Fiat 500

It is also the first time that a compact car (3.55 metres) has been built to achieve a 5-star rating in the EuroNCAP impact tests, and Fiat claims that the 500 is ready for the 6-star test if and when the new rating is introduced. The choices made in the construction of the range of outfits and services include 7 airbags as standard equipment (it is the only compact to offer a kneebag), and an advanced ESP available with all engines (standard on the 100 bhp 1.4 16v). The new 500 offers 4 specification levels, 3 engines at the launch, 12 colours, including 6 vintage colours that will bring the 1950s and 1960s to mind, plus tri-coat white produced by a process that is usually adopted on luxury cars, 15 types of upholstery including luxurious Cordura and Frau Leather, 9 types of wheel rims, and 19 types of stickers. In terms of safety, the new Fiat 500 is the first car in this category to offer up to 7 airbags (front, side, curtain- and knee-bags are all standard throughout the range, except for the Naked version). It also proposes a number of active safety elements such as the ABS with EBD function (standard in all Pop, Sports and Lounge versions), ESP (Electronic Stability Program, standard or optional, depending on versions and markets), which includes other function such as the ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) and a Hill Holder device. A more detailed list of the safety features is available in the safety page. The suspension adopts an independent MacPherson system at the front, and semi-independent interconnected wheels with a torsion axle at the rear (see also specifications page). The two layouts have evolved from a Magneti Marelli design and have been used on other Fiat models in the past; they have now been revised and modified for the new car, to guarantee outstanding handling and the highest possible level of comfort. The brake system on the new car has front discs with a diameter of 240 mm; they are solid for versions with the 1.2 8v engine and ventilated for the 1.3 Multijet, with a diameter of 257 mm for versions with the 100 bhp 1.4 16v. The rear brakes mount drums (180 mm) on the 1.2 8v and 1.3 Multijet, and discs (240 mm) on the 1.4 16v. The Lounge version includes the Chrome kit which features chrome-plated inserts in the seals of the side windows, on the exhaust terminal, on the trim of the inside door handle, the gear lever and the front and rear bumpers. On the outside, the new 500 Lounge features 185/55 R15" alloys, electric body-coloured wing mirrors and a fixed glass roof with sunshade. Inside, it features special fabrics, a leather-upholstered steering wheel with the controls of the Blue&Me system, manual climate control, a radio, CD and MP3 player, a height adjustable front seat, a 50/50 split rear seat with head-restraints, a key with customised remote control and an active handle on the tailgate. The Sport specification includes sporty seats with special foam, a rear spoiler, interior upholstery in exclusive colours and fabrics, a chrome-plated exhaust terminal and chrome inserts in the door sills. It also offers 185/55 R15" sporty alloys, manual climate control, a sporty steering wheel in two colours with the controls for the Blue&Me system, a radio with CD and MP3 player, and electric wing mirrors painted the same colour as the bodywork. The Sport and Lounge equipped with the 100 bhp 1.4 16v engine also offer the ESP system as standard equipment and an instrument panel with sporty graphics.