In Italy there were a number of smaller "car factories". What most people had in common was that the car models from Fiat were the starting point for car production.
Here is another small Italian specialty
The factory was started in 1925 to design and manufacture motorcycles. The selection was a mixture of own constructions and license production for other factories. Around 1930, a few smaller car models were produced. The idea behind this car production was to use the engines the factory produced in vehicles other than motorcycles. But the production of passenger cars was not particularly large. In addition, Moretti also produced small 3-wheel vans that sold far better than the passenger cars they produced. During the war 1940 – 1945, as with many other factories, the production of electric cars started. Here there were both small passenger cars and vans in the product range.
When production started after the war in 1945, construction and development of new models began. The aim was to come to the market with cars that were complete Moretti products, unlike in the past where the cars were assembled from parts from other manufacturers. The idea was to produce small, fast and sporty cars that would establish the car brand among the sports car manufacturers in Italy.
Moretti "750"
One of the most famous models from this period was the "750", which came on the market in 1953. The 750 model could be delivered in a number of variants. The car was basically an extended version of the previous model "600". Moretti chose to develop an entire model series with this model as a starting point. Here, the factory offered both passenger cars, sports cars and utility vehicles in varying designs. In addition, the sports models could be delivered in more or less trimmed versions. These models gave the factory a short-lived success. But the factory and production were too small and at the end of the 1950s it was decided to invest in "further processing" of car models from other manufacturers - primarily Fiat. But the models from Moretti were expensive and difficult to sell, even though they were both beautiful and fast. It all ended in 1989 when the factory closed its doors.
Moretti "750" 1954
Length: 380 cm
Width: 143 cm
Height: 135 cm
Top speed: 125 km/h
Engine: 748 ccm, 27 hp (which varied according to trim level).
Moretti 750 Gran Sport. Brochure from 1954.
Moretti 750. Brochure from 1954.
1967 Fiat 124 Moretti
See
Fiat 500 – a small and charming ItalianFiat 850 for sale Fiat 124 for sale
Good design does not have to cost the shirt. With the Fiat Panda, you can park in front of Europe's most exclusive hotels without feeling ashamed. As classless as a Vespa or a pair of jeans.
Cheap and practical
In the 1986 car year, the Fiat Panda competed with the Citroen 2CV to be the cheapest car in the price lists here at home. The two models were designed to be cheap to buy, cheap to run and easy to maintain. They had to withstand robust roads and could be used for both utility and leisure. If you look closely, you'll see that all the windows on the Panda are smooth - without curves - and that the body panels are of the type that can be shaped with simple tools. The interior appears primitive, especially in the series 1 cars. It is as practical as it is simple. You can take it out yourself to clean – or replace it if necessary.
The Fiat problems in Norway
When the car was new and the undersigned was still young, the Panda's straight lines and primitive interior did not appeal very much. In the mid-80s, Fiat also gained a bad reputation, partly because of many faults in the cars, but also because of poor follow-up before and after the Finstad bankruptcy. Moreover, you could buy a "proper car" - for example an Opel Corsa 1,2 without a radio - for just a couple of thousand more. Nevertheless, many Pandas were sold in Norway - especially in the years 1985 and 1986.
Fiat Panda 1.1 4×4 (Oslo, 2021)
Designed by ItalDesign
I first caught sight of the Fiat Panda last year. There's actually quite a bit of class behind the simple lines. You can drive a vehicle like that anywhere without losing face – just like you can in a Citroen 2CV, Méhari, Renault 4 or Vespa. The design sends out the same positive vibes. It's about classless cars. The owner might as well have a Ferrari in the garage. That aspect was part of the design. Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani started working on the new Fiat as early as 1976 through their newly founded company ItalDesign. The result was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1980. The original Panda appeared as a vehicle that was cheap, stylish and practical. A car that everyone could use – rich and poor – for all occasions. Like a pair of jeans.
