For the first time Fiat is testing their all-new city car, set to be called the 500. These are the first pictures of a genuine prototype caught in Turin. The 500 is said to closely resemble its concept, Trepiuno, however, the 500 will underpin the current Panda. The original 500 was produced in 1957 until 1975 and sold like hot cakes.
Under the hood, a 69bhp 1.2 & 1.4 litre 100bhp petrol engine will be used, alongside a 1.3 MultiJet diesel engine. All engines ae mated to a 6 speed manual but a Dualogic semi-automatic will be offered on the 1.2. Internal sources suggest the diesel is able to achieve over 65mpg combined with CO2 emissions of 110g/km.
A wide range of options and accessories will be available like metallic paint, alloy wheels, ESP, climate control, leather steering wheel, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, xenon headlamps, pamoramic glass sunroof - fixed or electric, external graphics, chrome door mirrors, air freshners etc.
The 500 will venture into showrooms later in 2007 with France & Italy expected to be the first markets to get the new city-car. Right hand drive sales will launch a year later.