It is an object of desire in any place of the world, and there are attributes for this. It is a modern automobile with unbeatable design, packed with intelligent solutions, technologically advanced, safe and amusing. With one more additional detail: it has an amazing past! The Fiat Cinquecento is not merely a product of its time. Its well-thought shapes recall with more than half a century of history in each line.
But it would not make any sense labeling the 21st century Fiat 500 as a simple and nostalgic phenomenon of reinterpretation. When Fiat conceived it, the idea was not to create an automobile that looked like a 500 – but rather, one that could have all the success conquered by it and something more. This includes its spirit, its spontaneity and its charm – all its original qualities in an extremely captivating package that is at the same time modern and transparent in its references to the past.
And Fiat hit the nail straight on the head. Since it’s launching, in July 2007 – exactly fifty years after the debut of the automobile that would be transformed into a myth -, the new Fiat 500 was received by the critiques and the public. It received more than 40 awards, among them the Car of the Year 2008 in Europe, EuroCarBody 2007, AutoEuropa 2008, 2009 Design Car of the Year in New York City and City Car of the Year 2009 in England and plus an infinite number of titles granted by world media.
If the critiques reacted extremely well with Fiat 500, the public was not too far behind. At the start of production, the forecast was that 80 thousand unities would be sold per year. At the end of two years, Fiat has sold almost 400 thousand unities.
And now Fiat 500, produced in Europe, gets off in Brazil ready to show why it was transformed into such a success. The small hatchback, measuring 3.55 meters long, is going to prove that size does not say it all.
Because, aside from the charming and original lines that call attention of the world outside, the Brazilian customer has an innovative and complete automobile, with equipment usually seen only in higher segment models, like Sky Wind electric sunroof, Blue&MeTM and Dual Drive electric steering. It has safety levels that obey the strictest European standards (it won 5 stars at the EuroNCAP) – with seven air bags and diverse devices that aid the driver to maintain steering control in any situation, like ESP (Electronic Stability Program) plus the Hill Holder.
The customer has further an economical, clean and potent engine that generates 100 horsepower. It has a reliable and tested mechanics, including automatic Dualogic® transmission [robotized transmission]. It has absolute comfort. And, above all, it has the driving pleasure of an automobile that responds with agility and readiness to all your commands, desiring to stay the longest time possible behind the Fiat 500’s wheel.
A CURRENT DESIGN WITH A SPECIAL TOUCH
To create modern lines that remit to the past is not a simple task. The result of this effort must be, at the same time, current – a clear product of its time -, and immediately evoking its source of inspiration. In the case of the Fiat 500, the outcome could not be happier: it brings together, harmoniously, extremely current features with shapes that revive one of the greatest icons of Post-War Italian design.
Upon gazing at the Fiat 500, it immediately makes you anxious to get to know the automobile better, understand its singularity, cohabit more with it. It is really exotic and it oozes charm. And although there may be references to the past, all elements in the Fiat 500 are modern, whether in function, in shape or in style.
Conceived by Fiat Stilo Design Center, in Italy, the Fiat 500 is a 2-door hatchback with compact dimensions: it is 3.55 meters long, 1.63 wide, 1.49 meters high and in between axles, 2.30 meters. A compact automobile but however surprising for its generous space filled with a lot of authority, and that immediately calls the attention with its smooth and rounded lines, making a lot of success wherever it passes.
The front reconciles the current “family feeling” of the Fiat models with elements that were decidedly born in the first Fiat 500. For example, the strongest reference to the previous automobile is the combination of upper round headlights with lower sidelights and the logo inserted between rims or grille guards. The short and rounded hood transmits at the same time an impression of robustness and dynamism. The slightly inclined waistline at the front reinforces these attributes.
The lateral design added to the shell-shaped roof forms a very harmonious assembly, in which the proportions and the aesthetic details attract the sight. The cuts on the body, always curved, remit to the origins; it’s more modern and clean surfaces also makes clear the great attention dedicated to each line of the model and the search for a really timeless automobile. Beside this, the hood extends over the sides, harmonizing the different elements, giving them a stylistic continuity.
From the side you can see the sets of front and rear lights due to how the rounded outlines connect the different parts of the automobile. And, finally, the roof’s column forms an arch that simplifies the design of the windows, which is continuous and hides the upper extremity of the doors with a black rim.
The rear highlights a large chrome-plated door knob that immediately reminds the plate support of the first Fiat 500. The lights were placed on the borders of the rear door, slightly inclined on the internal part and almost vertical on the outside. They are divided chromatically in accordance with the function, such that they seem more vertical and apart from each other. The rear window ends cleanly on the edges of the hood, giving the assembly a modern and pure look.