Fiat Panda series I interior (Photo: FavCars.com)
Fiat Panda 750L Series III (Céret, France, 2021)
The engines
But under the shell there were still remnants of the predecessor. The cheapest version, the Panda 30, was delivered with the same 2-cylinder, air-cooled engine as in the Fiat 126, - although the variant had little distribution outside Italy's borders. The engines in most Norwegian cars before 1986 were 0,9-litre OHV engines with 4 cylinders and 45 horses. From 1986, Panda got new FIRE engines with OHC. There were two engines – Panda 1000 with 46 HP and Panda 750 with 34 horses. From 1992, Fiat only supplied engines with electronic injection, and you could get the Panda with a 1,1-litre engine, 54 HP and CVT.
Produced in 3 series
The very first series – the original – was made without a proper grill. There were only a few slits in the metal. You could also get the car with scratch- and dent-free plastic panels all around. The Series II came out as a 1986 model with a number of cosmetic changes – no triangular window, new grill and bumpers, new interior – as well as new FIRE engines. But the biggest change was that the car got new rear suspension and a stiffer body. A clear improvement was also the galvanized body which made the cars better equipped for Norwegian winter roads.
Fiat Panda 4×4 off-road (Perpignan, France, 2021)
Tough 4×4
From 1983, the Panda could be delivered with 4-wheel drive. With higher ground clearance, roof rack and additional lights, the 4×4 version looks quite tough. The 4-wheel drive was supplied by Steyr-Puch. A lever engages the rear wheels. This was a direct 4-wheel drive which, together with an extra low first gear, gave unrivaled maneuverability - like a mountain goat - at least compared to viscose-coupled drivetrains. The 4-wheel solution has proven to be durable. The other drivetrain is based on the entry-level models of the Uno and Punto from the same period, with good access to parts. The Pandas will be rolling on southern European rural roads for many years to come. It is said that some farmers up in the Alps would not part with their old 4-hole powered Pandas for anything in the world.
Panda spotting in the South of France
The cars in the south of France are not as vulnerable to rust as in Norway. I don't know if that's why there are still more nice old Pandas on the roads there, or if it's because more were sold.
I believe that a Southern European street becomes even more beautiful when there is a Citroen 2CV or Renault 4 there. Let me add that it goes well with a Panda too.
Seat Marbella (Tossa de Mar, Catalonia, 2021)
Seat Marbella
When the Fiat Panda was launched, the collaboration between Fiat and Seat still existed. That's why Pandas rolled out of the Seat factory as well - completely fine, except for the Seat logo in the grill. But the collaboration faltered and when Fiat launched its upgraded Panda in 1986, Seat no longer had a license for the changes. Thus, the Seat Panda was replaced by a "new" model - the Seat Marbella - with a new grill and bumpers, but without Fiat's new engines etc. The cars also retained the triangular windows. Marbella were still popular cars on the domestic market, but could no longer be exported in competition with upgraded Pandas. About 30 years ago, many Norwegians got to know Marbella as cheap rental cars on trips to the south.
Facts about the 1992 Fiat Panda 1000 ie
Internal code: Tipo 141
Country of manufacture: Italy
Year of production: 1980 – 2003
Engine: 1,0 FIRE 45 HP, 4-cylinder, OHC, 8 valves
Top speed: 140 km/h
0-100: 16 seconds
Length, width, height: 341 x 149 x 141 cm
Net weight without driver: 702 kg
Luggage compartment: 270 litres
I came across a street-parked Fiat 124 Spider the other day. First I saw it from behind. "Mazda MX-5," I thought, but the taillights? They were Fiats. Fiat's Spider shares shape and form with the Mazda MX-5 and is produced by Mazda. Or rather - "became" - because the Fiat 124 Spider has been discontinued.
