The 2012 Fiat 500 with its Italian styling and innovative technology is relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.
The Fiat brand has made its return to the North American market with the 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), bringing Italian styling, functionality and innovative technology—the same attributes that made the original 1957-1977 version a timeless icon.
“The Fiat 500 has always been the right car at the right time,” said Laura Soave, head of Fiat Brand North America. “The new Fiat 500 now brings something truly unique to one of the fastest growing segments in North America, delivering Italian-by-design function, value and efficiency intelligently tailored for our market.”
Fiat’s successful small-car formula worked before and is even more relevant today. Like the original Cinquecento, the new 2012 Fiat 500 showcases Fiat’s ingenuity to build small cars using simple design and beautiful craftsmanship.
This modern-generation Fiat 500 offers high levels of safety, fuel economy, quality and advanced technology.
The city-friendly vehicle has room for four passengers, engaging driving dynamics and an all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with MultiAir technology. Multi Air technology offers up to 10 per cent greater fuel efficiency and power while decreasing C02 emissions and recognized with the Best of What’s New in 2010 award by Popular Science magazine.
The Fiat 500’s interactive driving technology collects all necessary data relating to vehicle efficiency and, through the available Blue & Me USB port, transmits it onto any USB memory stick. Once the driver plugs the memory stick into his or her personal computer, the system presents drivers with the vehicle’s detailed environmental performance including the CO2 emission level for each trip.
In addition, it analyzes each driver’s style and provides recommendations on how to modify their driving styles to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Exclusively available for the North American market is an all-new six-speed automatic transmission. For engaging driving, the Auto Stick function allows for driver-selectable gear changes. Should the driver select Sport mode by pressing the button on the instrument panel, the transmission’s shift schedule and the steering response are automatically adjusted to provide even more sporty driving dynamics.
An upgraded five-speed manual transmission features new gear ratios for the North American market, improving fuel efficiency and acceleration. A new self-adjusting hydraulic-clutch system is standard with this transmission, benefiting drivers with consistent pedal efforts over the life of the clutch and virtually maintenance-free operation. Selecting Sport mode with the manual transmission calibrates the pedal-to-throttle relation and the steering response.
The interior design theme is a blend of clean lines and conveniently located features inspired by the original model. A clear example of this inspiration is the Fiat 500’s single concentric instrument cluster that effectively displays vehicle information while being surrounded by an exterior-colour-matched upper instrument panel for a sense of refinement and elegance. Frequently used vehicle buttons are highlighted with chromed circular rings and centrally located on the exterior-matched instrument panel trim for a premium appearance.
1970 Fiat 500—one of the world’s best-selling microcars, the original Fiat 500 is also a great fun classic.
Paying homage to the past, the chromed hook door handle shape recalls one of the most remembered features on the original model while integrating modern-day power door locks.
Available in three models Fiat Pop, Sport and Lounge, 14 exterior colours and over 10 unique seat colour and material combinations, consumers have the ability to create their own Fiat 500.
The starting Canadian Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Fiat 500 is an affordable $15,995.
For more information, visit gocolumbiafiat.com.