Internally, the Fiat 500 carries, likewise, its successful past. The stylists rendered maximum attention to details, but without losing sight of simplicity, which is one of the Fiat 500’s nicknames. But “simple” does not mean “deprived”: it concerns an aesthetic slope that prioritizes the pleasure enjoyed in a clear, fresh, clean environment that provokes wellbeing and the desire of cohabitating more with the automobile and with the entire technology present in this new 500.
The Fiat 500’s interior summarizes its modern and ergonomic purpose in a design inspired in the antecessor. Let us start with the instruments grouped on a single panel that contains speedometer, tachometer and on board computer, all concentric and seen as a whole, instantly.
The immediate conclusion to which one arrives upon seeing the instrument panel is that it is the ideal combination between retro style and modern technology – which is perfectly harmonized with the Fiat 500’s concept. Extending the model’s aesthetic unity, the elegance is left with the brilliant paint in the color of the automobile’s body at the central part of the panel. The central console groups the acclimatization and audio controls, and adds further practicality, with the diverse object holders. Their main highlight is the stick shift, close to the steering wheel, conceived to look like a refined mechanical component, with its chrome-plated parts and a simple, however, efficient black knob. Various buttons were designed to remind the levers and indicators of the original Fiat 500, and are very easy and quick to use.
The seats deserve a special mention. Clearly inspired in the seats of the Fiat 500 F of the 60’s, they incorporate the same “divided” effect, with bicolor covering combined with the color of the steering wheel. They can be visually alike, but were designed prioritizing ergonomics and comfort.
The color combination extends to the door panels: one part is covered to combine with the seats and another, in plastic, incorporates a large object holder and the speakers. It is worth highlighting also the door knobs, a clear reference to the Fiat 500 of the past century.
As it is already tradition in Fiat, the interior of this compact model is pleasantly generous, thanks to an intelligent distribution of storage spaces and the well-thought internal structures. There is a console between the seats, close to the tunnel, which functions as a center table: small items are placed there like cans and glasses; and it contains a 12V outlet with lighter and an USB port to connect functional accessories like an MP3 player and other electronic devices. The automobile accommodates, and well, four passengers, and its baggage compartment holds 185 liters of baggage (or 550 liters with the rear seat completely folded).
TECHNOLOGY APPLIED TO COMFORT AND TO PLEASURE
May no one be mistaken in thinking that the Fiat 500 is a basic automobile. Under the retro inspired lines there is a real technological arsenal lives inside, always ready to expand comfort and safety of the passengers. Here, the objective of the Fiat 500 could not be simpler: to make the experience of driving a unique automobile extremely pleasurable. For this reason, the hatchback incorporates diverse equipment, some of which are uncommon in compact models. Below are some of the technologies that provide comfort and entertainment to the passengers.
Dual Drive electric steering
It replaces the traditional hydraulic steering, providing light and effortless driving, making maneuvers easy. The driver can choose two steering modes: in smooth traffic, the Normal mode is the one indicated; now for a more sportive driving, the consumer can use the Sport function.
Blue&MeTM
The Fiat customer already knows that this device is unbeatable in terms of communication and entertainment, and that he can command it by voice. With Blue&MeTM, the driver answers phone calls using a Bluetooth® device, activating the system through buttons located at the steering wheel. It also makes cell phone calls by intelligent voice command – with the telephone list in the automobile always updated -, and listen to SMS messages received. To listen to MP3 files, he can use the automobile’s CD player or connect his MP3 player or memory stick at the USB port.
Sky Wind type electric sunroof
It includes a fixed black metal sheet at the front – creating a stylistic effect of continuity with the windshield -, and a mobile, occupying almost the entire roof. This construction allows the modulation of luminosity and ventilation in the interior. Maintaining the mobile part closed but its covering open, there is light. Leaving the covering closed, the roof, inside, looks similar to any vehicle with no sunroof. But, upon pressing the button, in seven seconds the glass and the covering open, revealing the sky.
Digital air conditioner
Fiat 500’s advanced acclimatization system is capable of controlling air temperature, flow and distribution, compressor activity and air recirculation automatically. Diverse sensors monitor the external and internal temperature and evaluate the sensation of thermal wellbeing perceived by the passengers – a complex task that takes into account energy exchange between the human body and the interior, affected by humidity, temperature and by the treated airflow. All these parameters are constantly monitored to adjust air distribution, ventilation and mixture, such that the internal conditions remain constant, no matter what may be going on outside the automobile. The only thing that the driver needs to do is to choose the desired temperature: the rest is under the responsibility of the acclimatization system.