Roadsters are out of fashion
A couple of decades ago, there was a market for roadsters like the Audi TT, BMW Z-series, Mercedes-Benz SLK, MG F and Mazda MX-5 to name a few. It's not every day you see a Fiat 124 Spider, but on a bike ride on Sunday morning I saw no less than two Fiat 124 Spiders along the road. Both cars were occupied by couples in their 60s with caps on their heads. Today, roadsters are bought by well-to-do adults who want to experience the nostalgia of open, lightweight sports cars. The type of car doesn't appeal as much to young career people. The Fiat 124 Spider sold quite well in its first year, then sales declined. But the model was not discontinued due to poor sales.
Euro 6d was the nail in the coffin
The decision to discontinue the Fiat 124 Spider was made at the end of 2019. 2020 was to be the last year of production. The official reason was that the engines had to be upgraded to meet new Euro 6d requirements. Fiat has come a long way in downsizing its engines. Instead of upgrading their 1,4 Multiair turbo engine, they are betting on their 1-litre engine. It is currently the only petrol engine supplied to the Fiat Tipo and 500X. It will work perfectly there, but would hardly be an acceptable solution for the enthusiast car 124 Spider.
The same engine used in several models
The 1,4 engine in the Fiat 124 Spider was delivered in two versions – standard and Abarth. In the standard version, it produces 140 HP with a torque of 240 Nm at 2250 rpm. The Abarth version is trimmed up to 170 HP with 250 Nm at 2500 rpm. Fiat's Spider team originally took the engine from the Fiat 500 Abarth. But the engine has also served in other models such as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the newer Fiat-developed Dodge Dart, Jeep Renegade and Opel Astra. We have previously driven the engine in the Opel Astra 1,4 turbo with 140 horses.
Front with clear Fiat identity
How to create a classic
Only 4 years in production with relatively modest sales figures will undoubtedly make the 124 Spider desirable over the years. Not least if it turns out to be Fiat's last roadster. Most of the examples will be treated like royalty, given the place of honor in their respective garages and only driven on nice weather days - like the ones I saw last Sunday. A final factor that will ensure the car's classic status is its beautiful appearance inspired by Pininfarina's original shape.
In its proper element
Fiat's future in Stellantis
After the major merger between FCA and PSA, 14 car brands are now managed under the same ownership. The merger will undoubtedly provide economies of scale in production, but will have consequences on the future model range and dealer structure.
Fiat is big on commercial vehicles. On the passenger car side, the 500 series is a big seller with new future-oriented drive units based on battery technology. A new variant of the Fiat 500 called 3+1 has an additional rear-swinging auxiliary door on the passenger side to facilitate access to the rear seat. The larger and more reliable models, Tipo and 500X, only seem to figure in the car rental companies' lists. They are almost never seen along the road - neither here at home nor in the countries around the Mediterranean. The Fiat 500L has disappeared from the model range in the USA - and will probably disappear soon from Europe as well. Instead, a completely new electric car concept based on the prototype is coming centoventi. If Fiat succeeds in this, they are back in the ring.
It is uncertain whether Fiat will make a new "fun car" like the 124 Spider. The group will probably let Alfa Romeo take care of the fun in the future, but Alfa is currently struggling with poor profitability. Let's hope that the high lords of Stellantis not only listen to the economists, but also find room for car enthusiasm.
If you didn't manage to buy a Fiat 124 Spider, you can order a new Mazda MX-5.
Pleasant interior - here from the inside of the red carMazda MX-5Fiat 500e 3+1Reminiscent of Pininfarina's original shapeThe Abarth version
See
Fiat 124 for sale Of course you will rent a car!Opel Astra 1,4 Turbo
The Fiat 128 with 3 doors became a dream car for young people.
