Fiat at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show

The entire #500 family of cars which are very diversified by vocation and character but which share the iconic #fiat #500 as common matrix will be on show.

Absolute star will be the New #500, with which #fiat is preparing to face future market challenges while remaining true to its own deep roots.

The New #500 offers an exclusive opportunity called 'Second Skin' for customising the bodywork of the car with a distinctly unique livery. 

The innovative UconnectTM infotainment system with 5” screen is being introduced on the new model. The Lounge trim model includes Uconnect™ LIVE services free for five years.

The new 1.3 Multijet 95 HP Euro 6 engine, which will be debuting on the iconic #fiat, stands out for being high-performing and environment-friendly: CO2 emissions are only 89 grams per kilometre.

Spotlights will also be trained on #500x, the Italian-made #crossover which will not cease to attract visitors by displaying its metropolitan and off-road personalities.

Focus will also be on the #500l, the car which took inspiration from the iconic #500 and is an emotional reinterpretation of the compact vehicle category for the modern family.

The stand will host an area dedicated to merchandising and exclusive accessories made in collaboration with Mopar.

Fiat is returning to Frankfurt with an exciting #500 line-up featuring the entire family: the New #500 which was introduced in Turin last July, the #500x #crossover which is gaining excellent results in terms of appreciation and sales, and the #500l which is the market leader in its segment. The cars have very diverse vocations and characters but share the same common matrix: the iconic #500.

New #fiat 500

Star of the stand will be the New #fiat #500, with which #fiat is preparing to face future market challenges while remaining true to its own deep roots. Created by the Centro Stile #fiat, the car has a refreshed exterior and interior design which is unmistakably #500 and even more attractive. It has not grown in size but it is packed with more technology, engine versions and customisation ideas: the icon has evolved and refined the features which have turned it into a masterpiece even further.

No fewer than nine versions will be on show. There will be two convertibles. The first is a brand-new 'Corallo Red' paint job and beige top and the second white with a red top fitting the new 1.3 Multijet 95HP Euro 6 turbo diesel engine, for the first time ever. The small diesel engine stands out for its remarkable performance and fuel-efficiency. More importantly, it reaches the goal of being environment-friendly because it emits only 89 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The same engine is fitted on the black New #500 Lounge also on show.

The 'Opera Burgundy' colour of the Lounge trim level, which fits a 1.2 litre 69 HP petrol engine and Dualogic robotised gearbox, is new too. Five cars show off another interesting characteristic opportunity of New #500, which will certainly amaze and fire the imagination of everyone who loves to stand out in the crowd. 'Second skin' is its name. It is an exclusive customisation which allows to transfer one's own personality onto the car body. 

The nine cars showcase the various interior combinations: Glen plaid and ivory or coral piping (an olive green variant is also available) with contrasting black or ivory eco-leather head restraints and crescents. Five cars sport exclusive Frau leather upholsteries, black, burgundy and tobacco, respectively, with the contrasting ivory #500 badge embroidered on the crescent.

Finally, the refreshed dashboard boldly carries an innovative UconnectTMinfotainment system with 5” screen, which already on the Pop trim level, includes radio, six speakers, controls on the steering wheel, AUX-IN and USB ports. Standard equipment of the New #500 Lounge includes Bluetooth hands-free feature, Uconnect™ 5” Radio LIVE touchscreen implementing a wide range of functions, such as Uconnect™ LIVE for five years and many music options in addition to FM/AM radio.

Fiat 500X
The #500x will not cease to attract visitors: three cars, two sporting the off-road Cross Plus trim level with special bumpers, protective shields and four-wheel drive and one showcasing the Lounge trim level features, which expresses the more metropolitan personality of the #fiat #crossover, will be on display. 

The first four-wheel drive Cross Plus, with Amore Red three-coat paint, fits a powerful 1.4 MultiAir 170 HP and an innovative nine-speed automatic transmission for achieving the perfect balance between driving comfort and sporty feel, guaranteeing outstanding pick-up and smooth torque delivery. By its side is a #500x Cross Plus with Amalfi Yellow three-coat paint, a powerful 2.0 Multijet II 140 HP, six-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive.

The third #500x Lounge is equipped with the 1.4 MultiAir 140 HP engine and a dual clutch sequential automatic transmission. It is outfitted with selected accessories made by Mopar, the reference brand for services, Customer Care, genuine spare parts and accessories for FCA brands. In particular, it fits a 'Chrome Xtra' pack, which includes elegant chrome elements, such as the door mouldings, fog light frames and the external mirror covers. The overall effect is enhanced by the Cargo Organiser which increases versatility in the boot, special carpets and tyre valves sporting the #fiat badge. This is a small yet significant example of the wide collection of Mopar accessories created especially for the new #fiat #crossover in order to make it even more distinctive.