TECHNOLOGY APPLIED TO SAFETY
It is an honor for Fiat to build vehicles that do not only avoid accidents, but also protect the passengers. Fiat 500 is no exception. In it, the technology was employed since its first draft to result into an automobile that obeys the strictest safety standards in force in Europe and that aids the drive to drive the automobile safely – but without interfering in his experience of driving it. The most advanced resources are worth to achieve these ends.
Air bags
The Fiat 500 sold in Brazil has seven air bags: two in front, two window bags, two side bags and a knee bag. This latter, novelty in Fiat’s portfolio prevents lesions to the driver’s knees in case of impact.
ABS
The Fiat 500’s antilock braking system has four active sensors, four channels, a hydraulic control central unit and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution, electronic distribution of braking force). The ABS assures the least possible braking space, which allows the vehicle’s directional control in emergency situations. Now the EBD distributes the braking force among the front and rear wheels, assuring the vehicle’s balanced response under any condition.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
The electronic stability system assures complete control of the automobile and goes into action when it perceives conditions that threat its stability. It recognizes the loss of adherence of the wheels both in the longitudinal and in the transversal direction. If this happens, the ESP intervenes to recover the trajectory and stability. It incorporates sensors that measure the speed of the wheels, the vehicle’s rotation around its vertical axis, lateral acceleration and the steering angle determined by the driver (which indicates the direction that he chose). The ESP then compares these data with the parameters processed by a computer and, employing a complex mathematical model, concludes if there is loss of control at the front or at the rear. If this is in fact occurring, the system corrects the trajectory, brakes the wheel that is about to lose adherence and reduces the engine’s power – all these without disturbing the driver.
Hill Holder
The 500 is the first Fiat automobile sold in Brazil equipped with this device and aids the driver at departures in uphill or downhill. This system is integrating part of the ESP and allows greater ease in uphill startups. It functions with the engine turned on, the vehicle stopped, with the first gear or rear drive engaged and the clutch and brake pedals pressed. On an uphill, the system maintains pressed the brake on the front wheels for 2 seconds or until the accelerator pedal is pressed. If before this the clutch pedal is released, the system holds the vehicle for 10 seconds or until the necessary torque for the startup is reached. After this time the system is deactivated automatically.
ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)
This active safety system controls the vehicle’s traction, intervening automatically whenever it verifies skidding of one of the wheels. The ASR functions in all speeds and adjusts the torque in accordance with the detected adherence.
DRIVING PLEASURE
Following the world trend of compact and technological engines – more economical, efficient and clean – but not because of this with less performance, the Fiat 500 comes to the Brazilian market equipped with a modern 1.4 16V Fire engine produced in Italy. It concerns an engine whose volumetric performance was optimized in the course of the entire operating range. It generates power of 100 hp and torque of 13.4 kgm at 4,250 rpm, providing excellent accelerations and resumptions. Agile in traffic and capable of excellent performance on the highway, this engine comes only to broaden even further the pleasure of driving the Fiat 500.
Its main novelty is the Sport function. When activated, it alters the central mapping of the engine, providing a ready response to the accelerator’s command. It also alters the steering response, leaving it more sportive. The function is present in all Fiat 500 versions.
To complement the excellent engine, you can choose between the 6-gear mechanical transmission and the automatic 5-gear Dualogic® transmission [robotized transmission]. The 6-gear mechanical transmission is very compact and its handling is smooth, silent and precise, providing more comfort to the driver. Besides this, gear ratios were optimized to take advantage to the fullest the engine’s power and torque.
The automatic Dualogic® transmission [robotized transmission] was developed with Formula 1 technology. It allows the driver to choose, at any time, whether the changes of gears will take place automatically or he will control them sequentially, through touches on the stick shift or from the controls on the steering wheel – the “butterflies”, similar to those in Formula 1. This choice can occur with the vehicle in motion: for this reason it is sufficient to displace the stick shift to the left, in the A/M position, for a period of more than 0.7 seconds.
Contrary to traditional automatic transmissions, the Dualogic® [robotized transmission] offers the option of sportive startup. It is proportional to the pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal. If the pressure is greater – more compressed position and faster activation -, the transmission allows a rise in engine rotation and only then the automobile starts up.
To preserve the durability of the engine, the automatic Dualogic® transmission [robotized transmission] prevents the engine from exceeding the planned limit of rotations. In manual mode, if the driver tries to reduce the gears very abruptly – let’s say, placing the 2nd gear with the vehicle at 100 km/h -, the system will not change the gear and will emit a sonorous signal and a message on the instrument panel. The same thing will occur if the driver tries to engage a higher gear at a very low speed.
And likewise to automatic transmissions, Dualogic® includes the “kick down” function that reduces the gear automatically when the driver steps on the accelerator all the way. This rapid increment in performance makes diverse maneuvers safer, most especially in overtakes.