Fiat has its roots as far back as 1899. In that year, the car factory of Giovanni Battista Ceirano was taken over with production, patents and prototypes and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Fiat) was established. Among the employees who came with Fiat was Vincezo Lancia, who was a well-known motorsport athlete. Fiat won a number of car races and the brand became famous. In 1907, the production of smaller and affordable cars started. In 1932 came the Fiat 508 Balila, a very modern small car. The appearance was reminiscent of American cars of the time, only much smaller. Technically, it was better equipped than its competitors. The little 500 that came in 1936 and continued until 1955 with changes and improvements was also a trendsetter. The models 500, 600, 850 and 1100 became very popular family cars in the 50s and 60s. In 1969 came the 128, which was Fiat's transition to front-wheel drive. The subsequent models consolidated the factory's position as a producer of fast and smooth-driving family cars.
Fiat 128 for sale
The new 128 model was an exciting newcomer in the group of smaller family cars. Here there was both front-wheel drive and a transverse engine. The model came in several versions with both 2, 3 or 4 doors. It became very popular and Fiat had a new bestseller. But Italians also wanted cars with a sporty appearance and corresponding driving characteristics. The wishes were fulfilled when the 128 came as a 2-door coupé in 1971. Here it was a lot of sports car for the money.
Fiat 128 3P
Its popularity increased further in 1975 when it came as a combi version with a large rear door. The interior and equipment were like in a large sports car. The new 3-door version became a desirable car for young people. Here there was plenty of space for both people and luggage. With the back seat folded down, there was actually a load length of 130 cm with a completely flat floor. Not bad for a relatively small and sporty car. After several years of good sales, the model disappeared in 1978.
Facts Fiat 128 3P
Length: 382 cm
Width: 156 cm
and height: 131 cm
Top speed: 165 km/h
Engine: 1116 ccm with 65 hp (alternatively 1290 ccm/73 hp).
Fashionable interior in the 70sThe 128-door Fiat 3 offered a cargo space with a length of 130 cm.Advertisement from 1976 - "Sales success"
See
Fiat 124 for sale Along the streets of RomeCompletely Italian at Fornebu
Fiat has its roots as far back as 1899. In that year, the car factory of Giovanni Battista Ceirano was taken over with production, patents and prototypes and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Fiat) was established. Among the employees who came with Fiat was Vincezo Lancia, who was a well-known motorsport athlete. Fiat won a number of car races and the brand became famous. In 1907, the production of smaller and affordable cars started. In 1932 came the Fiat 508 Balila, a very modern small car. The appearance was reminiscent of American cars of the time, only much smaller. Technically, it was better equipped than its competitors. The little 500 that came in 1936 and continued until 1955 with changes and improvements was also a trendsetter. The models 500, 600, 850 and 1100 became very popular family cars in the 50s and 60s. In 1969 came the 128, which was Fiat's transition to front-wheel drive. The subsequent models consolidated the factory's position as a producer of fast and smooth-driving family cars.
Fiat 1100 for sale
This was the model that confirmed that Fiat was a car for people who enjoyed sporty driving. The 1100 therefore became one of Fiat's most popular models of all time.
Here, expectant car buyers could choose from many models. Passenger car in several designs and a spacious station wagon right from the start of production in 1953. A more sporty version (TV) with greater power went on sale the following year. Here there was an extra lantern mounted in the middle of the grill. Up until 1962 minor changes were made to the 1100. mostly cosmetic changes. A big news was a bigger engine that could be delivered to those who wanted more speed.
The new version that came in 1962 had the designation 1100D. Details were improved and the standard was much higher on equipment and interior. In 1966 came the last version – the 1100R. Fiat now had the new and larger 124 on the way so the aging 1100 model was reviewed and upgraded to be marketable. The body became more elegant and got a completely new rear section. Disc brakes and a sporty floor gear also became standard equipment.
The 1100 was replaced by the 128 in 1969, by which time over 1 cars had been produced.
1953 Fiat 11001957 Fiat 1100 Familiare station wagon
Data Fiat 1100 Special 1959
Length: 391 cm
Width: 149 cm
Height 149 cm
Top speed 120 km/h
Engine: 1089 ccm, 55 hp
Advertisement from 1957
See
Fiat 1100 for sale Fiat 124 for sale Fiat 1300/1500
Fiat has its roots all the way back to 1899. In that year, the car factory of Giovanni Battista Ceirano was taken over with production, patents and prototypes and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Fiat) was established.