Fiat 500L

The #500 family line-up is complemented by the model which combines the iconic #500 style with the functionality of Fiat's design tradition. This special alchemy has resulted in the 'City Lounge Fiat', a new approach to a #citycar which is an emotional reformulation of the compact vehicle category for the modern family.

Visitors to Frankfurt will see the Beats EditionTM special series with two-colour paintwork and the Trekking sporting an exclusive Tuscany Green paint job. The brilliant 1.4 16v T-Jet 120 HP engine equipping the first #500l is the ideal solution for easy handling in city traffic and keeping operating costs down: thus equipped, the car reaches a top speed of 189 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 in 10.2 seconds. 

The #fiat #500l Beats EditionTM fits a sound system for unique listening characterised by excellent sounds which will revolutionise the way of experiencing music in cars. 

 On the outside, the car has an elegant grey paintwork with a black roof and red and satin-chrome accents for a fresh metropolitan, modern look. The same features are found inside with a total black ambiance with black fabric and eco-leather upholstery and red stitching.

There will also be a #500l Trekking 1.3 Multijet 95 HP at the stand. This model has two perfectly integrated personalities which cross over on a daily basis: a stylish metropolitan one for carefree urban enjoyment and a more assertive one, which is ideal for weekends with family and friends. The car on show features a new Tuscany Green livery with two-colour white roof and is packed with a selection of Mopar accessories picked to accentuate its two-fold spirit, like handy boot lining, a jacket hook behind the head restraints, a fragrance dispenser and a special sill plate. Finally, the car can be made even more practical with roof bars on which a bicycle rack, a ski rack a windsurf rack or a roof box can be fitted.

The #fiat stand 

The stand in Frankfurt will be welcoming visitors with typical Italian elegance and style. Its eye-catching design is flowing and harmonic. Gazes are attracted to the centre where the New #500 is proudly showcased together with other cars in the #500 line-up, in what can only be described as a symbolic embrace to welcome the newest addition to the #fiat family. From the front, visitors can appreciate all the cars on show while videos are projected on the large screen. By means of a clever combination of full spaces and voids, the background conveys a feeling of solidity and enveloping protection. The same which is felt at the wheel of a #fiat. 

A selection of merchandising and exclusive #fiat accessories made in collaboration with Mopar, the reference brand for services, Customer Care, genuine spare parts and accessories for FCA brands, will be presented in a dedicated area of the stand.

Finally, through brochures and dedicated material at the stand, visitors can learn more about the products of FCA Bank, a financing company specialised in the automotive sector. The company operates on the main European markets and in Germany with FCA Bank Deutschland GmbH with a solemission: to support automotive sales for all FCA brands by offering innovative financial products complete with added-value services dedicated to the dealer network, private customers and companies.

New #fiat 500

Last year #fiat introduced the New #500, the car created to tackle new market challenges while remaining true to its own deep roots, which trace back to 1957. It was in that year on the same day that the #fiat #500 was launched. The ‘great little car’ and emblem of mass motorisation in Italy, of which nearly 3.8 million were sold, would go on to become firmly established in collective imaginary. Fifty years later, in 2007, #fiat chose to capitalise on that heritage and drive into the future: the new #500 was born and it was an immediate success.

Eight years late and with more than 1.5 million sold, the baton is taken up by the New #500. Created by the Centro Stile #fiat, the car has a refreshed exterior and interior design which is unmistakably #500 and even more attractive. It has not grown in size but it is packed with more technology, engine versions and customisation ideas: only in this way can the icon evolve and refine the features which have turned it into a masterpiece even further.

Available in two versions (saloon and convertible), the New #500 has three trim levels, available according to markets: Pop, Popstar and Lounge. Standard equipment again includes seven airbags, Uconnect Radio 5" with six speakers, AUX-IN and USB ports, controls on the steering wheel and LED daytime running lights. Equipment will include the climate control system in Italy. The Lounge version features additional exclusive details, like a panoramic glass sunroof, 15” alloy rims, Uconnect Radio 5” LIVE touchscreen and leather steering wheels with controls allowing to integrate a smartphone, use many apps on the onboard system and stay connected. 

Audacious and seductive, the New #500 has no fewer than 1,900 innovative details, all designed to enhance originality and make its style even more refined at the same time. New are the front headlights with LED daytime running lights, the rear light clusters, the colour palette, the dashboard, the materials: the updates are substantial but loyal to the unmistakable #500 style. Not by chance, the iconic #fiat is the manifest of a new concept of mobility and a 'soft' revolution on the world's roads because it combines apparently opposite values.