This engine and transmission assembly provides the driver that is on the 500’s steering wheel a comfortable and safe steering, with excellent performance and quick responses at any situation.
For the Brazilian market, some modifications were made aiming at adapting the engine to the characteristics of Brazilian gasoline. The injection system received a new calibration in function of the 22% ethanol in the gasoline. Besides this, new materials were used in the components that have contact with the fuel, more corrosive than pure gasoline.
Another important point is the suspension assembly that assures the ideal balance between stability, comfort and safety. The front is independent, MacPherson type, with transversal inferior oscillating arms anchored to an auxiliary crossbeam and stabilizer bar connected to the dampers. The rear is semi-independent, with drive axle and stabilizer bar.
For the Brazilian road conditions, the Fiat 500’s suspension also received a new calibration, the springs had their flexibility increased and the dampers had their course increased. Thus, the system absorbs the constant irregularities of the ground while the passengers travel with entire comfort.
FOUR VERSIONS FOR THE BRAZILIAN MARKET
The Fiat 500 is offered in four versions to the Brazilian consumer, all with 1.4 16V gasoline Fire engine. Regardless of the choice, they are always well complete, with large offering of standard equipment – many of them not usually found even in models of higher segments – and impeccable finish. They are:
Fiat 500 Sport, with 6-gear transmission
Fiat 500 Sport Dualogic®, with 5-gear transmission
Fiat 500 Lounge, with 6-gear transmission
Fiat 500 Lounge Dualogic®, with 5-gear transmission
Among the Sport versions, the unique difference of equipment is in the transmission. Both have, as standard, ABS + EBD, seven air bags – two front, two lateral, two window bags and a knee bag for the driver -, Blue&MeTM, ESP + ASR + Hill Holder, air conditioner, Dual Drive electric steering, radio + CD player with MP3, Sport function for the engine and steering, electric windows and locks, remote command for opening and closing of doors, fog lights, parking sensor, 50/50 bipartite rear seat, Sport steering wheel in leather with radio controls (in the Dualogic® version also the transmission controls), 15” light alloy wheel rims, plus electric external rearview mirrors and airfoil on the rear hood, both in the color of the vehicle, besides other diverse items of comfort and finish. Result: a complete, extremely comfortable and safe automobile.
Optionally, the two Sport versions can receive, even, a complete package composed of 16” light alloy wheels, Sky Wind electric sunroof, electro-chromic internal rearview mirror and seats covered in leather – the driver’s come with height adjustment.
The Fiat 500 Sport and Dualogic® are available in four colors: Birichino Yellow and Sfrontato Red (solids), Provocatore Black (metallic) and Gioioso White (pearled). Internally, the finish can be in gray Sport fabric and black leather (standard) or totally covered in black leather.
Even more sophisticated, the Lounge versions bring some differentiated standard items. Beside the equipment of the Sport versions, the Fiat 500 Lounge and Dualogic® versions comes with fixed glass roof, digital automatic air conditioning, driver’s seat with height adjustment, passenger’s seat with object holders, electric external rearview mirrors with chrome-plated hubcaps, chrome-plated rims, Lounge interior and exclusive leather steering wheel with radio controls. The Dualogic® version has, even, transmission controls on the steering wheel.
The optional package for the Lounge versions brings Sky Wind electric sunroof, electro-chromic internal rearview mirror, seats totally covered in leather and 16” light alloy wheel rims with exclusive design.
The choice of external colors is also different. There are two solid (Liquor White and Sfrontato Red) and three metallic (Magnetic Blue, Sfrenato Gray and Provocatore Black) colors. For the interior, the customer encounters different finishes. The black and ivory Lounge fabric (standard) can be combined with the colors of white, red, gray and black bodies. Now the blue and ivory Lounge fabric is exclusive for the vehicles with blue body. The optional leather seat is black, with exception of red 500, which comes with the leather also in red.
PERSONALIZATION
There are still various accessories available to personalize the Fiat 500. And them also to give the automobile a more sportive look. Customer can add lateral spoilers, front and rear spoilers, airfoil at the rear hood and chrome-plated rims.
But it has more items that can leave a 500 “to be called your own”, lateral adhesive badges and bands in the Italy and Sport versions (red and black), and band (red and black) on the roof and on the hood. Besides two options of exclusive cover kits for the keys. To leave the vehicle’s interior cozier and more comfortable, there are carpet rugs with exclusive 500 design. And finally, in the list of accessories, the customer can even find anti-robbery screw kit.
GUARANTEE IN POST-SALES
In 150 dealers throughout Brazil there is a FIAT 500 space located in the dealer’s Show Room, which gives highlight to the model and to exclusive items for personalization of the 500. It arrives with 2-year guarantee and Confiat assistance during this period. The 500’s technical assistance can be performed in 100% of the network of Fiat dealers, which represents 520 points throughout Brazil.
