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NEW - Affordable Fiat 500
12 Mar 2010
Fiat has joined the price-snipping party with more affordable versions of the Fiat 500 |
We’ve always criticised the new Fiat 500 for being too expensive and now that gripe has been addressed. Fiat has repositioned its 500 range, with a 1.2-litre model starting at R135 500 and the 1.4 16V Pop selling for just R157 800.
While by no means a cheap city car at those prices, it is certainly a reasonably good buy once the trendy appeal and modern refinement of the little hatchback are factored in.
While it being overpriced to start with is likely a key factor in Fiat being able to bring it in at a far better price, Fiat says that the improved exchange rate and improved efficiency of scale borne from its popularity in Europe have also made the repositioning possible. And they took a bit of kit off the specification list.
Besides, if you really want extra gizmos the 500’s ‘customisableness’ (if there is such a word), makes it possible to have your cake and eat it too, although the company has rationalised the options catalogue somewhat for the sake of simplicity.
Standard features on the 500 include a height-adjustable steering wheel, Dual-drive power steering with ‘city’ function, power windows, remote central locking on 1.4 Pop (optional on 1.2), trip computer, air conditioning, hight-adjustable driver’s seat and a radio / CD with MP3 compatibility, Safety items include ABS and EBD and seven airbags.
The engine range is as before, with Fiat offering a 51kW/102Nm 1.2 and 73.5kW/131Nm 1.4. These engines hail from the FIRE family and comply with Euro 4 emissions regulations.
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