In an unprecedented move, Fiat New Zealand has released the full pricing and specifications of the new Fiat 500, nearly three months ahead of the first cars arriving in New Zealand; such is the demand amongst New Zealand car owners to get their hands on the first 500s.

In an unprecedented move, Fiat New Zealand has released the full pricing and specifications of the new Fiat 500, nearly three months ahead of the first cars arriving in New Zealand; such is the demand amongst New Zealand car owners to get their hands on the first 500s and to enable owners to personalise their new cars.

“From the moment Fiat announced that the new 500 was going into production, New Zealanders have wanted to put their names down to own the first cars,” says Lawrie Malatios, General Manager for Fiat Cars in New Zealand. “That trickle of customers has now turned into a flood, which means we have already sold the first four months of the New Zealand allocation, even though we have not been able to confirm local prices.”

“With the 500 a sold-out success in Europe, we know that supplies will be limited and with the 500 offering a unique level of personalistion in the small car market sector, we have taken the decision to release details and prices of the 500 before the New Zealand market first car even rolls down the production line,” explains Mr Malatios. “This will enable owners to take full advantage of the personalization programme and to get the Fiat 500 they have always wanted!”

The original Fiat 500 was recently voted the sexist car of all time. The new Fiat 500 takes that original style, maintains the small car ability and adds modern technology and safety – it has a five star EuroNCAP rating, something some full-size cars can’t match – and engines made for the 21st Century to produce a car that, like its illustrious forebear, sets a new small car benchmark. It is, therefore no wonder that it has praise, awards – headed by the European Car of the Year 2008 title – and sales demand in equal amounts.

To enable New Zealand 500 owners to fully avail themselves of the 500, Fiat New Zealand is providing the full range of engine and trim packages. This means a choice of three engines, two petrol and an advanced turbo diesel that will make – with a combined fuel economy of 4.2 litres/100 km – the 500 the most economical car available in New Zealand, beating even the hybrids, along with three different gearboxes.

Matched to this are three equipment packages, the bright and exciting ‘Pop’ level, the exciting ‘Sport’ package and the luxurious ‘Lounge’ equipment level. Added to this is the personalization programme that will make it possible for owners to make their 500 a reflection of their own personality, with a long list of factory and after market accessories. There is even a car cover printed with a picture of the original 500!

The wide range of options and aftermarket features does not mean that the 500 is basic car. All versions feature ABS brakes, AirCon, power windows, locks and steering, as well as a six speaker MP3 capable audio system and seven airbags. Given the high level of standard equipment and the advanced technology, the Fiat 500, with prices starting at a recommended retail price of NZ$26,990, represents excellent value for money.

To enable prospective owners to choose their ideal Fiat 500, Fiat New Zealand has built a special 500 incubator – it is, after all, Fiat’s new baby – section on its web site – www.fiat.co.nz – that guides owners through the many options and allows them to walk into their Fiat dealership with a ready made order form.

“There can be little doubt, given the demand we are already facing, that the new Fiat 500 will be the most sought-after car in 2008,” says Lawrie Malatios. “Demand in Europe means that there will be little opportunity to expand our allocation, so anyone wanting a 500 in 2008 needs to visit our website or their local Fiat dealer as soon as possible!”

It would be belittling to ‘limit’ the phenomenon of the new 500 to a simple, nostalgic reinterpretation, a pastiche of the original as done by some other car makers of their historic products. Fiat’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 opens the way for an innovative designs and technology in a number of areas that are very significant for today’s customers, clearly outlining where its ambitions lie in relation to the future positioning of the Fiat brand.

The Fiat 500, which is derived from the show car displayed at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, respects the original concept in its shape and function, as a benchmark small car that meets all the practical requirements of a small car, yet at the same time has a unique and strong emotion pull on the heart strings. On July 4, 2007 exactly 50 years after the launch of the original Fiat 500, the new car made its debut in Fiats home of Turin, revealing it to be a 3-door model with compact dimensions: just 355 centimetres long, 163 cm wide, 149 cm tall and with a wheelbase of 230 centimetres.

The 500 comes with a choice of three engines that guarantee sparkling performance but are sparing on fuel and eco-friendly, combined with 5 or 6 speed manual gearboxes and a Dualogic sequential robotised 5-speed gearbox. There are two petrol units, the 51 kW 1.2 and the 74 kW 1.4 from the ‘Fire’ family that boasts a total production output of more than ten million engines to date. The third is the 55 kW 1.3 16v Multijet Turbo Diesel with a particulate filter, which will make the Fiat 500 the most economical car in the New Zealand car market. These engines not only meet the existing Euro-4 environmental standard, they are designed to achieve the proposed Euro-5 standard.

Designed to respect the most stringent standards, the Fiat 500 is one of the safest cars in its entire segment. Stable, efficient braking combined with good acceleration from the engines and predictable handling at all times, get the new model out of difficult situations without batting an eyelid. The Fiat 500 is fitted with seven airbags as standard equipment – two at the front, two curtain-bags, two sidebags and one to protect the knees – a record for this vehicle class. ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) are fitted to all versions, with the 1.4 litre versions adding a sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), plus a Hill Holder, to help the driver on hill starts, and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) which steps in for emergency stops.

The entry level trim level is ‘Pop’, which includes Air-Conditioning, trip computer, front electric windows, remote central locking, front and rear head rests, height adjustable steering wheel, split-fold rear seat, ABS brakes and six speaker MP3 Audio system with steering wheel controls. The Sport model adds 15inch alloy wheels, Blue&Me Telematics with USB connection, rear spoiler, leather steering wheel and gearknob, side skirts and red brake calipers. Over the Pop version, the Lounge gains 15 inch alloys, satin finish aluminium exterior mirrors, chrome trim pack, climate control AirCon and a fixed glass sunroof.

The comprehensive options list includes leather trim, 16 inch alloy wheels, decal options, sunroof on Sport and Pop versions, luxury and chrome packs, as well as dealer-fit options that enable owners to further personalize their Fiat 500. Prices start at a recommended retail price of NZ$26,990 for the Fiat 500 Pop 1.2 and range through nine versions to the range topping Fiat 500 Lounge 1.4 Dualogic at an RRP of NZ$33,990.