But it would not make any sense labeling the 21st century Fiat 500 as a simple and nostalgic phenomenon of reinterpretation. When Fiat conceived it, the idea was not to create an automobile that looked like a 500 – but rather, one that could have all the success conquered by it and something more. This includes its spirit, its spontaneity and its charm – all its original qualities in an extremely captivating package that is at the same time modern and transparent in its references to the past.
And Fiat hit the nail straight on the head. Since it’s launching, in July 2007 – exactly fifty years after the debut of the automobile that would be transformed into a myth -, the new Fiat 500 was received by the critiques and the public. It received more than 40 awards, among them the Car of the Year 2008 in Europe, EuroCarBody 2007, AutoEuropa 2008, 2009 Design Car of the Year in New York City and City Car of the Year 2009 in England and plus an infinite number of titles granted by world media.
If the critiques reacted extremely well with Fiat 500, the public was not too far behind. At the start of production, the forecast was that 80 thousand unities would be sold per year. At the end of two years, Fiat has sold almost 400 thousand unities.
And now Fiat 500, produced in Europe, gets off in Brazil ready to show why it was transformed into such a success. The small hatchback, measuring 3.55 meters long, is going to prove that size does not say it all.
Because, aside from the charming and original lines that call attention of the world outside, the Brazilian customer has an innovative and complete automobile, with equipment usually seen only in higher segment models, like Sky Wind electric sunroof, Blue&MeTM and Dual Drive electric steering. It has safety levels that obey the strictest European standards (it won 5 stars at the EuroNCAP) – with seven air bags and diverse devices that aid the driver to maintain steering control in any situation, like ESP (Electronic Stability Program) plus the Hill Holder.
The customer has further an economical, clean and potent engine that generates 100 horsepower. It has a reliable and tested mechanics, including automatic Dualogic® transmission [robotized transmission]. It has absolute comfort. And, above all, it has the driving pleasure of an automobile that responds with agility and readiness to all your commands, desiring to stay the longest time possible behind the Fiat 500’s wheel.
A CURRENT DESIGN WITH A SPECIAL TOUCH
To create modern lines that remit to the past is not a simple task. The result of this effort must be, at the same time, current – a clear product of its time -, and immediately evoking its source of inspiration. In the case of the Fiat 500, the outcome could not be happier: it brings together, harmoniously, extremely current features with shapes that revive one of the greatest icons of Post-War Italian design.
Upon gazing at the Fiat 500, it immediately makes you anxious to get to know the automobile better, understand its singularity, cohabit more with it. It is really exotic and it oozes charm. And although there may be references to the past, all elements in the Fiat 500 are modern, whether in function, in shape or in style.
Conceived by Fiat Stilo Design Center, in Italy, the Fiat 500 is a 2-door hatchback with compact dimensions: it is 3.55 meters long, 1.63 wide, 1.49 meters high and in between axles, 2.30 meters. A compact automobile but however surprising for its generous space filled with a lot of authority, and that immediately calls the attention with its smooth and rounded lines, making a lot of success wherever it passes.
The front reconciles the current “family feeling” of the Fiat models with elements that were decidedly born in the first Fiat 500. For example, the strongest reference to the previous automobile is the combination of upper round headlights with lower sidelights and the logo inserted between rims or grille guards. The short and rounded hood transmits at the same time an impression of robustness and dynamism. The slightly inclined waistline at the front reinforces these attributes.
The lateral design added to the shell-shaped roof forms a very harmonious assembly, in which the proportions and the aesthetic details attract the sight. The cuts on the body, always curved, remit to the origins; it’s more modern and clean surfaces also makes clear the great attention dedicated to each line of the model and the search for a really timeless automobile. Beside this, the hood extends over the sides, harmonizing the different elements, giving them a stylistic continuity.
From the side you can see the sets of front and rear lights due to how the rounded outlines connect the different parts of the automobile. And, finally, the roof’s column forms an arch that simplifies the design of the windows, which is continuous and hides the upper extremity of the doors with a black rim.
The rear highlights a large chrome-plated door knob that immediately reminds the plate support of the first Fiat 500. The lights were placed on the borders of the rear door, slightly inclined on the internal part and almost vertical on the outside. They are divided chromatically in accordance with the function, such that they seem more vertical and apart from each other. The rear window ends cleanly on the edges of the hood, giving the assembly a modern and pure look.
