New Fiat 500/ Ford KA

[Dieselman]

This just tickled me.

The 500 platform will also be shared with Ford, and is set to form the basis of the blue oval's next-generation Ka. Both models will be built in Poland at the Tychy plant.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/207557/fiat_500.html

Is that groovy or what?

 

[wallingd]

The 500 is very cute - love the cirular headrests!!! Fiat at it's very best again. Shame there aren't smaller engines though - I would have thought a 1.3 was the biggest one would want, but it's having 1.2 + 1.4 as well. Maybe a lovely little rorty 3-cylinder?

 

[C240Sport97]

it's the cutest car out there ..

watch MINI sales plummet

 

[BTB 500]

Shame there aren't smaller engines though - I would have thought a 1.3 was the biggest one would want, but it's having 1.2 + 1.4 as well. Maybe a lovely little rorty 3-cylinder?

Did you miss this bit?

Future versions are expected to feature Fiat's groundbreaking new two-cylinder motor as well. The 900cc twin powerplant will deliver between 90bhp and 110bhp, and is likely to deliver a 20 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the 1.2-litre ver*sion.

 

[wallingd]

Aah didn't actually read it. I just went by info I read on 4Car.

 

[GrahamC230K]

Wouldn't have thought it any threat to the MINI.

 

[Gucci]

If it's well built and RELIABLE it will take sales from MINI. Very purist design, smaller than a MINI and dare i say funkier.

 

[GrahamC230K]

If it's well built and RELIABLE it will take sales from MINI. Very purist design, smaller than a MINI and dare i say funkier.

Yes, very good that one. Very good. Now and then you read a joke that really makes you chuckle.

 

[Dieselman]

Graham
I'm sure it will pinch MINI sales. The Grande Punto has done really well and this little number looks to be a great little car.
Remember the MINI just isn't so mini anymore and reveiws say it's not as good as the outgoing model....

Fiat are really good at making small cars, just no good at the larger ones.

Did nobody get the Tychy (titchy) joke???

 

[GrahamC230K]

My 2nd hand experience of a fairly new Punto is that it falls apart as you might expect it to.

 

[Fandango]

I second that. My ex had a Punto from new, nothing but trouble, and I mean serious problems, gearbox, valves, power steering pump etc...all fixed under warranty.

She did buy it against my better judgement, I suggested a Polo.

 

[pammy]

The interior looks quite funky - but that exterior is on a par with - wait for it - the Fiat Multipla!! Looks like a Micra from some angles - yuck!!

 

[Dieselman]

The interior looks quite funky - but that exterior is on a par with - wait for it - the Fiat Multipla!! Looks like a Micra from some angles - yuck!!

It's meant to replicate the original 500, which it does from the front.

 

[pammy]

It's meant to replicate the original 500, which it does from the front.

I don't disagree - doesn't meant to say I have to think it looks good But what I will say is that I bet it looks better in the flesh so to speak. Being such a teeny thing it probably looks really cute in reality

I'd like to see the pics with something to show it's diminuitive stature off. As it is it looks like a Micra, from the profile view, that's having an off day - to me anyway.

 

[Fandango]

That's funny! Mrs F said exactly the same, as did her female friend who saw it last night.
I like the cheeky cute look as it very much reminds me of the old 500. Mrs F's brother who owns a real one, which he restored and drives every day also thinks the new 500 looks good.
Perhaps it's a gender thing, so far all the men seem to like it...

 

[Rose Chap]

Fix
It
Again
Toni

 

[scotth_uk]

As a mini driver (gulp!) I reckon it's quite good. Magazines seem to be forcing the "mini sales stealing" idea on me though - I wouldn't have thought it myself.

 

[BTB 500]

My perception is that the Mini's image has taken a slight downward turn in the UK now that they are so common ... I must admit, every time I see one I think "estate agent".

IMO the Fiat is in with a good chance.

 

[BenzComander]

I think it's great, well done Fiat for doing it!!

Cant wait for the 180bhp Abarth

 

[BonzoDog]

I think it's great, well done Fiat for doing it!!

QUOTE]
Agreed. I have always been a fan of the original and find myself snapping pictures of them whenever I find one.
I have never, ever been a Mini fan and I was surprised when being given a lift in one of the latest that it was noisy and uncomfortable - purely my view.
Mrs Bonzo, a German who lived in Italy for 17 years, is of the same view as the person who described them as always falling apart. We could have a meaningful discussion on this one.