The countdown to the South African introduction of the Fiat 500 on 4th July is now underway and the Durban Motor Show this weekend is the first time that Kwazulu-Natalians have had the opportunity to see the 500.

The countdown to the South African introduction of the Fiat 500 is now well and truly underway and the Durban Motor Show this weekend is the first time that Kwazulu-Natalians have had the opportunity to see the European Car of the Year up close and personal before its official launch South African on 4th July, exactly a year after it debuted in its native Italy.

Initially, two petrol engines will be on offer in South Africa. First up is the tried and tested 1242 cc Fire engine that has undergone a series of refinements designed to make it a champion of fuel economy, but without detracting from performance. It delivers 51 kW at 5500 rpm and peak torque of 102 Nm at 3000 rpm, with a top speed of 160 km/h. That’s not all. With the 1.2 8v engine, the Fiat 500 leads its class for consumption, delivering 5.1 l/100 km in the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. Acceleration to 100 km/h is also excellent at 12.9 seconds. It’s mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

A highlight of this engine include the adoption of an electronic throttle valve control system known as ‘drive by wire’ (with no mechanical connection between the accelerator and the throttle), while it is the electronic control unit that delivers the torque on the basis of the driver’s demands (torque-based system). Another interesting feature of this engine where fuel consumption is concerned, is the use of an active knock sensor capable of managing the advance in the best possible way in all conditions and, above all, the multipoint sequential phased injection system by Magneti Marelli.

Next up is the 1.4-litre 16v engine that currently sees service in the jaunty Panda 100HP. With a maximum of 73.5 kW on tap at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 131 Nm at 4250 rpm, performance is excellent: this 500 has a top speed of 182 km/h, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. It is a sparkling engine with excellent performance enhanced too by an electronic throttle valve control system (‘drive by wire’). A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on the 1.4-litre model.

All three trim outfits have been selected for the South African market: Pop, Lounge and Sport. The entry-level Pop spec is exclusively available on the 1.2. Extremely well equipped, standard equipment includes seven airbags (including a driver’s kneebag), ABS with EBD, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, height-adjustable driver’s seat, air-conditioning and audio controls on the steering. The 1.4 versions are available in either Lounge or Sport guise. In Sport trim, 15” alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, leather ‘Sporting’ steering wheel, Stability Control (ESP), Traction Control (ASR), Hillholder, Sport-specific internal upholstery and colours, as well as Blue&Me (audio and telephone connectivity) are added to the package.  The Lounge outfit is similarly specified to the Sport but features different 15” alloys and forgoes the rear spoiler for chrome-trimmed details and a fixed glass roof. As with the Sport, this model boasts Lounge-specific internal upholstery and colours.

There are around 500,000 different permutations available. The customer can, for example, choose from a number of 15” and 16” alloy wheel options, decal packages (for the flanks, mirrors and roof), badging and side protective moulding options, additional chrome trimmings (mirrors, gear lever, pedals and front nudge bar), sporty side-skirt package, scuff plate trims, mats, sound system upgrades, key fob covers and even fragrance diffusers. And, that’s not counting the 12 exterior colour options, including 6 vintage colours that will bring the 1950s and 1960s to mind, plus tri-coat white (called Pearl White) produced by a process that is usually only adopted on luxury cars, as well as the 15 types of upholstery including luxurious Cordura and Frau Leather. Some of the options need to be ordered as factory-fitted items, while others can be specified as aftermarket equipment (e.g. the key fob covers and fragrance diffusers).

Base versions of the 500 should be priced between R150,000 and R180,000 on the South African market dependant on exchange rates.