A few more weeks
That’s it for the Fiat 500 – the end after 17 years!
Who would have thought it: the Fiat 500 with combustion engine is retiring after 16 years of production - albeit not entirely voluntarily. It's not for lack of success, by the way.
"Che bella macchina!" and "bravo!" was the cry during test drives in Turin in 2007. The reason for the outbursts of enthusiasm from Italian passers-by was a small vehicle that officially saw the light of day on July 4: the Fiat 500. The more than clearly expressed approval of the Italians already indicated this. The Cinquecento was well received. It soon became clear just how well, because it started a triumphal march, and not just in Italy. Over 3.2 million units were sold worldwide with the promise of "Dolce Vita", among other things. But now it's time to say goodbye. New safety and data protection regulations mean the end.
When Fiat put the 500 in the spotlight on July 4, 2007, it was exactly 50 years after the (Nuova) 500, which was produced between 1957 and 1977, was launched. After a few teething troubles, the almost 3-meter-long little car became a bestseller and the "Volkswagen" in Italy. Even back then, Fiat managed to keep the short four-seater fresh with clever marketing campaigns, new variants, improvements to details and many special models. A total of 3.7 million of the car, also affectionately known as the Topolino (little mouse), rolled off the production lines.
Retro boomed right from the start
The 2007 Fiat 500 got off to anything but a bumpy start. Customer demand exceeded expectations and production figures at the Polish plant in Tychy had to be increased. Nevertheless, there were long waiting times at the beginning. The Fiat designers had hit the mark. Retro elements such as the round headlights, small wheels and shapely curves made the 3.55-meter-long 500 instantly appealing. For sun worshippers, Fiat added the C version with electric folding roof to its range in 2009.
The designers also played the retro card in the interior. A two-tone dashboard and beautiful round instruments were reminiscent of the famous ancestor. Speaking of which: the new edition was also designed as a four-seater. And indeed, the space on offer - even from a modern perspective - is not bad for the shortness of the vehicle. The front is quite comfortable, the rear is more cramped. The biggest challenge is actually getting through to the rear seats. The Fiat 500 is a two-door car.
However, the drive concept of the 500 was not backward-looking, i.e. front-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive and the engine is at the front. Over the years, there was a choice of four-, three- and two-cylinder engines, with power outputs ranging from 69 to 105 hp. A 1.3-liter diesel with 75 and 95 hp was also on offer. As with the ancestor, the sporty Abarth versions (135 hp to 190 hp) provided more liveliness and driving pleasure. Thanks to firmer suspension tuning, the Abarth vehicles could be used for cornering. The normal Cinquecentos were not suitable for this; they were designed for leisurely cruising.
As the company lacked the money for new developments, the successful model was kept fresh. The most important instrument for this were certainly the more than 25 special models that Fiat launched for the subcompact. Many were only included in the price lists for a limited time, some were very rare and intended as collector's items. Like the edition designed by Israeli concept artist Ron Arad with a graphic Fiat 500 silhouette on black paint, of which only 200 were produced. The Tributo Trepiuno edition, which was presented in March, is rarer.
Special models were also used to present new technical achievements. For example, the Cult edition presented in 2014 featured a large TFT monitor as the central display for the first time before it was introduced in the regular models. The Star and Rockstar (2019) focused on the integration of smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The "Vintage" model (2015) with retro-style rims and historic paint colors was visually appealing. Customers were prepared to dig deep into their pockets for this. The normal Fiat 500 was already more expensive than most subcompact cars, and the special models drove prices up even further.
Officially, Fiat refers to nine special models, including the Fiat 500 by Diesel (2008), Fiat 500 by Gucci (2011), Fiat 500 GQ (2013), Fiat 500 Riva (2016), Fiat 500 Anniversario (2017) and the Fiat 500 Dolce Vita (2019). In addition to the references to fashion, the Riva model and - nomen est omen - the Dolce Vita special model in particular conveyed Italian flair and joie de vivre. Beautiful colors and details such as the solid mahogany gear knob and other wooden inlays on the Riva or ivory-colored leather seats and a white-blue fabric top on the Dolce Vita convertible.
That's why the 500 has to go
But the sweet life is coming to an end. At the beginning of July, the Fiat 500's last hour of production comes to an end. The costs were too high to adapt it to the regulations that will apply to all new cars from July 7. These include data security and extended safety features. Especially as the Italians have an alternative in their range in the form of the electric 500e. Only the technology brother Panda received the updates; it is the most important model for Fiat, particularly in price-sensitive markets. However, last-minute 500 buyers will certainly find what they are looking for at their trusted Fiat dealer.
To bid farewell to its successful model, Fiat is once again making historical references and is launching the special "Collezione 1957" model (from €23,950) to mark the anniversary of the historic Cinquecento from 1957. Like the 500 models presented on the day of its premiere 67 years ago, the edition model, limited to 1957 units, is only available with a soft top. Exclusive features include a bicolor paint finish in white and green as well as the beige soft top. A plaque on the center tunnel bears the individual production number. The silhouettes of the "Nuova Cinquecento" from 1957 and the current Fiat 500 can be seen in the rear side windows. This completes the circle of the two vehicles that won over millions of drivers.
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