Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests Fiat 500 Pop Fiat 500 Sport Fiat 500C Lounge Fiat 500C Lounge Fiat 500C by Gucci Fiat 500 line-up revised Home > News > Fiat Recent new car releases ..... here Upcoming new car releases ..... here 16th June, 2013 Revised Fiat 500 range offers eight variants across two body styles Improved affordability of new 500 models defines accessible exclusivity Pricing for new 500 range now starts from just $14,000 drive-away Fiat Chrysler Group has launched an expanded and more affordable Fiat 500 range that now offers eight core variants, in three trim levels – Pop, Sport and Lounge – across hatch and cabrio body styles. As part of the new positioning programme for Fiat vehicles in Australia, the expanded 500 range builds on the exclusivity of the previous two-model line-up by making the 500 significantly more accessible to a broader range of customers. “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 Veronica Johns, President and CEO of Fiat Chrysler Group Australia. “The launch of an expanded 500 range is the next step in our repositioning programme 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 1.2-litre Pop with manual or Dualogic robotised transmissions, 1.4-litre Sport with manual or Dualogic transmissions and the 0.9-litre 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. The new Fiat 500 range will go on sale in Fiat dealerships around Australia during June. FEATURES The new entry-level Pop models in the revised Fiat 500 range are equipped with standard features such as ABS anti-lock braking, ESP, seven airbags, remote central locking, electric windows and door mirrors, and an MP3-compatible CD player. 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 500 by Gucci Called 500 by Gucci, the special edition 500 version will be available in both hatch and cabrio body styles for a limited time. The Fiat 500 by Gucci has been customised by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with Fiat’s Centro Stile. Limited to just 101 units for the Australian market, the 500 by Gucci models feature an eye catching glossy pearl glass paint treatment, which incorporates glass beads to make the paintwork shine like a gem. Available in either black or white, these two distinct colours complement one another: black with detailing in shiny chrome paired with an interior that contrasts sharp black and white for a contemporary and racy attitude; white with satin chrome detailing paired with an ivory and black interior for a softer look. The alloy wheel centre caps feature the interlocking ‘GG’ symbol (founder Guccio Gucci’s iconic initials) in the same colour 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 callipers 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 stripe also appears inside on the seats, key-cover and in an innovative finish on the seatbelts. The interior of the 500 by Gucci is an elegant and functional space, where attention has been lavished on the tiniest details. Brimming with fashion references and embellished by exclusive materials, the interior showcases chic embroidery, glossy or satin chrome elements, a sophisticated velvet-effect treatment on the dashboard and two-tone seats in Frau leather with the unmistakable ‘Guccissima’ graphics – a bona fide status symbol that is a byword for glamour and contemporary appeal. The 500 by Gucci models are powered by the 74 kW 1.4-litre 16-valve FIRE petrol engine matched to the Dualogic clutchless manual shift transmission with selectable fully automatic mode. Dualdrive electric power steering All Fiat 500 models are equipped with this innovative, speed-sensitive power steering system, which comes with two operating modes and uses an electric motor in place of a hydraulic pump driven by the engine, which results in a reduction in both fuel consumption and noise. The system offers a choice of two settings – the first ensures maximum feedback and driver involvement, while the second lightens the steering to minimise effort and is therefore ideal for urban driving and low speed manoeuvring. Pressing the ‘City’ button on the fascia activates the latter mode.  However, to ensure maximum safety under all driving conditions, both settings offer identical power assistance at speeds over 70 km/h, thus ensuring a steering wheel response suited to high speed driving. Blue&Me Blue&Me is an innovative, Windows Mobile-based system that arose out of a joint venture between Fiat and Microsoft. The easy-to-use system features USB music player connectivity and employs Bluetooth technology to allow vehicle occupants to communicate with the outside world via mobile phones. Blue&Me is fully integrated into the vehicle and offers a sophisticated hands-free system with voice recognition, which allows customers with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones to make and receive calls without operating the handset itself. The control keys are located on the steering wheel and include the facility to scroll search through the connected phone’s contact list, as well as muting the system for a private call. Users store their mobile number only once on the system, while a personal phone book may be transferred fully and then automatically updated whenever the system detects the mobile phone. No voice learning stage is required due to the state-of-the-art voice recognition system.  Blue&Me is able to store up to five mobile phones simultaneously, thus permitting more than one occupant to make immediate use of the system. ENGINES The new Fiat 500 range now offers a choice of three powerplants, all of which are manufactured by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT). With an annual output of around 2.9 million engines and 2.4 million transmissions, FPT is a significant player in the worldwide powertrain sector. The new 500 range comprises two refined and economical FIRE petrol engines – a 1.2-litre 8-valve unit producing 51 kW of power and a  spirited 74 kW version of the 1.4-litre 16-valve powerplant – along with the technologically advanced 63 kW TwinAir 875cc two-cylinder engine. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is offered with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, whilst the 1.4-litre petrol engine is matched to a six-speed manual transmission. The Dualogic transmission – a clutchless five-speed manual shift with a selectable fully automatic mode – is offered as an optional transmission on both of these petrol engines, while it is fitted as standard equipment on all 875cc TwinAir-powered models. 1.2-litre 8v FIRE This tried and tested unit is installed in the Fiat 500 Pop models with a number of refinements to further improve fuel economy without affecting performance. The engine is fitted with a sophisticated Marelli I.A.W phased sequential multipoint injection and drive-by-wire, electronic throttle control system. Convergent/divergent intake ports and camshaft profiles optimise power and efficiency, while a knock sensor manages ignition advance effectively under all conditions. Fluid dynamic optimisation has been achieved by a high-turbulence combustion chamber and lighter componentry that improves fuel consumption. In particular, a glass fibre reinforced polymer intake manifold was developed with U-shaped branches and a built-in plenum, while lightweight timing components and low-load valve springs reduce friction. An auxiliary drive circuit featuring built-in mountings in aluminium ‘squeeze’ castings and an automatic low torque tensioner was also developed for improved reliability – a factor which was further enhanced by mounting the coils together in a single block, the coil type effecting a reduction in spark plug wear, better cold starting and, through the adoption of very short high voltage cables, a significant reduction in the risk of disturbance to on-board instruments. Cabin comfort was improved through optimising the performance of both intake and exhaust systems, and the coupling ‘play’ between the crankshaft and crankcase. NVH was further reduced through computerised selection of the main bearings and a special engine installation system, which minimises the transfer of engine vibrations to the body – a barycentric power unit mounting system consisting of two blocks plus a reaction rod that acts as a link. The mounts are aligned along an axis that passes through the engine’s centre of gravity to obtain reaction forces with zero offset. Additionally, the catalytic converter is welded to the side of the exhaust manifold within the engine bay, allowing it to reach the necessary high working temperatures more rapidly, thereby reducing emissions before the engine itself is at optimum operating temperature.   1.2 8v FIRE Engine   Number of cylinders, lay out 4, in line, transversely mounted at front Bore and Stroke (mm) 70.8 x 78.9 Displacement (cc) 1,242 Compression ratio 11.1:1 Maximum power output kW/rpm 51 kW @ 5,500 rpm Peak torque Nm/rpm 102 Nm @ 3,000 rpm Timing system (control) SOHC (with mechanical tappets) Fuel system Multipoint Port fuel injection Fuel Consumption (l/100km) – MT / MTA   Urban cycle 6.4 / 6.2 Extra-urban cycle 4.3 / 4.3 Combined cycle 5.1/5.0 1.4-litre 16v FIRE Sharing the 1.2-litre engine’s barycentric engine mounting system to minimise the transfer of vibrations to the body, the 1.4-litre 16v FIRE unit in the 500 Sport models benefits from a number of further developments designed to minimise NVH: An aluminium crankcase base with cast iron main bearing caps cast together An aluminium oil sump connected directly to the base of the crankcase and gearbox to increase the torsional rigidity of the combined unit A crankcase and flywheel system damper to minimise vibration An optimised piston skirt profile with a molybdenum bisulphate coating to minimise piston/liner clearances and thereby reduce noise Sport function Pressing the SPORT button on the dashboard engages Sport mode, which features a more responsive throttle pedal and increased steering wheel effort and ‘feel’. When the Sport function is active, the message SPORT is displayed on the instrument panel. When the Sport button is pressed, the function becomes active after approximately five seconds.  Pressing the button again deactivates this function.   1.4 16v FIRE Engine   Number of cylinders, lay out 4, in line, transversely mounted at front Bore and Stroke (mm) 72.0 x 84.0 Displacement (cc) 1,368 Compression ratio 10.8:1 Maximum power output kW/rpm 74 kW @ 6,000 rpm Peak torque Nm/rpm 131 Nm @ 4,250 rpm Timing system (control) DOHC (finger rocker arms with hydraulic tappets) Fuel system Multipoint Port fuel injection Fuel Consumption (l/100km) – MT / MTA   Urban cycle 7.7/7.1 Extra-urban cycle 5.1/5.0 Combined cycle 6.1/5.8 0.9-litre 8v TwinAir Nothing short of an engineering gem, the 875cc TwinAir two-cylinder engine implements the revolutionary MultiAir technology developed and patented by FPT. Fitted to the 500 Lounge models and producing 63 kW of power at 5,500 rpm and 145 Nm peak torque from just 1900 rpm, the acclaimed TwinAir engine combines a dynamic and fun driving experience with the added benefit of reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emissions that is typical of downsized powerplants. The heart of MultiAir is an electro-hydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption by controlling air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle). MultiAir reduces polluting emissions (thanks to combustion control) and also considerably improves performance by boosting driveability with respect to a traditional petrol engine of equal displacement. In brief, the advantages of MultiAir technology applied to petrol engines are: Maximum power boosted by 10 per cent compared with a traditional engine of equal size 15 per cent more torque at low rpm and during transitions by applying early intake valve closing strategies to maximise the air introduced into the cylinders Less fuel consumption and consequently lower CO2 emissions, equal to 10 per cent, by eliminating pumping losses and precise parameter calibration for optimising combustion Lower polluting emissions from the engine by optimising valve control strategies during the intake stroke Prompt response to accelerator commands due to the constant air pressure upstream of the cylinders combined with extremely fast control of the intake valves   0.9 8v TwinAIr Engine   Number of cylinders, lay out 2, in line, transversely mounted at front Bore and Stroke (mm) 80.5 x 86.0 Displacement (cc) 875 Compression ratio 10.0:1 Maximum power output kW/rpm 63 kW @ 5,500 rpm Peak torque Nm/rpm 145 Nm @ 1,900 rpm Timing system (control) SOHC (fully variable valve lift on intake, fixed timing on exhaust) Fuel system Multipoint Port fuel injection Fuel Consumption (l/100km) – MTA   Urban cycle 4.4 Extra-urban cycle 3.6 Combined cycle 3.9 TRANSMISSIONS A range of gearboxes have been matched to the Fiat 500 engine range: a five-speed manual gearbox is matched to the 1.2-litre FIRE petrol engine, while a six-speed manual gearbox is fitted to the 1.4-litre FIRE petrol engine. Dualogic, an innovative, power-assisted semi- or fully-automatic transmission is available as an option with both the 1.2- and 1.4-litre FIRE petrol powerplants. Both manual gearboxes feature a dual cable external control that filters engine vibrations transmitted to a dashboard-mounted gear lever offering outstanding selection manoeuvrability. Hydraulic clutches are used to promote ease of use, efficiency and low running noise, while a ‘syringe’ mechanism is employed to prevent involuntary reverse engagement. Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA ..... more Dualogic The innovative Dualogic transmission system features a servo automated clutch and gear lever, while retaining all the attributes of a dry clutch and manual gearbox: low weight, strength, reliability and fuel economy. Two operating modes are selectable – semi-automatic and automatic. In the absence of a clutch pedal, fast, accurate gear changing in semi-automatic mode simply requires the movement of the lever forward to change up and back to change down. Once the vehicle has been started, brake pedal pressure allows the selection of either first or reverse gear (second gear may be selected to aid traction in slippery conditions). To ensure safety and prevent unsolicited gear changes, the system automatically engages neutral when the engine is still running and the door is opened. Dualogic also prevents gear changing errors that risk damage to engine or transmission, reinforced with both visual and aural alarms. In fully automatic mode, Dualogic offers two options – Normal and Economy. The Normal option offers outstanding driving comfort through the smoothest gear changes under all conditions. Pressing the Economy button on the gear control panel offers reduced fuel consumption whilst maintaining driving comfort. The Dualogic system offers the ideal compromise for those who prefer an automatic gearbox for day-to-day use, but do not wish to relinquish the driver involvement and satisfaction of a manual change. RIDE AND HANDLING The Fiat 500 has a derivation of the Fiat Panda’s proven suspension set-up – the combination of an independent MacPherson strut front configuration and a lightweight torsion beam axle at the rear offers a high level of driving precision, road-holding and ride comfort. The front MacPherson strut suspension lay out features transverse lower wishbones anchored to an auxiliary crossbeam, an anti-roll bar connected by rods to the shock absorbers, coil springs that increase the absorption of minor surface roughness and wishbones with both front bushes and rear vertical bushes of rubber and metal. The rear suspension configuration combines a folded sheet torsion beam with double acting telescopic hydraulic dampers located beneath the floor to improve comfort without compromising load space. Single rubber and metal bush attachment of the rear axle to the body lowers noise and vibration intrusion into the passenger compartment, while promoting greater driving stability under all conditions by generating a wheel toe-in effect during cornering. The Fiat 500 is equipped with a Dualdrive electric power-assisted, rack and pinion steering system. SAFETY The Fiat 500 was awarded the maximum 5-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash test programme when it was launched in 2008, placing it at the very top of its category in terms of passive, active and preventive safety. It was the first time that a car of such compact dimensions had achieved the maximum rating and the first time that a vehicle of its type had been equipped with seven airbags as standard across the entire range. To achieve this outstanding result, several thousand hours of computations were carried out, along with numerous crash tests, simulations with the HyGe sled and tests on components and sub-systems, encompassing many types of accident – head-on and lateral collisions, roll-overs, rear-end collisions and fire. Other factors taken into consideration included the different speeds at which accidents occur, obstacles, pedestrian protection and the protection of occupants with widely differing physical attributes. Euro NCAP’s 5-star safety rating for the Fiat 500 was also confirmed by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) with a 5-star safety rating for Fiat’s small car for the Australian market. PASSIVE SAFETY State-of-the-art passive safety is provided by a chassis/platform designed to provide maximum torsional stiffness yet absorb impact with maximum efficiency. Moreover, the Fiat 500 offers seven airbags as standard equipment throughout the range, while front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, three-point rear seat belts, anti-submarining seats and a Fire Prevention System (FPS) are also all fitted as standard. Airbags The Fiat 500 range is fitted as standard with no less than seven airbags – driver and passenger front airbags and side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and two side curtain airbags providing head protection in the event of side impacts.  Their operation is controlled by an electronic control unit that evaluates crash severity via a number of sensors located throughout the vehicle. Automatic door locks Fitted as standard across the range, switchable automatic door locks can be activated on all doors as soon as the vehicle reaches 20 km/h – an important safety and security feature. Fire Prevention System The FPS includes a cut-off valve and an inertia switch that immediately immobilises the electric fuel pump. This prevents fuel loss in the case of impact, roll-over or damage to the fuel lines. The fuel tank, located in a protected position in front of the rear axle, is resistant to mechanical stress and fire.  The 500’s interior trim is also flame resistant. ACTIVE SAFETY The Fiat 500 offers the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems – ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, ASR to limit wheel spin during acceleration, MSR to modulate brake torque while changing down and a sophisticated ESP to control stability through corners. The ESP system also incorporates hydraulic brake assistance and a Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts. ABS An advanced ABS anti-lock braking system, featuring four active sensors, four channels and a hydraulic control unit with eight solenoids, is fitted as standard across the Fiat 500 range. The system is complemented by Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) which governs the braking action on the rear axle to prevent the wheels locking and ensure full control of the car in all situations.  The system also adapts its operation to wheel grip conditions and brake pad efficiency to reduce pad overheating and brake servo thrust requirement. ESP The Fiat 500 range is equipped with a permanently engaged Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which activates to help control the car when stability is at risk. The system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of either an understeer or oversteer slide via sensors monitoring car body rotation, lateral acceleration and steering wheel input. Engine power reduction is also carefully modulated to ensure a minimum of performance loss and, hence, continued driver satisfaction. ASR and MSR The MSR (engine torque regulation) system intervenes when a gear is abruptly shifted down under conditions of low grip. MSR restores torque to the engine to prevent skidding as a result of wheel lock-up. Both ASR and MSR are incorporated as part of the ESP package. Hill Holder Fiat’s Hill Holder system helps drivers pull away smoothly from an upwards-facing hill start. Operating via the ESP longitudinal acceleration sensor when first gear is engaged and both clutch and brake pedals are pressed, the control unit maintains front calliper pressure for around two seconds after the brake pedal is released to eliminate the risk of rolling backwards and ensure a smooth pull away. Hill Holder does not operate when setting off downhill in first gear, but does function when reverse is engaged and the driver wishes to back uphill. PRICING* The new Fiat 500 range will go on sale in Fiat dealerships around Australia this month, with pricing* starting from just $14,000 drive-away for the entry-level Pop hatch and ranging up to $25,650* (MLP*) for the top of the range, limited edition 500 by Gucci cabrio. Fiat 500 range – Manufacturer’s List Pricing* (MLP*) Model Engine/Transmission Price 500HB     500 Pop 1.2 Fire (51kW) MT $14,000 drive-away 500 Pop 1.2 Fire (51kW) MTA $15,500* 500 Sport 1.4 Fire (74kW) MT $16,900* 500 Sport 1.4 Fire (74kW) MTA $18,400* 500 Lounge 0.9 TwinAir (63kW) MTA $20,300* 500 by Gucci 1.4 Fire (74kW) MTA $23,200*       500C     500 Pop 1.2 Fire (51kW) MTA $17,900* 500 Sport 1.4 Fire (74kW) MTA $20,800* 500 Lounge 0.9 TwinAir (63kW) MTA $22,700* 500 by Gucci 1.4 Fire (74kW) MTA $25,650* NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications. E&OE. 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