Small, fast and smooth-running
Among the employees who came along to Fiat was Vincezo Lancia who was a well-known motorsport athlete. Fiat won a number of car races and the brand became famous. In 1907, the production of smaller and affordable cars started. In 1932 came the Fiat 508 Balilla, a very modern small car. The appearance was reminiscent of American cars of the time, only much smaller. Technically, it was better equipped than its competitors. The little 500 that came in 1936 and continued until 1955 with changes and improvements was also a trend-setter. The models 500, 600, 850 and 1100 became very popular family cars in the 50s and 60s. In 1969 came the 128, which was Fiat's transition to front-wheel drive. The subsequent models consolidated the factory's position as a producer of fast and smooth-driving family cars.
The very first interior from 1957
New 500
The new Fiat 500 was introduced in 1957. In this small car, Fiat offered its customers a very simple car that lacked most. But the car was very affordable both in acquisition and operation. Its minimal size made it very usable in tight cities and it became incredibly popular, especially in Italy. The model that went into production was improved compared to the prototype, so the new small model from Fiat received a lot of praise from the media. There was some criticism because it was only supplied with a fabric roof that could be folded back and turn the car into a semi-convertible. This was later changed to a completely fixed metal roof.
USA model Fiat 500 America
The USA model
The Fiat 500 was initially intended for Italian and European car buyers. But when Fiat wanted to export it to the USA it became problematic. New rules in the USA placed major restrictions on the design and installation of daytime running lights. The result was that the factory produced a separate model for the USA. It had some strange lights that were partially mounted on top of the hood. The model was produced until 1975 with ongoing changes. It was replaced by the Fiat 126.
Fiat 500 data 1957
Length: 297 cm
Width: 132 cm
Height 132 cm
Top speed 85 km/h
Engine: 497 ccm, 13 hp
See
Along the streets of RomeFiat New 500Completely Italian at FornebuFiat 500 faceliftFiat 500 in holiday mode
Alfa Romeo GTV 2,0 TB V6 Quadrifoglio. According to factory figures, the turbo engine produces 200 HP, 0-100 in 7,4 and a top speed of 235 km/h. This car is now for sale on Finn.no with nice photos from the trip - See the advertisement
Several car events this spring have unfortunately been cancelled. Fortunately, it is possible to maintain social distance on organized drives.
Fiat and Biltema in the same building
Autovia invited the public to a Sunday visit to its new premises above Biltema in Rud, followed by a tour around Hurum. The predicted snow did not materialize. The day "fortunately" began with just rain. Autovia represents Italian car brands - all from the Fiat group. Models such as Alfa Romeo Guilia and Stelvio at Tesla prices, Fiat 500 and Jeep Renegade.
Nice cars for Sunday trips
I stopped by for a visit before leaving – not to study new cars, but youngtimers and classics. Ideal hobby cars that are well suited for Sunday outings. Among the newer Guilias, Stelvios, Alfa 159s and Breras I saw a fantastically nice Lancia Kappa Coupé, as well as a Fiat Barchetta, Fiat Coupé, GTV and the red Lancia Flavia Sport of which there is only one in Norway. Only 626 cars of this model were made, and only 512 with the 1,8-liter engine.
For those of us who like Italian cars
It's called "networking". Events like this attract interest - not only from existing customers - but also from the established Italian car community in Norway. There's something very special about Italian cars. Even the smallest Fiat is made to please the eye and ear. Terje's cars can confirm that the Fiat 500 is the world's coolest small car and the new electric model with a WLTP range of 32 kilometers is very interesting. We would also like to highlight the Jeep Renegade that we drove for a few weeks. Not the smoothest driving compact SUV, but a vehicle that gives a lot of feel-good on the road. After all, it was developed and produced in Italy.
