The FIAT 500 has always been a celebration of its iconic predecessor, adopting not only the look but also the character and verve of the 1957 original. But now FIAT is taking that homage to a new level with the new FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 which is set to debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show (March 3).
The VINTAGE ’57 is a contemporary interpretation of the stylistic features that gave the original its distinctive identity. Finished in pastel colours with a contrasting white roof, spoiler, antenna and mirror covers, the most distinctive element of the new FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 is its 16-inch vintage alloy wheels, a nod to those used on the original 500 but updated and refined for contemporary tastes. The wheel centres feature the historical FIAT logos, a subtle touch that’s repeated on the front and rear badges.
The retro theme of the FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 continues inside with a white dashboard; historic FIAT logo in the steering wheel boss and tan-coloured Poltrona Frau leather seats with ivory leather ‘half-moon’ inserts and “500” embroidery in tan.
There’s nothing retrospective about the FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57’s standard technologies though: air conditioning; Blue&Me™; seven airbags, Start&Stop system, ESP with ASR/MSR, HBA and Hill Holder. Available in the UK in April, the new FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 will be available with the petrol-powered 69hp 1.2-litre as well as the award-winning 0.9 TwinAir 85hp turbo petrol engine. Prices for the FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 will start from £12,545 when it goes on sale in April.
Produced since 2007 in Poland and since 2010 in Toluca (Mexico), the FIAT 500 is now sold in more than 100 countries world-wide, spearheading the brand’s return to North America. More than 1.5 million have been produced.
Other FIAT vehicles debuting at the Geneva Motor Show include the FIAT 500X with DDCT, a six-speed, dual dry-clutch transmission paired with the front-wheel drive 1.4 MultiAir II 140 HP engine that combines the responsiveness and driving satisfaction of a manual with the ease-of-use and economy of a traditional automatic transmission. Also on display for the first time is the new FIAT Doblò Trekking with standard “Traction+” system for improved traction control on slippery surfaces and light off-road conditions. New side mouldings, model-specific diamond-cut 16-inch alloy wheels, rugged new front and rear bumper inserts as well as a raised chassis and functional sump guard set the Doblò Trekking apart from its siblings.