So, today the New #500 is refreshed under the sign of aesthetic continuity and technological evolution. This is the magical formula of being #500, the only model capable of coherently blending opposites: it is exclusive, yet accessible; it is a global best-seller with a quintessentially Italian heart; it is an elegant product which is also packed with fun. It is very personal although over 1,500,000 units have been sold. What is more, the New #500 combines technology and sentiment to reassert itself as the benchmark in its segment from all points of view. 

Engines

The New #500 is propelled by a range of brilliant but fuel-efficient engines, which are even more environment-friendly, as demonstrated by the Euro 6 type-approval. Combined with five or six speed mechanical gearboxes or a Dualogic robotised transmission, the available engine line-up includes a 1.2 litre 69 HP, the TwinAir 85 HP or 105 HP, a two-cylinder 1.2 litre 69 HP EasyPower (LPG/petrol) and a 1.3 Multijet 95 HP turbo diesel, which is debuting at the Motor Show. 

The latter is the best of today's small diesel engineering technology: it emits only 89 grams of CO2 per kilometre and meets Euro 6 standards while guaranteeing outstanding performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 10.7” seconds and the top speed is 180 km/h. It is also fuel-efficient and eco-friendly: 3.4 litres of diesel are needed for 100 kilometres. Finally, a little record: the New #500 is the only car in its segment, together with #fiat Panda, to offer a diesel engine.

The TwinAir 0.9 cm3 is available in two versions: 85 HP and 105 HP. The first has a fuel consumption of 3.8 litres/100km with emissions lower than 90 g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle: these remarkable results demonstrate the efficacy of the real, accessible technological solutions made available by #fiat to the general public to provide the best possible in terms of benefits for the environment and running efficiency. Like the TwinAir engine, which is a practical example of how technology can reduce fuel consumption and emissions at accessible costs.

The New #500 range will be expanded after the launch with the 1.2 litre 69 HP in 'Eco' configuration. The latter fits a smart alternator, a specific aerodynamic pack and new 14”, 15” or 16” tyres which guarantee low rolling resistance and high resistance to wear. These evolutions as a whole translate into real savings on running costs and a sustainable environment impact. One number for all: the CO2 emissions total only 99 grams per kilometre.

Exterior design

The New #500 is compact: it is 357 centimetres long, 163 centimetres wide, 149 centimetres high and has a 230 centimetre wheelbase. The design of the front and rear ends has been changed while remaining true to itself. The exterior style of the New #500 express all the distinctive elements which have characterised the model since the 1950s and today reasserts its identity fitting technologically advanced, complete solutions.

The most obvious reference to the past is in the upper headlights – which are still circular but have a more dynamic slant to convey the look of a more audacious gaze – together with the lower cluster, which combines LED technology for the daytime running lights and the 'whiskers and badge' set. Today, the upper headlights implement an innovative polyellptical module for clear night vision and extra safety: its 'eyes' are always open on the road. The dipped beam headlights and direction indicators are built into the cluster. The lower light cluster integrates the main beam headlights, the daytime running lights and the LED side lights, which follow its circular profile. The effect graphically reproduces the zeros of #500. The New #500 will stand out even in the dark with its unmistakable traits.

The bonnet has preserved its enveloping shape folding down onto the sides: this typical #500 style element is complemented by the front end with the very harmonious, classic trapezoidal nose sporting the elegant chrome-plated 'whiskers'. Today, the ribbing is bolder and the auxiliary air vent has a three-dimensional grille, with chrome-plated 'buttons' on the Lounge version, to convey an agreeable appearance. At the same time, robustness and strong personality are emphasised by chrome-plated badges which direct the eye to the wheel arches. In this way, the New #500 is even more expressive and has a seductive gaze.

The profile is still soft and round and gives the New #500 a cheeky look that sparks a smile of complicity when tackling congested city traffic, small spaces and frenetic lifestyles. With a characteristic appealing shape, the car has a large side window, minimum overhang and a very short bonnet. Additionally, the belt line slants forward slightly to enhance robustness.

The rear end has a large characteristically shaped chrome-plated handle that is reminiscent of the number plate light of the first #fiat #500 and today fits exclusive new light clusters. It is the only car in its segment to fit 'empty' light clusters – a ring-shaped structure which lets the body colour transpire from the middle – housing the light modules shaped to follow the sinuous profile of the car body degrading from the rear window to the new bumper. In this manner, light emerges from the body drawing nothing short of a 'light tattoo'. The rear fog lights and reversing light are arranged underneath at the ends of a black or chrome-plated thin, dynamic-looking grille. This division is functional and guarantees greater light efficiency.

