Friday, November 19, 2010

GreenBkk Auto | 2012 Fiat 500: The Italians Are Back

2012 Fiat 500: The Italians Are Back

Credit: The New York Times (www.nytimes.com)

By TORI TELLEM

Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press
The 2012 Fiat 500.

Introduced on Wednesday: 2012 Fiat 500

What is it? This entrant in the small-car segment is the first byproduct of the Fiat and Chrysler partnership, an Americanized Cinquecento.

What makes it tick? It’s a small car, so hopefully you didn’t expect more than a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 101 horsepower. Bigger news is that it’s Fiat’s new economical MultiAir engine. And the 500 gains an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission and a 5-speed manual with new gear ratios.

How much, how soon? Starts at $15,500 and orders will be taken after the first of the year.

How’s it look? Model names are Pop, Sport, and Lounge, and “there are half a million ways to make the 500 your own,” said Laura Soave, the chief executive of Fiat North America. Wait, is Fiat taking the whimsical approach? Mini might need to watch its back.

Credit: The New York Times (www.nytimes.com)


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