Speed Dial: 2008 Fiat 500
From postwar efficiency to 'the iPod of cars' in just under five decades.
Vanita Salisbury
December 11, 2007
In 1957, the Fiat 500 debuted as a model for postwar efficiency. Originally conceived to battle congestion in the notoriously narrow streets of Italy, it quickly established its reputation as a jaunty, modern car that had posh Italian birds singing the praises of its flirty headlamps and chic, maneuverable design.
Fifty years later, the 2008 Fiat 500 (call it the Cinquecento if you want to sound worldly) aims to reclaim the minimalist retro style and superior handling of its predecessor while upgrading to 21st century technology and engineering. Today’s version ($14,700) is ultra-compact at just under 140 inches long (think a mini-Mini Cooper) and can seat four adults comfortably.
Billed as the “iPod of cars” for its tight silhouette and craze-level popularity, it also passes the bar of practicality with its prestigious Euro NCAP five-star, crash-safety rating. And for those concerned about the environment, the 500 is powered by three separate “green” engines, all of which are available with five- or six-speed mechanical gearboxes.
The Fiat 500 boasts customizations including 12 body colors (six of them modeled on vintage prototypes), 15 upholstery materials, and nine types of wheel rims. Make an early Christmas gift wish list. It’s not available in the States until 2010.
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