PHOTOS
The images can be enlarged by clicking on them.
The Fiat Coupé shares a platform with the Alfa Romeo GTV. According to the factory figures, the 2-litre 5-cylinder turbo engine delivers 220 HP, does 0-100 in 6,5 seconds and can reach 250 km/h.Fiat Coupe close-upFiat Barchetta – youngtimer and future classicStylish hedgeLancia Kappa Coupé 2,0 TBeautiful lines in the 2-door Lancia Kappa Coupé1966 Lancia Flavia Sport Zagato 1,8
After being in production for almost 14 years, the Fiat Punto has finally been tested by Euro NCAP. There it was awarded zero stars.
Fiat Punto
The Fiat Punto 3 was launched as a 2005 model and is still in production. It is no longer imported to Norway, but is sold on the continent. Sales figures have fallen from 400,000 a year to 62.000 in 2016. For 2017, the figures seem to end at around 50.000. The decline is not only due to the Punto starting to get old, but also competition from mini-SUVs, crossovers and high-built small cars. Is that perhaps why Fiat chose to launch the Fiat 500L and 500X? I suspect that the new projects have received higher priority in the group than Punto.
I'm not sure if the 500L is any real competitor to the Punto. Seen from Southern European eyes, the Punto is tough, sporty, potent and, not least, an alright family car - while the 500L appears as a kinder, more feminine car. If we combine the sales figures for all three models, 500L, 500X and Punto, they are lower than what the Punto 3 alone sold in the first glorious years of its life. I wonder if it would not have been more profitable for Fiat to develop a new Punto instead of spinoff models of the 500?
Fiat 500L. Tall Fiat in the Punto class (photo: fiat.com).
Many of the greatest successes in car history were produced for years under the principle "never change a winning horse". Today, 7 years is considered a normal life cycle. With almost 14 years behind it, the Punto has had an extra life cycle - an extra bonus life. This has contributed to Fiat being able to keep prices low. Bonus for Fiat and bonus for customers.
Fiat are not the only ones offering bonus models in the Punto class. There are several examples, such as these three French ones, - which are not only bonus models, but which also received as many stars as the Punto when they were tested by Euro NCAP around the year 2000.
Citroen C3
Citroën C3 version 2.Citroën C3 version 1 was produced between 2002 and 2009. In 2009, the characteristic bowl-like profile was replaced by version 2. An apparently new C3, sleeker and more modern than its predecessor. What many do not know is that Citroën "cut the corner" and saved development costs by letting the new C3 inherit its predecessor's platform and structure. When the first C3 was tested by Euro NCAP in 2002, it scored a respectable 4 stars. Citroën considered the safety from 2002 to be good enough for another new model cycle. They were right in that. Just after the "new" C3 went on sale, Euro NCAP ran the car through its new, extended test programme. C3 achieved good results – again this time 4 stars.
Peugeot 206+
Peugeot 206+The Peugeot 206 was produced between 1998 and 2009. Then came the Peugeot 207. That did not prevent PSA from producing old and new models side by side. The designers made a bonus model of the 206, called the 206+. It got Peugeot's distinctive jaw-like grill and its lifespan extended by 4 years. The Peugeot 206 was tested in 2000 and received 4 stars then. The new Peugeot 206+ was never tested again.
Renault Clio II Campus
Renault Clio II Campus.Renault Clio II saw the light of day in 1998. When the new Clio III was presented in 2005, Renault made some simple design changes to the Clio II and continued to produce it in France until 2012 under the name "Clio Campus". The Clio Campus looked more modern than the 1998 model, but under the skin it shared the crashworthiness of the 1998 model which had been awarded 4 stars in 2000. Euro NCAP never tested the Clio Campus at any later date.
Fiat Punto – Considered a family car in Southern Europe.
