The Fiat 500's relentless drive into new territory continues apace, with the award-winning supermini now making its first foray into South America as it has just become available for ordering at the brand's dealers across Mexico.

The Fiat 500's relentless drive into new territory continues apace, with the award-winning supermini now making its first foray into South America as it has just become available for ordering at the brand's dealers across Mexico. It's arrival in the Americas follows a roll-out beyond Europe that has seen it introduced in India this summer, while other distant car markets where the Tychy, Poland-built small car is proving to be a hit include Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Fiat relaunched in Mexico less than two years ago through a private importer, regional conglomerate SKBC, and as well as rapidly building up a dealer network in the major cities, they have introduced a comprehensive model range that includes a mix of Fiats built in Latin America and Europe. From Latin America comes the Palio, Palio Weekend Adventure, Strada Adventure, Stilo, and Idea Adventure, while imported from Europe comes the Panda, Panda 4x4 and Grande Punto (including the T-Jet turbo version) as well as the Ducato light commercial range (in van, minibus and chassis cab formats).

Now Fiat Mexico is to introduce the Euro NCAP 5-star rated Fiat 500, with the Car of the Year 2008 winner expected to provide a strong halo effect to the growing range as the brand's relaunch in Latin America's second-biggest market continues apace. It is up to 17 dealers across Mexico, and last year Fiat Mexico sold 3,300 cars, a rise of 217 pct over the 1,040 units sold during its first year in operation (2006). The most popular model with Mexican buyers last year was the Palio (609 units) closely followed by the Grande Punto (606), while next up were the 'off-road' styled Palio Adventure (495) and Idea Adventure (407). This major market share increase came despite a sharp overall decline in the segment for subcompact models (16.4 pct).

The Fiat 500 is now available a t the Mexico dealers in four versions (Classic, Sport, Lounge and Vintage) all fitted with the 100 bhp 1.4-litre 4-cyl petrol engine, mated up to the Dualogic (automatic) transmission or the 6-speed manual option. The 500 will come with a choice of six exterior body colours. Fiat Mexico will provide high specification levels as standard, including 16-inch alloy wheels, radio/CD player controls on the steering wheel, climate control, Blue&Me (the infotelematic system that was developed by Fiat and Microsoft), ABS, ESP, 7-airbags and Bluetooth.

Mexican pricing for the four-version range starts with the 500 Classic 16v Dualogic at 234.900 pesos (15.576 euros), followed by the 500 Sport 16v Dualogic at 249.900 pesos (16.570 euros), the 500 Lounge 16v Dualogic at 259.900 pesos (17.238 euros) and finally the 500 Vintage 16v Manual 6-speed at 279.900 pesos (18.565 euros).

by Claudio Perlini