SMALL CARS

Back to its roots

First, there was the Abarth revival. Now, it's the re-invention of the classic 500

- Hey, this car's cute...

We agree. It's the all-new 500 which Fiat first invented 50 years ago. It's a youthful three-door hatchback positioned below B-segment sub-compacts first previewed as the Trepiuno concept car that launches in Europe in July. Note the classic round headlamps and the angular rear end.

- It tries to ape a Mini...

You could say so. Despite having smaller dimensions (3,550mm length, 1,630mm width, 1,490mm height and 2,300mm wheelbase), there is that apparent effort by Fiat to make the 500 a modern icon like BMW did with the Mini and Volkswagen with its Beetle.

- What's it like inside?

Just as mouth-watering as the exterior. Note the lines and colours in the accompanying picture; we shall let it do the talking.

- It's fantastic. But the gearbox...

Yes, we suspected you would raise this question. No automatic gearbox has been announced which isn't surprising for two reasons: the Italians still love shifting cogs manually and cars with small engines perform better with manual 'boxes. In the case of the 500, five- or six-speed option.

- How small?

There's a 69hp 1.2-litre and 100hp 1.4-litre petrol choices, as well as a 75hp 1.3-litre turbo-diesel.

- And if I want one?

Tough, since Fiat has yet to resurface in Thai showrooms (formerly run by the Alfa Romeo importer). It could cost some B1.3m in completely built-up form.

- Hey, that isn't too bad for a niche...

Yeah. But let us a share a rumour with you. We heard that Fiat will top the 500 range with an Abarth version using a 150hp turbo 1.4-litre unit sourced from the Grand Punto Abarth. And this hot 500 could cost around B1.5m.

- Wow! I want one. Who cares about the gearbox!

But, my dear, where to buy?

FORD'S FUTURE EQUIVALENT: Ford has decided to join hands with Fiat to develop the platform of the replacement for the current A-segment Ka (left). Mazda has no such car in Europe and only does OEM exchange programmes in its home market with other Japanese players for the 'kei' class. Even if Ecocar gets the green light, the Ka is unlikely to come with the Fiat 500. Mazda could decide to pool resources in a three-way tie-up, just like the Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107/Citroen C1 deal which, however, isn't for Asia.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007