New Fiat 500

[behappier]

What do we think of Fiat's latest effort ?
With a proper engine, I think it could be quite fun and certainly a good alternative to the Mini One.



Also, is it just me seeing that the current Micra is very much inspired by the old 500 ? I have never seen anyone mentioning it but to me it is obvious.

[MadduckUK]

yes now you mention it. BUT



that is much better looking that the horrific mess that is the current micra.

[davidstone28]

Spooky resemblance. I always like the looks of he current Micra - it isn't a "hideous mess" at all. I thought it was very originally styled. But looking at the those pictures I didn't realise it was so similar to the old 500.

New 500 looks superb styling wise.

[MadduckUK]

this is a micra


and this is retarded

im done

[behappier]

yes now you mention it. BUT

that is much better looking that the horrific mess that is the current micra.

That was the Prototype, here is the finished article

[dave87]

Not bad looking actually, any word on pricing?

[MadduckUK]

That was the Prototype, here is the finished article

if anything the extra lights on the front add a touch of agressiveness, and while not as sleek at the one i put up i prefer it.. i think.. not sure..probably. less ipod more zen vision:m if that makes any sence

[behappier]

Not bad looking actually, any word on pricing?

£8k in Europe with basic engines / £11k here for souped up versions

[dave87]

After that, I'd rather have a Focus, something about Italian electrics....

[TeePee]

But does it have the engine in the right place?

Edit: And 'No' is the answer. It's a Ford Kak with a different body.

[behappier]

It's a Ford Kak with a different body.

I think the new ford Ka(k) is a Fiat not the other way around. And the original Ka was/is a great car to drive, shame about the old style engine.

[davidstone28]

Micra 1

Micra 2

The new shape Micra looks alot better, particularly the bold design cues and the headlights half way up the bonnet. They also have that fabulous keyless entry system in the later versions where the doors automatically unlock as you approach the car when it detects the transponder in your pocket. The old Micra just looks very old and dated.

[midzt]

The new 500 looks pretty cool, very nice retro touches, much much better than the micra in my opinion, altho i think the new micra looks better than the old, at least it has some kinda 'style' Still a bit too bulbous for me tho.
Anyway back to the new 500, it does look good, spesh with the pearl white paint jobby. I would still never get one but i can definately see why people probably will.

[joshwa]

I saw it at Birmingham Motorshow 04: although it had a different name then
http://82.35.220.112/photos/gallery/...04&id=PICT0219
http://82.35.220.112/photos/gallery/...04&id=PICT0218
http://82.35.220.112/photos/gallery/...04&id=PICT0217

[behappier]

The new shape Micra looks alot better, particularly the bold design cues and the headlights half way up the bonnet. They also have that fabulous keyless entry system in the later versions where the doors automatically unlock as you approach the car when it detects the transponder in your pocket. The old Micra just looks very old and dated.

I would tend to agree but it is just the whole image of people driving them that would put me off considering one if I was in the market for that type of car

[davidstone28]

There's been a gradual shift in demographics over the last 20 years or so. My driving school car was one of the old square shaped Micras from the mid 80s. In those days, only grannies and pensioners drove them. Then they switched to the bubble version which moved the demographics about 10-20 years forwards. I think old people bought them simply because they were reliable. Nowadays because so many more car are reliable, you need something more than just reliability to sell a car. Hence the shift to design originality and styling. With this recent version, its attracting a far younger crowd, with quite a few journalists commenting on how 'funky' they are. That Fiat 500 outstyles all of them though.