Fiat 500

Fiat launched the Nuova 500 today, exactly 50 years after the arrival of Dante Giacosa's 1957 Cinquecento, which was produced until 1975. The original 500 was marketed as a cheap and practical town car to combat high levels of congestion in Italian cities and became an icon of Italian motoring. Measuring only 2.97m long and powered by a tiny 479cc two-cylinder air-cooled engine, the 500 redefined the term 'small car'.

Previewed by the Trepiuno concept shown at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, this latest edition of the 500 delves deep into the retro-look pioneered by Volkswagen's New Beetle and BMW's New Mini. But Fiat says it's goal has not been to design a car that 'looks like' a 500, but one that 'could be' the 500 again.

The new 500 meets Euro5 emissions standards, has four specification levels, and is anticipated to score 5-stars in the EuroNCAP impact rating. Three engines will be available from launch, along with 12 colors; including 6 vintage colors 'that will bring the 1950s and 1960s to mind'.

Design Review coming soon...

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Design Review: Fiat Trepiuno concept
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