It's been a long time since a car has put a smile on my face. Yeah, we're familiar with all the modern re-issues of automotive classics, like the MINI, Beetle and now, the cherubic Fiat Cinquecento or 500. Of course, like the new MINI and Beetle, the 500 has its share of foibles that see it wander away from the original 500's DNA, but open your eyes wide and it's easy enough so spot the similarities.
Maybe it's easier if you look upon the modern 500 as a 'tribute' and 'evolved' model that is the modern interpretation of that classic rather than nit-pick and belly-ache about how it's such a pale shadow of the original.
With old and new alongside one another, one quickly appreciates the similarities in silhouette. Dimensions-wise, the new car is far bigger than before, but don't forget, this is the era of upsized burger meals and ever-increasing girths.
The original 500 would find it tough to accommodate a full complement of upsized adult passengers, but as it stands the 2300mm wheelbase of the new car translates to a decent amount of leg-room with four big buffaloes on board. This certainly isn't as cramped as the new MINI for instance.
The cabin is nicely appointed with all the cool styling aesthetics that stand out. it never comes across as a half-baked attempted to try to be cool; the 500 really is tres chic and never comes across as trying too hard either.
The 1.2L engine at the heart of the car really likes to be abuse. Spank it hard and keep the revs high for the engine to remain on boil. the 5-speed stick-shift serve up sublime shifts that are short-throw and precise. driven hard, the 500 is a riot to hurl around.
it's so easy to drive the car practically flat out everywhere since there's always a steady stream of communication coming in from different channels like road surface to tyre grip and steering.
Fast Facts : Fiat 500
Engine: 1242cc, 8-valves, 4-cylinder
Maximum power: 60bhp at 5500rpm
Maximum torque: 102Nm at 3000rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
0-100km/h: 12.9 seconds
Top speed: approx. 160km/h
LxBxH: 3546x1627x1488
Wheelbase: 2300mm
Kerb-weight: 865kg
Agent: TTS
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