Internally, the Fiat 500 carries, likewise, its successful past. The stylists rendered maximum attention to details, but without losing sight of simplicity, which is one of the Fiat 500’s nicknames. But “simple” does not mean “deprived”: it concerns an aesthetic slope that prioritizes the pleasure enjoyed in a clear, fresh, clean environment that provokes wellbeing and the desire of cohabitating more with the automobile and with the entire technology present in this new 500.
The Fiat 500’s interior summarizes its modern and ergonomic purpose in a design inspired in the antecessor. Let us start with the instruments grouped on a single panel that contains speedometer, tachometer and on board computer, all concentric and seen as a whole, instantly.
The immediate conclusion to which one arrives upon seeing the instrument panel is that it is the ideal combination between retro style and modern technology – which is perfectly harmonized with the Fiat 500’s concept. Extending the model’s aesthetic unity, the elegance is left with the brilliant paint in the color of the automobile’s body at the central part of the panel. The central console groups the acclimatization and audio controls, and adds further practicality, with the diverse object holders. Their main highlight is the stick shift, close to the steering wheel, conceived to look like a refined mechanical component, with its chrome-plated parts and a simple, however, efficient black knob. Various buttons were designed to remind the levers and indicators of the original Fiat 500, and are very easy and quick to use.
The seats deserve a special mention. Clearly inspired in the seats of the Fiat 500 F of the 60’s, they incorporate the same “divided” effect, with bicolor covering combined with the color of the steering wheel. They can be visually alike, but were designed prioritizing ergonomics and comfort.
The color combination extends to the door panels: one part is covered to combine with the seats and another, in plastic, incorporates a large object holder and the speakers. It is worth highlighting also the door knobs, a clear reference to the Fiat 500 of the past century.
As it is already tradition in Fiat, the interior of this compact model is pleasantly generous, thanks to an intelligent distribution of storage spaces and the well-thought internal structures. There is a console between the seats, close to the tunnel, which functions as a center table: small items are placed there like cans and glasses; and it contains a 12V outlet with lighter and an USB port to connect functional accessories like an MP3 player and other electronic devices. The automobile accommodates, and well, four passengers, and its baggage compartment holds 185 liters of baggage (or 550 liters with the rear seat completely folded).
TECHNOLOGY APPLIED TO COMFORT AND TO PLEASURE
May no one be mistaken in thinking that the Fiat 500 is a basic automobile. Under the retro inspired lines there is a real technological arsenal lives inside, always ready to expand comfort and safety of the passengers. Here, the objective of the Fiat 500 could not be simpler: to make the experience of driving a unique automobile extremely pleasurable. For this reason, the hatchback incorporates diverse equipment, some of which are uncommon in compact models. Below are some of the technologies that provide comfort and entertainment to the passengers.
Dual Drive electric steering
It replaces the traditional hydraulic steering, providing light and effortless driving, making maneuvers easy. The driver can choose two steering modes: in smooth traffic, the Normal mode is the one indicated; now for a more sportive driving, the consumer can use the Sport function.
Blue&MeTM
The Fiat customer already knows that this device is unbeatable in terms of communication and entertainment, and that he can command it by voice. With Blue&MeTM, the driver answers phone calls using a Bluetooth® device, activating the system through buttons located at the steering wheel. It also makes cell phone calls by intelligent voice command – with the telephone list in the automobile always updated -, and listen to SMS messages received. To listen to MP3 files, he can use the automobile’s CD player or connect his MP3 player or memory stick at the USB port.
Sky Wind type electric sunroof
It includes a fixed black metal sheet at the front – creating a stylistic effect of continuity with the windshield -, and a mobile, occupying almost the entire roof. This construction allows the modulation of luminosity and ventilation in the interior. Maintaining the mobile part closed but its covering open, there is light. Leaving the covering closed, the roof, inside, looks similar to any vehicle with no sunroof. But, upon pressing the button, in seven seconds the glass and the covering open, revealing the sky.
Digital air conditioner
Fiat 500’s advanced acclimatization system is capable of controlling air temperature, flow and distribution, compressor activity and air recirculation automatically. Diverse sensors monitor the external and internal temperature and evaluate the sensation of thermal wellbeing perceived by the passengers – a complex task that takes into account energy exchange between the human body and the interior, affected by humidity, temperature and by the treated airflow. All these parameters are constantly monitored to adjust air distribution, ventilation and mixture, such that the internal conditions remain constant, no matter what may be going on outside the automobile. The only thing that the driver needs to do is to choose the desired temperature: the rest is under the responsibility of the acclimatization system.
TECHNOLOGY APPLIED TO SAFETY
It is an honor for Fiat to build vehicles that do not only avoid accidents, but also protect the passengers. Fiat 500 is no exception. In it, the technology was employed since its first draft to result into an automobile that obeys the strictest safety standards in force in Europe and that aids the drive to drive the automobile safely – but without interfering in his experience of driving it. The most advanced resources are worth to achieve these ends.
