Fiat 500 doused with Diesel
Fiat have a reputation for giving their models a bit of pep, by giving them some cool-sounding name and performing subtle cosmetic nip-tucks here and there. Models like the Fiat Uno Fire and Palio Go! come to mind.
The same fate seems to be on the cards for the Fiat 500, with Oscar Rivoli, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles SA announcing that several special edition Fiat 500 will be introduced this year.
First up is the Fiat 500 by Diesel. Now there’s more reason to buy the dainty Fiat 500 as an accessory to complement your wear, after it received treatment from fashion house, Diesel.
The Fiat press machine has attached the catchy term, “Haute ‘Carture'” to the little chic Italian model for good reason: the Fiat 500 by Diesel is made sleeker by new alloy wheels, and other neat embellishments. The best part is that the Diesel-fettled Fiat is available for South African market right now.
Diesel used the Fiat 500 in Sport trim as a canvas for their work. The modifications are executed on both hatch and cabriolet variants. Exterior features include front fog lights, rear parking sensors, a “burnished” metal finish on the bumper inserts, door mirrors and door handles as well as a set of 16-inch alloy rims sporting the Diesel logo.
Admittedly, it doesn’t sound like enough to draw me into the showroom tomorrow – but they have been a bit more generous with the interior. You get the Blue&Me Bluetooth hands-free system, an “Interscope sound system” consisting of 4 speakers, 2 tweeters, amplifier and subwoofer and My Port that allows pairing with a Tom Tom GPS device. The seats are upholstered in Diesel denim fabric with yellow stitching, and there are little pouches like you would find on a pair of jeans, on the side of the front seats. The Diesel logo also adorns the gear knob and instrument panel. This is in addition to the usual fare on the 500 Sport: ABS with EBD, 7 airbags, ESP and Automatic climate control.
It comes with a five-year / 90 000 km service plan and a a three-year 100 000 km warranty. I hope Fiat after-sales service is competent – I’ve heard stories of nasty experiences, and these tales deter one from the prospect of owning a cool little car like this.
In terms of pricing, it seems reasonable. It’s certainly much cheaper than a MINI – coming in at R182 480 for the Fiat 500 by Diesel hatchback and R214 480 for the cabriolet.
Brenwin Naidu
Photo Credit: Quickpic