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By Gavin Green
First Drives
18 July 2007 12:09
Absolutely. Our first experience with the Fiat 500 has left us desperately wanting a few more miles behind the wheel. Fiat has always been at its best when channelling its creativity and engineering skills into the smallest of cars – think 1937 Topolino, the 600 of 1955, the 500 of 1957 and the Mk1 Panda – and the 500 proves that Turin has lost none of its small car magic. It’s quite brilliant, a car influenced by the nostalgic charm of the past but still perfectly judged for the 21st century’s high-profile premium supermini sector.
Yes, absolutely brilliant, isn’t it? Fiat knew just who to get in to ensure that the 500 stayed true to the star of the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It called on former head of Ferrari design Frank Stephenson to hone the 500’s design for production. There’s no one better out there for the job – Stephenson designed the Mini for BMW, after all. If anyone knew how to replicate that car’s extraordinary success, it was the man who designed it. 'The Mini works because it looks great and is fun to drive but it also has real substance,' says Stephenson. 'The 500 will be the same,' he promises. 'A car you fall in love with straight away.'
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Fiat 500 1.4 (2007) CAR review
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mariosc says
RE: Fiat 500 1.4 CAR review
Owner's comments on FIAT 500 1.4 (lounge version) For: That styling!! Spot on inside and out... looks great in red. Nice seats (in front), nice neat finish. Solid feel, no rattles. Fun handling (in a rolly polly sort of way)! Fantastic brakes! Could handle a lot more power. Very steady at high(ish) speeds. Against: That ride!! Reminiscent of a mark1 peugeot 205GTi. Anyone remember Car's comments on that one? Well its FIAT that should be crucified this time! What where they thinking? Standard suspension on 1.2, 1.3 much better. Engine performance over 5.000rpm - pointless and noisy! Engine performance below 2.5000rpm - also pointless! Hey! Sort of like a diesel but without the economy (37mpg on mine, real life mixed driving). Sport button. Must be switched on at all times! Worse throttle response than my 1973 Beetle on normal setting. What's the point? Rear passengers better wear a helmet! Can FIAT finish development of this car please? PRONTO! You are almost there!
16 June 2008 09:48
riggald says
Performance figures.
The statistics given above show it has the same engine with the same ratings as the Panda 100hp, and that the Panda is about 12% heavier. Yet Fiat are claiming that the 500's 0-60 time is a second slower. All in the gearing? Mind you, the 500 1.4 slips into a lower C02 bracket compared to the Panda 100hp, which is always handy.
16 April 2008 03:17
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