Fiat has revised its 500 range for 2011 by replacing the 1.4 Pop model with with a mid-range variant that combines the 500's proven 73kW, 1.4 litre engine and manual gearbox with the “Lounge” trim level - and at R165 480 it's less than R5000 more expensive than the Pop it replaces.
Yes, Cyril, that's still a lot of money for a very small car - so what to you get for your bucks?
You get:
A five-year or 90 000km service plan.
Leather gear knob.
Blue & Me hands-free phone functionality and USB port.
Leather steering wheel with remote stereo and Blue&Me controls.
15” alloy Rims.
Electric Sunroof.
Front fog lights.
Stability control with traction control.
Hill Hold.
In addition, all 500's across the range come with body-coloured bumpers, chromed door handles, body-coloured wing mirrors (optional on the 1.2), height-adjustable steering wheel, dual-drive power steering with 'city' function, power windows, remote central locking (optional on the 1.2), 'follow me home' headlights, trip computer, air conditioning, height-adjustable driver's seat, split rear seat with head restraints, adjustable headlamps, radio/CD with MP3 compatibility, anti-lock braking, seven airbags, daytime running lights.
Fiat Auto SA Oscar Rivoli said: “This model strategy for the 500 offers every customer a 'best value' proposition: from the entry-level 1.2 to the 500 by Diesel Cabriolet, there's a 500 to suit everybody's taste and budget.
The new middle-of-the-range 500 1.4 Lounge focuses on style, technology and convenience combined with value for money.”
PRICE
Fiat 500 1.4 Lounge - R165 480
That includes three-year or 100 000km warranty, a five-year or 90 000km service plan and AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months.
Service intervals are 15 000km