Aussie Fiat fans can rejoice knowing that the new FIAT 500 Series 3 has arrived in Australia, along with its hot-hatch sibling the Abarth 595.
The new 500 comes with a few style, comfort and technological enhancements for 2014, including a 7-inch TFT digital instrument display developed in collaboration with Italian auto manufacturer Magneti Marelli, which seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology without disrupting the 500’s trademark cabin layout.
The 500 range is more customisable than ever, with three stunning new paint colours – Blue Jelly Bean, Mint Milkshake and Vanilla Ice Cream – added to the 11 existing colour options. And with 16 new interior and three cabriolet roof options, each 500 will be pretty unique.
The nifty little Italian car comes in the Fiat 500 Pop models featuring 1.2-litre engine and five-speed manual or Dualogic transmission.
The Fiat 500 S steps up to the engaging 71.4-litre engine linked with a six-speed manual or Dualogic transmission, while the 500 Lounge is powered by Fiat’s award-winning 0.9-litre two-cylinder TwinAir Turbo, delivering 63kW/145Nm, and is exclusively paired with the Dualogic automatic transmission.
Fiat’s TwinAir is Australia’s most fuel- efficient petrol engine, with oily-rag economy at just 3.9L/100km.
If you’re after a bit more grunt and extras, Abarth 595 has arrived on the scene in 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione hatch and convertible versions.
Powered by a 1.4-litre T-Jet turbo engine, the 595 generates 118kW and 230Nm – enough to push it to 100km/h in just 7.4 seconds and on to a blistering top speed of 210km/h in manual guise and 209km/h using the Dualogic transmission. Even with all this extra power it still sips about 5.4-L/100km.
The 595 draws on its racing heritage with motorsport-tested components, including Koni front suspension with FSD (frequency selective damping), perforated and self-ventilating front brake discs and an anti-roll bar, ensuring the 595 offers the performance to match its looks.
For even more thrills, pushing the Sport button on the dashboard increases throttle response and adds weight to the steering.
The Abarth shares the Fiat 500’s new TFT digital instrument display, which transforms into a race-spec computer at the push of a button.
The 595 Turismo offers Abarth leather seats, Abarth diamond-finish 10-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/40 R17 tyres, cross-drilled and self-ventilating front brake discs and Koni front suspension with FSD.
The 595 Competizione hardtop and convertible steps up to a more race-focused specification. And then there’s the sound – the Competizione’s dual mode ‘Record Monza’ exhaust opens at 4000rpm, transforming the already head-turning exhaust into something otherworldly.
Price range for the Fiat 500 Series 3 is $17,000-$25,000 drive away. The Abarth 595 will set you back from $33,500 to $41,000.
