Eco).

Redesigned Fiat 500 LED Driving Light

For lighting, Magneti Marelli has worked with Fiat for making the new front and rear clusters, which are one of the most distinctive elements of the New 500. More in detail, design and ergonomics characterise the upper element of the front headlights, which includes the halogen dipped beam module and the direction indicators, while the lower element integrates the halogen main beam module and – for the first time ever – LED side lights and the halogen daytime running lights (DRL). Xenon headlights, capable of increasing the light flow and light direction and saving energy, are available on demand.

The new lighting systems of the car are complemented by the rear clusters which are the perfect expression of design and sophistication and identify the rear end in uniquely distinctive manner.

Finally, Dualogic™, the next-generation robotised transmission, was jointly created by Fiat and Magneti Marelli. This is an automated electro-hydraulic version of the manual gearbox which combines comfort of use and reduces fuel consumption and emissions by electronically optimising shifting. The solution allows drivers to shift either sequentially without using the clutch or in fully automatic manner. In short, Dualogic™ is the ideal instrument for choosing the preferred driving style of the moment: relaxed and comfortable in automatic mode; eco-friendly and more fuel-efficiency focused in ECO mode or agile and sporty using the sequential shifting with paddles on the steering wheel.