New design alloy rims – 15” and 16” also diamond-finished – are also available. The colour palette features 13 body paints (seven pastel, one three-coat and five metallised), featuring the new Corallo Red and Opera Burgundy. Two striking black-yellow and black-red variants are also available in combination with 'Second Skin', an exclusive customisation offered by the New #500 to satisfy the most different moods and creative needs. Everyone can tailor the #500 they want and dress it with forever new looks. Walking into a dealership will be a bit like walking into a high-end fashion house. 

Like a garment, like a second skin

The New #500 offers a further outstanding opportunity which will not cease to surprise and stimulate imagination and flair while respecting the spontaneous congeniality that the iconic #fiat has always triggered. 'Second skin' is its name. It is an exclusive customisation which allows to transfer one's own personality onto the car body with typical Italian style and elegance.

Customers can pick the 'Small' version,featuring a geometric, trendy ethic pattern along the belt line, while the 'Medium' solution includes pillars and roof – and in some cases also the bonnet and tailgate – with four patterns: 'Lord' (classic tartan), 'Comics' (pop decoration) in combination with the new two-colour body paintwork, 'Navy' (fresh and breezy) and 'Camouflage' (fashionably military). Not unlike a tailor-made garment, the 'second skin'collection of the New #500 is an invitation for everyone to express their unique personality by picking a uniquely distinctive style.

The interiors
The interiors are all new, starting from the dashboard design: it now integrates the innovative Uconnect infotainment with 5” screen (touchscreen on Lounge) for outstanding visibility harmoniously inserted in a carefully designed, ergonomic whole. As a whole, it is new and high-tech but still unmistakably #500.

The passenger compartment is still enveloping, protective and packed with small details, full of references to the past re-interpreted in a modern key and embellished with exclusive materials. In this perspective, the buttons and dome over the dashboard are redesigned, like the steering wheel: today, the controls are more versatile and complete and the chrome-plated edging adds a precious touch. More in detail, the passenger compartment of the New #500 is the epitome of complete, modern, ergonomic equipment and design inspired by the classic #500.

The steering column is characterised by concentric circle dial instruments to have all parameters available at a glance: the speedometer is on the outer crown and the tachometer is arranged underneath. The onboard computer information, with the digital fuel gauge and coolant thermometer, appear in the middle.

Worth mentioning is the innovative instrument panel with 7'' TFT display (available on demand), developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli, the international leader in the design and manufacturing of high-tech automotive systems and components. The device supplies thespeedometer, tachometer and trip computer data to the driver immediately and simultaneously. Moreover, the central section of the display – sporting an image of the car – can be configured by choosing which trip computer data to show, such as distance travelled, instant fuel consumption, range, trip time. Highly visible are also the warning messages, such as doors open, temperature, etc. and the 'GSI' (Gear Shift Indicator) system indicator, which advises when to shift gear to maximise fuel-efficiency by switching on a specific symbol. 

Everything is perfectly integratedwith the Uconnect™ 5” Radio LIVE and Uconnect™ 5” Radio Nav LIVE allowing to use the media player, telephone and navigator on the same screen. Additionally, the LCD screen shows the Sport button activation signal on the 105 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engine version.

This element, together with the central console and the radio-vent unit, comes in two possible colours, ivory or black, to enhance the vintage or sporty character of the car. Incidentally, the new instrument panel of the New #500 is the ideal combination of retro look and modern technology.

New chrome-plated accents stand out on a harmonious whole, which is pleasant to touch and to look at but is practical at the same time: there are plenty of cleverly arranged object compartments and the controls on the steering wheel are standard on all versions. Also standard are the air conditioning system and the novel air vents with parallel fins for accurate air direction and flow rate adjustment.

The upper part of the body conveys sophistication and personality underlined by the central fascia which picks up the body colour, while the lower part is super-functional with capacious new object compartments. The gear lever is positioned on the dashboard for easy operation and looks like a sophisticated mechanical component, with chrome-plated parts and an efficient knob, which can be glossy black or chrome-plated according to the versions. The set of most frequently used buttons is inspired by the warning lights and levers of the classic #500. They are easy to identify and immediate to use.

The upholstery is available in nine colour combinations. Guaranteeing all the comfort you could possibly wish, the new seats are made with even more ergonomic materials and designed to facilitate passenger access to the rear seats. Seats for the for Pop trim level include tone-on-tone Chevron patterns while those for the Lounge version feature Glen plaid with ivory, olive green or coral accents and piping, contrasting head restraints and black or ivory eco-leather crescent. Optional is black, burgundy or tobacco Frau leather upholstery with #500 logo embroidered on the crescent with contrasting ivory or light blue crescents for the burgundy seats.