Air bags
The Fiat 500 sold in Brazil has seven air bags: two in front, two window bags, two side bags and a knee bag. This latter, novelty in Fiat’s portfolio prevents lesions to the driver’s knees in case of impact.
ABS
The Fiat 500’s antilock braking system has four active sensors, four channels, a hydraulic control central unit and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution, electronic distribution of braking force). The ABS assures the least possible braking space, which allows the vehicle’s directional control in emergency situations. Now the EBD distributes the braking force among the front and rear wheels, assuring the vehicle’s balanced response under any condition.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
The electronic stability system assures complete control of the automobile and goes into action when it perceives conditions that threat its stability. It recognizes the loss of adherence of the wheels both in the longitudinal and in the transversal direction. If this happens, the ESP intervenes to recover the trajectory and stability. It incorporates sensors that measure the speed of the wheels, the vehicle’s rotation around its vertical axis, lateral acceleration and the steering angle determined by the driver (which indicates the direction that he chose). The ESP then compares these data with the parameters processed by a computer and, employing a complex mathematical model, concludes if there is loss of control at the front or at the rear. If this is in fact occurring, the system corrects the trajectory, brakes the wheel that is about to lose adherence and reduces the engine’s power – all these without disturbing the driver.
Hill Holder
The 500 is the first Fiat automobile sold in Brazil equipped with this device and aids the driver at departures in uphill or downhill. This system is integrating part of the ESP and allows greater ease in uphill startups. It functions with the engine turned on, the vehicle stopped, with the first gear or rear drive engaged and the clutch and brake pedals pressed. On an uphill, the system maintains pressed the brake on the front wheels for 2 seconds or until the accelerator pedal is pressed. If before this the clutch pedal is released, the system holds the vehicle for 10 seconds or until the necessary torque for the startup is reached. After this time the system is deactivated automatically.
ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)
This active safety system controls the vehicle’s traction, intervening automatically whenever it verifies skidding of one of the wheels. The ASR functions in all speeds and adjusts the torque in accordance with the detected adherence.
DRIVING PLEASURE
Following the world trend of compact and technological engines – more economical, efficient and clean – but not because of this with less performance, the Fiat 500 comes to the Brazilian market equipped with a modern 1.4 16V Fire engine produced in Italy. It concerns an engine whose volumetric performance was optimized in the course of the entire operating range. It generates power of 100 hp and torque of 13.4 kgm at 4,250 rpm, providing excellent accelerations and resumptions. Agile in traffic and capable of excellent performance on the highway, this engine comes only to broaden even further the pleasure of driving the Fiat 500.
Its main novelty is the Sport function. When activated, it alters the central mapping of the engine, providing a ready response to the accelerator’s command. It also alters the steering response, leaving it more sportive. The function is present in all Fiat 500 versions.
To complement the excellent engine, you can choose between the 6-gear mechanical transmission and the automatic 5-gear Dualogic® transmission [robotized transmission]. The 6-gear mechanical transmission is very compact and its handling is smooth, silent and precise, providing more comfort to the driver. Besides this, gear ratios were optimized to take advantage to the fullest the engine’s power and torque.
The automatic Dualogic® transmission [robotized transmission] was developed with Formula 1 technology. It allows the driver to choose, at any time, whether the changes of gears will take place automatically or he will control them sequentially, through touches on the stick shift or from the controls on the steering wheel – the “butterflies”, similar to those in Formula 1. This choice can occur with the vehicle in motion: for this reason it is sufficient to displace the stick shift to the left, in the A/M position, for a period of more than 0.7 seconds.
Contrary to traditional automatic transmissions, the Dualogic® [robotized transmission] offers the option of sportive startup. It is proportional to the pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal. If the pressure is greater – more compressed position and faster activation -, the transmission allows a rise in engine rotation and only then the automobile starts up.
To preserve the durability of the engine, the automatic Dualogic® transmission [robotized transmission] prevents the engine from exceeding the planned limit of rotations. In manual mode, if the driver tries to reduce the gears very abruptly – let’s say, placing the 2nd gear with the vehicle at 100 km/h -, the system will not change the gear and will emit a sonorous signal and a message on the instrument panel. The same thing will occur if the driver tries to engage a higher gear at a very low speed.
And likewise to automatic transmissions, Dualogic® includes the “kick down” function that reduces the gear automatically when the driver steps on the accelerator all the way. This rapid increment in performance makes diverse maneuvers safer, most especially in overtakes.
This engine and transmission assembly provides the driver that is on the 500’s steering wheel a comfortable and safe steering, with excellent performance and quick responses at any situation.
