29.10.2003 FIAT WILL PRESENT A CONCEPT AT NEXT YEAR'S GENEVA MOTOR SHOW WHICH DRAWS ON THE ORIGINAL 500

Fiat will present a concept of a new 500 'city' car at the Geneva Motor Show next March. As the Italian marque looks to rediscover its heritage as a manufacturer of small, fun and innovative cars, a market it has neglected for some years, it has a strong program in place to rectify the situation.

First fruits have been seen with the arrival of the new Panda, which has already been widely acclaimed, and which will spawn a series of 'fun' niche models over the coming years, including a 3-door, hot 'Abarth', several levels with 4x4 off-road capability and a dune buggy-style convertible. The Panda has been quickly followed by the Punto-based Idea, a mini-mpv which aims to target a whole new customer base.

The 500 concept drops Fiat down a segment and will build on the style and history of its small car past which include the famous 500, the original 500C based 'Topolino', the popular 1990's Cinquecento and the original Panda which has just ceased production after a 22-year run. It also puts into practice ideas evolved with on the 1999 Fiat 'Ecobasic' concept.

The 3.4-metre long concept is based on a shortened Panda platform and has been designed in-house at Fiat Centro Style by chief designer Umberto Rodriguez. It draws for its styling cues on the original 500, utilising the 'bubble car' rounded curves that help it sell over three million between 1957 and 1975.

However several in-house studies are presently underway and the Geneva bound concept may not be chosen as the finalised style when it hits production in 2005. The 500 concept, Fiat claim, will 'comfortably' seat four, and will offer a stylish upmarket interior. Offspring will include a 4x4 version drawn from the Panda's powertrain, while powerplants will include the Panda's 1.1 and 1.2-litre petrol engines as well as the tiny 1.3 Multijet. Finally, an open topped version will recreate the spirit of the classic '500 Jolly'.

Meanwhile, also given the green light, is a direct rival for the Smart City-Coupe. Due to be launched in 2007, this tiny Fiat will be less than three metres in length and will complete the return to small car roots.