SPECIFY YOUR OWN FIAT 500

+ Click to Enlarge ROLL YER OWN: Fiat 500 customers in Europe can select any combination of engine and trim options for their car - and know in advance exactly what it'll cost.

November 5, 2007

Fiat UK has announced prices for the Fiat 500 range that's due in South Africa in July 2008.

They range from £7900 (about R108 000), which Fiat says is below its benchmark rivals, to £10 700 (R146 500) for the 1.4-litre version with air-conditioning and alloy rims.

It's available in Europe with a choice of three engines - 52kW 1.2-litre or 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engines or a 55kW, 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel – and three trim levels – Pop, Sport and Lounge.

Fiat SA says the local pricing of the 500 "will compete with upper B-segment and lower C-segment cars", which works out to between R150 000 and R165 000.

South Africa will get only one engine - the 1.4-litre petrol (the same as in the Panda 100) - available in all three trim levels.

Standard equipment in the entry-level Pop includes anti-lock brakes with electronic brake pressure distribution, driver, passenger, side and driver's-knee crash bags, radio/CD/MP3 player, power-assisted steering, power mirrors, painted bumpers and chromed door releases.

Standard equipment on Sport and Lounge includes Blue & Me hands-free media system, air-conditioning and 15" alloy rims but sport adds a roof spoiler, fog lights, sports interior and dark tinted rear windows and Lounge includes a split, foldable rear seat and fixed glass roof.

Any combination is possible in Europe – customers simply start with a 1.2 Pop at £7900 (R108 000) and add £1400 (R19 000) for a more powerful engine, the same for a higher trim level, or £2800 (R38 000) for any combination of the two.

There's also a huge list of style options so customers have wide-ranging opportunities for personalising the interior and exterior of their 500s.

Fiat UK marketing director Elena Bernardelli said: "We wanted to create a classless car that wasn't just about a well-known badge; I believe we have a car that's within the reach of a wide range of customers."