For the Brazilian market, some modifications were made aiming at adapting the engine to the characteristics of Brazilian gasoline. The injection system received a new calibration in function of the 22% ethanol in the gasoline. Besides this, new materials were used in the components that have contact with the fuel, more corrosive than pure gasoline.
Another important point is the suspension assembly that assures the ideal balance between stability, comfort and safety. The front is independent, MacPherson type, with transversal inferior oscillating arms anchored to an auxiliary crossbeam and stabilizer bar connected to the dampers. The rear is semi-independent, with drive axle and stabilizer bar.
For the Brazilian road conditions, the Fiat 500’s suspension also received a new calibration, the springs had their flexibility increased and the dampers had their course increased. Thus, the system absorbs the constant irregularities of the ground while the passengers travel with entire comfort.
FOUR VERSIONS FOR THE BRAZILIAN MARKET
The Fiat 500 is offered in four versions to the Brazilian consumer, all with 1.4 16V gasoline Fire engine. Regardless of the choice, they are always well complete, with large offering of standard equipment – many of them not usually found even in models of higher segments – and impeccable finish. They are:
Fiat 500 Sport, with 6-gear transmission
Fiat 500 Sport Dualogic®, with 5-gear transmission
Fiat 500 Lounge, with 6-gear transmission
Fiat 500 Lounge Dualogic®, with 5-gear transmission
Among the Sport versions, the unique difference of equipment is in the transmission. Both have, as standard, ABS + EBD, seven air bags – two front, two lateral, two window bags and a knee bag for the driver -, Blue&MeTM, ESP + ASR + Hill Holder, air conditioner, Dual Drive electric steering, radio + CD player with MP3, Sport function for the engine and steering, electric windows and locks, remote command for opening and closing of doors, fog lights, parking sensor, 50/50 bipartite rear seat, Sport steering wheel in leather with radio controls (in the Dualogic® version also the transmission controls), 15” light alloy wheel rims, plus electric external rearview mirrors and airfoil on the rear hood, both in the color of the vehicle, besides other diverse items of comfort and finish. Result: a complete, extremely comfortable and safe automobile.
Optionally, the two Sport versions can receive, even, a complete package composed of 16” light alloy wheels, Sky Wind electric sunroof, electro-chromic internal rearview mirror and seats covered in leather – the driver’s come with height adjustment.
The Fiat 500 Sport and Dualogic® are available in four colors: Birichino Yellow and Sfrontato Red (solids), Provocatore Black (metallic) and Gioioso White (pearled). Internally, the finish can be in gray Sport fabric and black leather (standard) or totally covered in black leather.
Even more sophisticated, the Lounge versions bring some differentiated standard items. Beside the equipment of the Sport versions, the Fiat 500 Lounge and Dualogic® versions comes with fixed glass roof, digital automatic air conditioning, driver’s seat with height adjustment, passenger’s seat with object holders, electric external rearview mirrors with chrome-plated hubcaps, chrome-plated rims, Lounge interior and exclusive leather steering wheel with radio controls. The Dualogic® version has, even, transmission controls on the steering wheel.
The optional package for the Lounge versions brings Sky Wind electric sunroof, electro-chromic internal rearview mirror, seats totally covered in leather and 16” light alloy wheel rims with exclusive design.
The choice of external colors is also different. There are two solid (Liquor White and Sfrontato Red) and three metallic (Magnetic Blue, Sfrenato Gray and Provocatore Black) colors. For the interior, the customer encounters different finishes. The black and ivory Lounge fabric (standard) can be combined with the colors of white, red, gray and black bodies. Now the blue and ivory Lounge fabric is exclusive for the vehicles with blue body. The optional leather seat is black, with exception of red 500, which comes with the leather also in red.
PERSONALIZATION
There are still various accessories available to personalize the Fiat 500. And them also to give the automobile a more sportive look. Customer can add lateral spoilers, front and rear spoilers, airfoil at the rear hood and chrome-plated rims.
But it has more items that can leave a 500 “to be called your own”, lateral adhesive badges and bands in the Italy and Sport versions (red and black), and band (red and black) on the roof and on the hood. Besides two options of exclusive cover kits for the keys. To leave the vehicle’s interior cozier and more comfortable, there are carpet rugs with exclusive 500 design. And finally, in the list of accessories, the customer can even find anti-robbery screw kit.
GUARANTEE IN POST-SALES
In 150 dealers throughout Brazil there is a FIAT 500 space located in the dealer’s Show Room, which gives highlight to the model and to exclusive items for personalization of the 500. It arrives with 2-year guarantee and Confiat assistance during this period. The 500’s technical assistance can be performed in 100% of the network of Fiat dealers, which represents 520 points throughout Brazil.