Back to the Fiat Punto
The Fiat Punto was tested in 2000. Not with the current model, but with its predecessor , version 2. It received 4 stars as the aforementioned bonus cars. Today's Punto came out in 2005, - but was never tested by Euro NCAP when it was new. It was only tested now in 2017. It saw the light of day several years before Euro NCAP began to emphasize side impacts in its testing program. Fiat has kept the Punto alive with its very latest engines, including the two-cylinder TwinAir engine with 105 HP. Had Fiat upgraded the Punto with safety equipment as well, it could have received a more decent score. Euro NCAP punishes anyone who does not offer side airbags as standard equipment.
No one at Fiat would have dreamed that Euro NCAP would take an interest in the Punto now. I am convinced that the Punto 3 is at least as safe as its predecessor, which received 4 stars in 2000. If the other bonus cars were tested today, they would probably end up with the same result as the Punto.
When the Fiat 500 got a facelift last year, I had expected more drastic changes. This year, the retro model has 10 years behind it, and only minimal changes have been made along the way. The explanation is simple. The Fiat 500 is only selling better and better. You do not change your favorite horse as long as it wins the races.
Today's Fiat 500 is one of the most successful car designs - ever. Fortunately, last year's facelift was of the mild variety. I note that "my" new Fiat 500 has been given an extra horizontal chrome strip in the front and an extra grill between the fog lights. I also see that the front running lights have become larger and the rear lights have been changed. Inside, there is an infotainment system with a touch screen, which you expect to find on new cars. The panoramic sunroof lets a lot of light into the cabin. It gives a good feeling of space, but the digital display inside the speedometer becomes difficult to read in bright sunlight. Sometimes impossible without shadowing with one hand.
The appearance of the Fiat 500 oozes class. It fits naturally over everything. On the street with tagging on the walls, at the city's cafes between the Vespas, - as well as in front of the city's luxury villa. I think the burgundy Italian brightens up my street scene, where I live in the south of France.
Bordeaux Opera is such a dark red that it appears black at dusk.
"- I like the car a lot, me", says my wife. "But it looks a little small with you behind the wheel". I realize she is right. You don't expect to see a large northerner behind the wheel. However, the physical internal measurements are perfectly OK for me - who is 1,88 meters and wears 46 in shoes.
Down here there is a far greater proportion of mini cars than at home. This is mainly due to two things - insurance rules that make it practically impossible for young drivers to drive anything but the smallest cars, and the fact that the city streets are narrow. The fact that a large man drives a small car does not create any status-related negative attitudes from fellow road users. Everyone knows that a Fiat 500 can easily come from families with more than one vehicle, - maybe even a Ferrari, or something like that.
I note that the driver's seat provides good thigh support when I jack it down at the rear, which is the only height adjustment option. I'm thinking that if you have shorter legs than me, you may be forced to sit quite high - or close to the steering wheel - to reach the pedals. The steering wheel can be adjusted in height, but not in length. If you have short legs and a long torso, it may be difficult to find a good sitting position - but this is only speculation. I sits comfortably, but seems that the pedals, especially the clutch pedal, are pulled a little too much to the right. This has been done because of the wheel arch that extends in and steals space in the passenger compartment.
Feelgood behind the wheel thanks to good retro design.
I like the steering wheel and controls. The interior colors are tough, with a white leather steering wheel, white center console and insets in the dashboard. I also like that the interior picks up the paint color of the car. You can have solid operating levers even if the car is small. Fiat has understood this. I must still admit that on a couple of occasions I have pulled the trigger too the seat height adjustment instead of the handbrake. The two "handles" can be easily confused.
The Fiat 500 drives like a regular, modern car. It was surprisingly stable on the highway. I have driven a lot on mountain roads with bumpy surfaces, tight turns and steep climbs. I have found nothing to complain about the car's ability to handle different surfaces under different conditions.
However, I could wish for a different engine.
