Fiat 500 bids farewell despite flourishing popularity.
The Fiat 500 with combustion engines is bidding farewell after a whopping 16 years of manufacturing. It's not due to a lack of success, but to newly instituted safety and data protection regulations.
'Bravo!' and 'Bella Machina!' rang through the streets of Turin back in 2007 during test drives. These exclamations of admiration came from Italian passersby who couldn't contain their excitement at the sudden appearance of a compact vehicle - the Fiat 500.
This motor vehicle symbolized not just Italian approval; it swept the globe. Over 3.2 million units were sold all over the world, and 350,000 of those found their way to Germany. Now though, it's time to say goodbye. These groundbreaking regulations mean the end after 16 successful years.
Fiat's Big Celebration
Introduced on July 4th, 2007, the Fiat 500 hearkened back to Fiat's launch of the (Nuova) 500 in 1957, which was produced until 1977. Overcoming initial hurdles, this 3.5-meter-long automobile quickly charted a course for success and became Italy's version of the Volkswagen.
Fiat's marketing campaigns reinvigorated interest in the small car consistently. Primarily through new variants, meticulous detail improvements, and a plethora of special models. Nearly 4 million of these "mini cars," known as Topolinos, were manufactured.
Record-Breaking Start
The 2007 Fiat 500 didn't experience a lackluster debut. On the contrary, demand overloaded expectations and the plant in Tychy, Poland, had to ramp up production levels. However, customers still faced waiting times to get their hands on this coveted vehicle. The Fiat design team hit the mark, with retro elements such as round headlights, little wheels, and curvy lines immediately capturing attention.
A reminiscent 2009 addition to the range was the C version, equipped with an electric folding roof. And the interior also recycled nostalgic aesthetics - think: bold two-tone dashboards, and round instruments harkening back to the original.
With a length of 3.55 meters, the 500 was a novelty in its product category. It would carry a total of four passengers, albeit not in excessive comfort. The front seats were quite spacious, while the backseat proved more confined. The real challenge lay in fitting in the backseat occupants, owing to the car's two-door design.
Self-Styled Fun on Wheels
The Fiat 500's drive train, however, wasn't a relic from the past. Featured with a front-wheel-drive system and a front-mounted engine, there were four engine options, ranging from a 69-horsepower three-cylinder to a 105-horsepower two-cylinder. A 1.3-liter diesel engine with 75 and 95 hp was also available. Abarth variations, which ranged from 135 hp to 190 hp, brought more spirited driving styles. With finely tuned suspensions, these sports models could handle corners.
Wanting to keep this fan-favorite fresh without the funds for advancements, Fiat consistently rolled out special series - 25 in total. Many were transiently marketed and exceptionally rare, meant for collectors. Such as the 200-unit collection released by Israeli maven Ron Arad - featuring a graphic Fiat 500 silhouette on black paint. The rarer Tributo Trepiuno series appeared in March.
Special editions were frequently employed to showcase innovative technical feats. In 2014, the Cult edition featured a 12.3-inch TFT monitor, a new display element that would later be introduced into the primary lineup. The Star and Rockstar (2019) concentrated on the synchronization of smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Vintage model, launched in 2015, presented itself with retro rims and traditional, eye-catching color palettes. Customers were ready to shell out top dollar for this vintage appeal. Even the standard Fiat 500 was pricier than regular subcompacts, and the special models soared prices upwards of 20,000 euros, sometimes even reaching 30,000 euros.
Bidding Farewell to Nine Special Models
Officially, Fiat points to nine commemorative models, encompassing the Fiat 500 by Diesel (2008), Fiat 500 by Gucci (2011), Fiat 500 GQ (2013), Fiat 500 Riva (2016), and the Fiat 500 Anniversario (2017).
The Fiat 500 Dolce Vita (2019) was another distinctive Fiat edition.
Bringing it Home: July 2023
Notably, the reason for this significant change stems from new European-mandated safety and data protection regulations slated for implementation in July 2023.
Farewell, Fiat 500. A backend-breaking, nostalgic journey that captivated the hearts (and the pockets) of many.
Beyond the mentions of style, the Riva and especially the Dolce Vita special models embody Italian charm and spirit of enjoyment. Their captivating colors and elements like the sturdy mahogany gear stick and other wooden ornaments on the Riva or the ivory-colored leather upholstery and a white-blue cloth roof on the Dolce Vita convertible showcase this.
However, this pleasant way of life is drawing to a close. Around the start of July, the final hour of production for the Fiat 500 will commence. The expenses associated with upgrading it to comply with regulations slated for all new cars as of July 7 became overwhelming. These entail things like assuring data security and incorporating extra safety attributes such as lane departure warning, reversing assistance, and speed control. Notably, the Italians already have an alternative in the form of the electric 500e.
The Panda, on the other hand, did receive these updates; it's their premier model, especially in budget markets. Nonetheless, for potential last-minute buyers of the Fiat 500, their preferred Fiat dealership is likely to provide what they seek.
To commemorate the retirement of one of their hallmark vehicles, Fiat is again invoking history and introducing the special "Collezione 1957" model (starting at €26,500). With only 1,957 units being manufactured to mark the Cinquecento's 67th anniversary, this exclusive edition is exclusive and is available exclusively with a convertible roof. Notable features include a dual-color paint finish in white and green as well as the beige convertible roof. A plaque on the center console bears the unique production number. The profiles of the "Nuova Cinquecento" from 1957 and the present Fiat 500 can be seen in the rear side windows. In this way, Fiat has brought the two vehicles that enticed countless customers to a close.
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Stellantis, the parent company of Fiat, announced that they will be discontinuing the production of vintage Fiat models due to new safety and data protection regulations. The automobile industry is continually evolving, and even iconic models like the Fiat 500 must adjust to these changes.
Despite Stellantis choosing to discontinue the production of certain Fiat models, the brand will continue to manufacture new, modern Fiat vehicles that adhere to these regulations. The Fiat 500, being a popular small car, will undoubtedly have Fiat models following in its footsteps, maintaining its commitment to delivering efficient and stylish automobiles to enthusiasts around the world.
Source: www.ntv.de
