New Fiat 500 – THE car of 2008?

I don’t really remember the Fiat 500 the first time around.  I mean, I recognise the now all too familiar headlamps and iconic front grille, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one on the road.

That can’t be said for the New Fiat 500 though (Fiat Nuova 500 for those in the know) as it’s fast becoming THE car to be seen in.  You can keep your sports cars and your tank-like 4×4s, if it’s attention you want then the smart money is going on the quirky little Fiat 500 with it’s gorgeous interior.

One thing the Mini had going for it right from the off was the customisation that owners could do to make their car stand out from the rest (and there was a lot of “rest” about).  The Fiat 500 needs the same if it’s going to have the same impact and thankfully it’s already on it’s way.  The interior and exterior colour options, the bodywork graphics and of course the aftermarket modifications like a Remus exhaust, will all do their bit to make the car every bit as desirable as it should be.

I took a 1.3 diesel 500 out for a test drive and was pleasantly surprised at the comfort level compared to other small-mid sized cars.  The 1.2 Punto is painfully slow and I’m glad the 500 doesn’t follow in it’s big brother’s footsteps.  The forthcoming Abarth model should also stir things up a bit and I’ll be heading back down to the Fiat showroom for that!

I mentioned it briefly earlier, but for Fiat 500 Nuova owners looking to tune their Italian city car for a bit more performance or even just to add a bit of styling a Fiat 500 sports Remus exhaust has got to be on the wish list.  Twin chrome tailpipes, a gorgeous exhaust note and fantastic build quality will make this the exhaust to have on the car to have.

The niche where BMW’s Mini has been successful in over the past few years is now going to become a little crowded with a whole new cult following.  With some models of Mini selling in excess of £25,000 which is pretty ludicrous unless you really can afford it, the 500 is really appealing to those with a budget and is pretty much guaranteed to sell like hot panettone.

ciao.