After a long period of expectation from the Brazilian public and media, the Fiat 500 is set to bring its diminutive charms to another global market as next week the award-winning supermini will arrive on sale in the Fiat showrooms in Brazil.

After a long period of building expectation from the Brazilian public and media, the Fiat 500 is set to bring its diminutive Italian charms to another important global market as next week the award-winning supermini will arrive on sale in the Fiat Automóveis showrooms in Brazil.

The winner of the most prestigious award of all, that of Car of the Year 2008, the Fiat 500 has set all manner of records since its birth and its universal appeal is demonstrated by the fact that it is the first Fiat model to sell in greater numbers outside rather than inside Italy in more than a decade. It's global roll out now includes countries as far flung from the Tychy, Poland, factory where it is built, as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Japan and India.

Brazil won't be the first market in South America to fall under its charms though as the 500 recently went on sale in Argentina and Mexico. Ironically the 500 is likely to be built in Mexico from the tail end of next year at the Tolluca factory belonging to Fiat's new North American alliance partner Chrysler Group LLC, in which the Italian carmaker now owns an initial 20 percent stake.

For the moment however the 500 will be imported from Poland in fully built format, and initially be available in just the 'Sport' version with its 1.4 16v engine that puts out 100 bhp. However with its liability to stiff import taxes in Brazil the 500 will approach this market positioned as a "must-have" fashion accessory and will consequently be sold in very small numbers to those who want to possess a stylish small urban car that oozes Italian chic and plugs into the history of the brand half a century after its iconic predecessor changed the face of Italian motoring. Consequently it will be priced in the showrooms in Brazil at R$61,900 (23,177 euros).

The launch of the 500 in Brazil will take place next Wednesday (September 30) at a special event to be held in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Famed for its golden beaches, colourful annual carnival and upbeat lifestyle, the 500 is now set to bring its own sense of style and panache to this world legendary city.

by Claudio Perlini