Page 20 - Motoring Spring 2021

SA LAUNCH FIAT

FIAT 500

Most would describe the
Fiat 500 as a cool, funky and
fun niche boutique offering in

the world of motoring, yet I
was amazed to hear that
total 500 sales have exceeded

5 million units worldwide. interesting – basically a manual without a clutch, it takes a few moments to acclimatise to it but
it is ultra-smooth in operation when travelling. Strangely, for myself, I found it easiest to use the
‘flappy paddles’ on the steering wheel, although my co-driver on the day preferred using the gear
t the local launch of the new/ lever as a sequential type shifter. The manual is a delight, light and easy in operation and the high
updated Fiat 500 range, the team placing of the gearshift on the dashboard certainly suits drivers of shorter stature.
Afrom Fiat SA made it clear that the The four trim levels are: Cult, Connect, Sport and Dolce Vita, with Cult being the entry model.
emphasis is on the fun and style aspects All models have seven airbags plus ABS and EBD. A 7-inch infotainment screen with reverse
of this car. The banner in the presentation camera and 16-inch alloy wheels of varying designs are standard from Connect upwards. Sport
room that read ‘Cheeky, Stylish City Crushers’ adds a bit of aggression with a different grille and fog lights, while Dolce Vita is the stylish one
summed this up for me. with items like colour coded dash, steering wheel and superb use of colour throughout the cabin.
Now offered in four very specific style Sport and Dolce Vita add the option of the fabric soft-top or convertible body style, in addition
lines, each model has its own personality. All to the ‘tin-top’ which has a panoramic glass roof.
using the superb but different 0.9l twinjet For the launch drive, I quickly grabbed the Dolce Vita Convertible with MTA for the first part.
engine, the cars are small and light enough We found ourselves in urban driving in lots of traffic and I was amazed at the positive interest from
to provide very peppy performance when motorists around us. The grins and thumbs-ups said it all. Once used to the MTA, it’s a breeze to
required. The 62kW and 145Nm allows for drive in traffic. Next was a freeway section where the car cruised comfortably at 120km/h with the
easy overtaking too. open roof obviously providing some wind noise BUT, my hat stayed firmly in place.
Transmission options are 5-speed manual For the homeward leg, we chose a Sport Tin-top with manual gearbox. Again, I was impressed
or MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) by the overall drive.
driving through the front wheels with very The Fiat 500 has been designed for the boutique, small city car market and, as such, the extremely
direct steering and handling. Perhaps the limited space in the rear seat and tiny boot should not be an issue for buyers in this market.
front is a little light when pushing on through Prices range from R219 900 for the Cult up to R324 900 for the Dolce Vita Convertible MTA. n
some sweeps but always remember that
this is essentially a City Car. The MTA is Click here for video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY9GMD0a6YI

MOTORING | Spring 2021 | 18