Fiat 500 now from $14,000 driveaway

Fiat Chrysler Group has launched an expanded and more affordable Fiat 500 range (read the Fiat 500 review here) as part of a new positioning programme for Fiat vehicles in Australia.

Now with eight core variants and three trim levels – Pop, Sport and Lounge, it builds on the exclusivity of the previous two-model line-up while making the 500 significantly more affordable, with price starting from $14,000 drive-away.

“In February this year we outlined a new pricing structure for the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands to make these iconic Italian vehicles more affordable and more accessible to the Australian market,” said Ms. Veronica Johns, President and CEO of Fiat Chrysler Group Australia.

“The launch of an expanded 500 range is the next step in our repositioning program for Fiat vehicles by making the 500 model obtainable for a wider cross section of car buyers, including those entering the new car market for the first time.

“With a starting price that delivers amazing affordability, the new Fiat 500 range defines accessible exclusivity for a premium European vehicle.”

The new, expanded Fiat 500 range offers three main hatchback (HB) models and three cabrio (C) models for a total of eight individual variants. The 500HB range includes the 51kW/102Nm 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol Pop with manual or Dualogic robotised transmissions, 74kW/131Nm 1.4-litre 4-cylinder Sport with manual or Dualogic transmissions and the 63kW/145Nm 0.9-litre 2-cylinder TwinAir Lounge, which is fitted with the Dualogic transmission as standard.

The 500C range includes the 1.2 Pop, 1.4 Sport and 0.9 TwinAir Lounge models, all fitted with the Dualogic transmission.

Combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.1L/100km for the 1.2-litre manual, and 5.0L/100km for the auto. The more powerful 1.4-litre manual consumes 6.1L/100km, and 5.8L/100km for the auto. Meanwhile, the tiny 0.9-litre returns a measly 3.9L/100km.

A Limited Edition 500 by Gucci, customised by renowned fashion brand, Gucci, will also be sold alongside the expanded 500 range.

Worked over by Gucci Creative Director, Frida Gianni in partnership with Fiat’s Centre Stile, the 500 by Gucci features eye catching glossy pearl glass paint, which incorporates glass beads to make the paintwork shine like a gem.

Available in either black or white, the black car comes with an interior that contrasts sharp black and white for a contemporary and racy attitude, while the white features satin chrome detailing paired with an ivory and black interior for a softer, sophisticated look.

The car’s interior also showcases a sophisticated velvet-effect treatment on the dashboard and two-tone seats in Frau leather with ‘Guccissima’ graphics. A Interscope Sound System which combines a 30-watt amplifier, six speakers and a 100-watt subwoofer is also fitted as standard.

The alloy wheel centre caps feature the interlocking ‘GG’ symbol (founder Guccio Gucci’s iconic initials) in the same color as the bodywork, while the cursive Gucci signature appears on the hatchback as well on the door pillar. In keeping with the traditional Gucci colours, the rear brake calipers are painted green.

The vehicle’s silhouette is outlined by Gucci’s signature green-red-green stripe, which runs around the vehicle on the hatch models, linking the exterior to the interior.  On the cabrio models, on both black and white versions, the soft top is black with the characteristic green-red-green Gucci web pattern printed lengthways across the roof.

The new entry-level Pop models in the revised Fiat 500 range are comprehensively equipped with standard features such as ABS, ESP, seven airbags, remote central locking, electric windows and door mirrors, and an MP3-compatible CD player.

The new Fiat 500 range, including 500 by Gucci, is on sale now around Australia.

Key features of the three new specification levels are as follows:
Pop

• ABS anti-lock braking with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• Driver and front passenger airbags
• Side airbags
• Head-protecting side airbags
• Driver’s knee airbag
• Electric front windows and door mirrors
• Air conditioning
• Dualdrive electric power steering
• Trip computer
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• Front passenger under seat stowage
• Seat-back pockets
• Folding rear seat
• 14-inch steel wheels with wheel cover

Sport

In addition to the Pop specification, Sport adds:

• Sports body kit & rear spoiler
• Sport function/button
• Sports seats with red stitching
• Flat bottom sports steering wheel with red stitching
• 15-inch sports alloy wheels
• Larger ventilated front disc brakes & larger rear brakes
• Fog lights
• Dark tinted glass

Lounge

In addition to the Pop specification, Lounge adds:

• Fixed glass roof with sun blind
• Climate control air conditioning
• Start&Stop system
• Chrome bumper accents
• 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels