Review: Fiat 500 - Nostalgia and exciting new innovation

29 April, 2009 07:19:35 HelÃ©ne Griffiths

It was co-incidental that just prior to me having the Fiat 500 as a test car I made contact with a friend I hadn’t seen since we left school, 40 years ago.

Her first e-mail to me after our initial telephonic conversation read: “What a blast from the past! ..... All the memories of us going to school in your brother’s little car - arms hanging out the windows and legs dragging on the ground!” - It was a Fiat 500 Cub! - and was our mode of transport in matric - five of us!

The new Fiat 500 - Viva la difference

Price: R188 500

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How I wished that the five of us could have been together when I tested the new version of the Fiat 500! Viva la difference ..... yet many features brought back sweet memories.

Six-speed 1400cc engine

A trip to the Midlands in the Fiat 500 was an effortless drive! The 1.4-litre engine under the bonnet is matched to a 6-speed manual transmission - nothing when compared to the little red Cub’s 500cc engine - believe it or not, four of us had to walk up some of the hills en route to White River from Nelspruit!

New Fiat - more space and comfort

I am convinced that the new Fiat 500, with it’s total length of 3.5 metres, is about the same length as the red Cub - yet the designers have somehow extended the passenger compartment and the rear seat can really accommodate two people! Although the front seats are a copy of the 500 F of the ’60s with the same ‘split’ effect, they are 100% more comfortable and I just love the circular headrests that match the colour of the steering wheel!

I cannot believe how this little car stirred up nostalgic memories of carefree days gone by. Although as modern as can be, Fiat has certainly put a lot of thought in the new design and the longer I drove it the more evident the historical connection came through.

Safest 'baby' car around

When it comes to safety features the new Fiat 500 must be the safest ‘baby’ car around! It has seven airbags as standard! - Front, side, curtain and knee-bags. Even the 1.2 boasts ABS complete with EBD. - The red Cub had brakes ....... most of the times!

Price

The Fiat 500 1.4 Lounge I had on test had no customised options added, and sells for R188 500.

Even Barbie has a Fiat 500!

An original Fiat 500 show car, dedicated to the most famous doll ever, Barbie, was handed over to Barbie on 9 March to celebrate her 50th birthday! This is an exceptional vehicle - created by a partnership between the Fiat Centro Stile and Mattel. - Sorry to say - this was a once off Fiat 500 and is not for sale!

Fiat 500 barbie photo

It is a fashionista car but quite tongue-in-cheek and with lots of charm. - The gleaming paintwork resembles varnish and the deep pink definitely has a shock effect! The seating is upholstered in strikingly soft fabrics - silver laminated Alcantara is not only trendy but plush to the touch and its glimmer bounces as far as the roof panel. Then there are mats enhanced with natural silk yarn and sleek viscose, not to mention lip glosses in brilliant colours stored in the glove compartment, plus a LED-decked vanity mirror to ensure perfect application.

Fiat 500 barbie image

And there is more ......... The car has more features than a crown has jewels. Crystals sparkle on interior bezels, hubcaps, outer window mouldings and antenna and even outline the doll’s famed silhouette on the pillars. Lastly, this Fiat 500 show car also has its own glossy car cover, featuring the distinctive ’60s version of the Fiat 500 and a Barbie autograph!
I suggest that should you be interested in something similar to this Barbie Fiat 500 you have a look at their website - www.fiat500.com - where you can choose from 500 000 possible combinations to ‘customise’ your Fiat 500!

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Author info: Heléne Griffiths

Heléne started her motoring career in the late 70s as a rally driver and worked for two years as Radio Jacaranda's motoring and motorsport announcer in Pretoria.

She was one of the first female members to join the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists and has for 21 years been a member of the jury that selects the South African Car of the Year ......more

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