"My" Fiat 500 has the simplest engine option, a 1,2 liter engine (SMPI VVT) of 69 horses and torque of 102 Nm/3000 revolutions. The engine is what it says on paper - nothing more, nothing less. It "lugging a bit" when applying gas. I think it is because the car only had 1000 km on the odometer. Another factor is that the air conditioning probably took a lot of effort. The temperature gauge is between 35-38 degrees here right now.
To keep up with the local drivers along the mountain roads, active use of gas and gears is required. The 5-stage cash register was easy to work with. With a high-positioned gear lever, you hardly need to take your hand off the steering wheel to shift gears. But, in holiday mode, we rather chose to take it easy and waved the local cars past, who acknowledged with two short blasts of the horn.
In holiday mode, the 1,2 liter is no problem. It is 4-cylinder and very quiet on southern motorways up to 120 km/h. Only towards 130 km/h is the engine whirring heard faintly. It surprised me a little that as long as you are on the road there is nothing to remind you that you are driving a minicar.
One of the smallest on the market.
Surprisingly good space in the trunk.
The space in front is good for two adults. The back seat has room for two. In fact, surprisingly good space, since you can sit quite upright in the front seats. Two tall people will hardly sit comfortably in the same longitudinal direction. You cannot expect that in a three and a half meter car. I am also pleasantly surprised by the luggage compartment. It holds more than you might think, but requires smart packing.
Safety
The Fiat 500 has been tested by NCAP . The results are not on par with competitors such as the Volkswagen Up! and Citroën C1. The Fiat 500 is penalized because both the driver's dummy and the passenger's dummy were measured to have too much deceleration at the heads. Even though there was no physical damage to the heads, NCAP considers that there may be a risk that the people inside the car could suffer internal head injuries. In the side impact test and the side impact test against a pole, everything worked well.
Economy
The Fiat 500 is considered a relatively expensive car for its class. It has been produced almost unchanged for 10 years and holds its value well. Better than most other cars on the market. It is known that Fiat experienced a negative net profit after "The happy 80s". There were bankruptcies in the importer and dealer network, and the cars in this period were plagued with many faults. The problems were exacerbated due to a failure in finishing and follow-up by the then importer/retailer. This is probably something your father likes to tell you, as he admonishes you against buying a Fiat. Today's Polish-built Fiat 500 has proven to work well ever since its launch in 2007 and the Fiat players of the 80s are not following suit, so to speak.
The fuel economy has not yet been fully measured, but with mixed driving on mountain roads and motorways, our mileage was 0,61 litres/mile. Then we have driven one tank. I don't think that consumption will ruin anyone, but if you choose the TwinAir engine, you will get consumption among the very best.
Conclusion
The Fiat 500 fits in everywhere. It has a wonderful appearance. I am pleasantly surprised by the space and comfort. Driving this car for hours on the highway is no problem. The tested 1,2 engine is no longer sold in Norway. I have yet to test the two-cylinder 0,9 liter TwinAir turbo engine.
I have driven "my" Fiat 500 for a few days in Southern Europe, and will use it for many more days. I might have said that if you're more than average into driving, the Fiat 500 might not be for you - at least not with the 1,2-litre. But that is not entirely true. I myself am more than average interested in driving a car, and I have already covered more kilometers in the Fiat than many larger cars I have had down here...
Maybe it's because I'm in vacation mode?
A new infotainment system is new this year,Intuitive climate panel. ASR is anti-skid.A fantastically good design!I like the design of the main instruments, but not the quality of the digital center display. Very difficult to read in bright sunlight.The fabric in the seats contributes to the premium feeling.The rear seat with 2 seats.
Facts about the Fiat 500 Lounge 1.2
Engine: Sequential Multipoint Injection – Variable valve timing – 4 cylinders
Power: 69 HP/51 KW at 5500 rpm. Torque: 102 at 3000 rpm. The torque curve remains almost flat between 2750 – 4000 revs.
Own weight: 865 Kg.
Luggage compartment: 185 Kg.
The tested engine variant is no longer carried by the dealer network, but will probably still be taken in via alternative import channels.
See
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