The much awaited 500, arrived in India accompanied by a celebration in true Italian style. A select few were witness to this celebration at the Taj Land’s End in Mumbai where the who’s who of the city congregated to welcome the arrival of the ‘new Fiat’. Cinquecento, as the car is known in Italian, was originally designed by Dante Giocosa and was launched in 1957 in Turin. Exactly, fifty years after its original launch the new Fiat 500 was introduced last year in Turin amidst much fanfare that spread across several cities in Italy. The car which was then launched all over Europe including Berlin and London has not taken too long to drive to India. A little over a year’s wait and the icon of Italian style has announced its arrival to one of the fastest growing economies of the world.

Launched in the late 50’s, the car changed the concept of city car in the world and immediately became part of the collective memory of all Italians who associate the 500 with la dolce vita or the sweet life. The re-launch of the car has triggered nostalgia in Italy. But, it is more than nostalgia that the Fiat 500 has to offer to its customers. The engines of the new 500 are Euro 5 ready and the car itself is the best in its class on safety parameters with 5 star EuroNCAP safety rating. The car has been conferred with the title of ‘Car of the Year 2008’ in Europe and was also voted as one of the safest cars. The celebration of Fiat 500 was attended by top Fiat and Tata Motors officials along with the movers and shakers of Mumbai who signify the combination of success and style.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, CEO, Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd, said, “The launch of the Fiat 500 fits perfectly in the Indian context as the company is going through the process of transformation. We are confident that this car, with it’s stylish looks, economical consumption figures, exceptional safety features and green credentials, will win a place in everyone’s hearts.”

The evening was compered by Mansi Scott and made special by percussionist Taufiq Qureshi and contemporary dancer Isha Shravani who all delivered performances befitting the car. The highpoint of the evening was the creation of a first-of-its-kind artistic impression using the Fiat 500 as a paintbrush on a 40x40 feet canvas. This unique painting was created by Jayesh Sachdev an upcoming modern artist who was inspired by the creativity and expression that embodies the Fiat 500. The car will be available in two trim levels– Lounge and Sport and will be powered by the 1.3 multijet engine capable of generating 75bhp of power. The car will be equipped with “Blue & Me” the voice activated in-car communication system and infotainment. Fiat 500 will be available through the imported CBU (completely built unit) route and the company will facilitate the import of the car to the customer. Fiat has also made the provision of customizing the car to ensure the exclusivity of every Fiat 500. The launch of the 500 is the ideal pre-cursor to the introduction of the other much-awaited Fiat cars such as Bravo, Linea and the Grande Punto in the Indian market.

In the first phase the Fiat 500 will be sold & distributed by Tatamotors through the new Fiat dealer network in six cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Pune). The car will be made available in eleven colours (Bossa Nova White, Jive Blue, Breakfast Grey, Mod Blue, Crossover Black, Ye Ye Green, Calypso Orange, Cha Cha Cha Azure, Pasodoble Red, Tropicalia Yellow, and Punk Grey)

The car will be priced at Rs.14,82,500 (ex-showroom Delhi).

With the 500, fiat smiles at the future.

New Fiat network:

The Fiat 500 will be retailed through select dealerships situated in the key markets of Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Chandigarh-Mohali. These dealerships have been upgraded with internal as well as external Brand Identity Elements that project the new face of Fiat in the market.

At these dealerships, along with the new Fiat red logo, customers can expect an ambience that boasts of a global, contemporary outlook. Dealerships have been re-modelled with modern concepts like an elegant minimalist layout, brand neutral surfaces, friendly and inviting waiting areas etc. The dealership exteriors too have been upgraded to give high visibility through contemporary design, illumination and layout.

For the convenience of our discerning customers who may wish to appreciate the Fiat 500 first hand, the vehicles will be on display at these select dealerships.
These new Fiat dealerships are part of the dual dealership arrangement with Tata Motors and are equipped to display and execute all commercial as well as after-sales support requirements for the Fiat 500.

500- A worldwide icon:

After its launch in 1957 in the centre of Turin, Fiat 500 was engraved in the collective memory of all Italians who associate the Fiat 500 with cherished memories. The new Fiat 500 is also in the same league with its design and features nor has Fiat left any stone unturned in creating an icon of a car with its innovative launches. The car was launched in a grand manner in Turin, Italy at the Po river last year and the launch was celebrated simultaneously in several cities across Italy. The car was later launched in the Berlin underground and on the London eye in UK. The multiple launches of the car have been 500% unconventional.

Features:

The car will be available in India in two equal value trim levels- Lounge and Sport which will both sport the 1.3 multijet engine capable of generating 75hp.

o ABS
o 7 Airbags ( Knee, driver, Passenger, Side & Head)
o Blue & Me
o Automatic A/C
o Remote door lock
o ORVM with electrical drive & defrost
o Rear window defroster & wiper
o Steering wheel adjuster
o Front power windows
o Split rear seat
o Front fog lamps
o Smoker kit
o Electric servo – assisted steering
o Audio – Radio, CD & Mp3

Lounge Version Features
Unique contents

o Alloy wheel
o Fixed glass roof
o Driver adjustable front seat
o Chromium kit
o Leather steering wheel with 8 buttons

Sport Version Features
Unique contents

o Alloy wheel
o Dark windows
o Sporty leather steering wheel with 8 buttons
o Sports seat with special countered padding
o Rear spoiler
o Chrome insert on door sills

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• Filed Under: Fiat