The rear seat is very comfortable for two passengers and picks up the design of the front seats. What is more, the upper contour of the backrest emerges from the upper edge to provide more support and shape the backrest more ergonomically and emphasise the actually available space. On the Lounge version, the 50/50 back seat can be split and folded to adapt to all loading needs in the best way.

The new concept upholstery and panels convey the impression of authentic, outstanding quality of the model at a glance. In detail, the door panels are decorated with contrasting upholstery matching the seats and plastic structure integrating a capacious object compartment and the speakers. Finally, the chrome-plated hook-shaped door handles are reminiscent of a key element of the classic #500.

Furthermore, despite its compact size, careful design and clever storage compartment distribution make the new model very spacious. There are two compartments on the dashboard for the passenger and the driver (passenger's compartment is now closed by a flap), compartments in the door panels and a compartment near the gear lever. Finally, the boot is generous: 185 litres which can become 550 by folding the rear backrest. Furthermore, the New #500 has a low threshold to facilitate loading objects.

There is something else which you cannot see but which is immediately perceivable and appreciable: the car fits new soundproofing panels in the wheelhouse and firewall making the passenger compartment even more comfortable and silent.

UconnectTM System 

The large screen of the UconnectTM system stands out in the middle of the dashboard of the New #500, between the air vents arranged lower than on the previous version. On the Pop trim level, the system includes radio, six speakers, controls on the steering wheel and AUX-IN and USB ports.

The New #500 Lounge offers Uconnect™ 5” Radio LIVE touchscreen, the next frontier of infotainment, as standard equipment. This system implements a wide range of functions, like Uconnect™ LIVE services as standards for five years, Bluetooth hands-free system, voice recognition and plenty of music options in addition to FM/AM radio. The driver can connect multimedia devices via USB or using the 3.5mm auxiliary input (Jack) or can stream music via Bluetooth using a compatible smartphone. DAB digital radio is available on demand. The system is provided with SMS reader for reading text messages received on compatible telephones using 'text to speech' technology.

Uconnect ™ LIVE services, which are included in the price of the car, are now making their debut on the New #500. The Uconnect™ LIVE app can be downloaded from Apple Store or Google Play Store on a smartphone. As soon as the smartphone is connected to the New #500 Lounge, many applications can be viewed and controlled on the touchscreen of the UconnectTM system. The apps have be redesigned and adapted for use while driving to keep concentrated on the road. Uconnect™ LIVE will be gradually available in many countries across Europe; today, it is available in Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg Ireland, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark, Sweden and Finland on Uconnect™ 5” Radio and Radio Nav for Android and iOS smartphones. 

Uconnect™ LIVE allows direct access on the touchscreen to TuneIn Internet radio, with over 100,000 stations worldwide, Deezer Internet music, with over 35 million tracks for ’Deezer Premium‘ users, Reuters, to remain updated on the most recent world news, and Facebook and Twitter, to keep in touch with friends. Finally, it can also be used to access eco:Drive, the award winning driving style app which allows to slash fuel consumption by up to 16% and contributes to reducing CO2 emissions by providing driving tips in real time.

Uconnect™ LIVE connects directly to my:Car with real time warnings, service deadline memos and an interactive owner handbook to manage car maintenance as best as possible. When a smartphone is connected via Bluetooth, the most important warnings are transferred to the Uconnect™ LIVE personal account to make servicing easy as never before.

Finally, Uconnect™ 5” Radio Nav LIVE with integrated TomTom 2.5D navigator and voice controls is available on demand. Navigating even the most complicated crossroads and junctions is easy with powerful features like the advanced lane indicator. Additionally, the TomTom IQ Routes® function is the most simple way to calculate the fastest route based on real clocked average speeds. Turn-by-turn instructions can be safely displayed on the instrument panel when other functions are working on the radio.

Uconnect™ LIVE with TomTom LIVE services
Uconnect™ 5’’ Radio Nav LIVE includes TomTom Live services with voice controls and high-quality traffic information to make every trip more efficient with the Uconnect LIVE app. New #500 drivers can now experience the connected navigation quality of TomTom and latch onto the world's biggest source of traffic information. UconnectTM suggests the fastest routes and the most accurate estimated arrival times, in addition to real time information on traffic conditions, users can also benefit from the information on the location of fixed and mobile speed traps (where available) and real-time weather forecasts. Finally, with TomTom Search & Go users can run searches by category or type, like petrol stations or supermarkets, and be directed there.

Turin, 15 September 2015