Page 119 - Monaco Economy 119

Fiat 500 Test Drive
The Chic Electro Choc

The 3 generation Fiat 500 makes its appearance with a huge
rd
bang as it is 100% electric, and only electric. Its starting price
is € 24,500 before the ecological bonus.

Since its launch 63 95 or 118 HP and a range of 190 or 320 km
years ago, the first The 500 is available in two versions. The basic model (the one priced at
generation Fiat 500 €24,500) is equipped with a 95 HP electric motor, enabling acceleration
has rapidly become an icon, combining mobility and freedom. The second from 0 to 100 km per hour in 9.5 seconds with a top speed of 135 km
generation, launched in 2007, has capitalized on the nostalgia of the sixties per hour. Its energy is supplied by a 23.8 kW lithium-ion battery with an
with it’s cool style oozing with charm, and has even become a fashion average range of 190 km which can go up to 257 km for urban use only.
icon that has given birth to more than 30 special series. The more the The other model has an 118 HP engine (top speed 150 km/h) accompanied
years have passed, the more the price has increased and the more it has by a 42 kW battery for an average range of 320 km or 460 km in town.
broken all sales records. So much so that the 500 has become a brand Three operating modes are available to suit more or less energy efficient
in its own right, with Fiat keeping a low profile so as not to disrupt the driving. As part of the standard equipment an 85 kW charging system
euphoria of goose that lays the golden eggs. It is in this context that the replenishes 80% of the battery in 35 minutes. Five minutes of charging
third generation has appeared on the scene, and though it resembles its is sufficient to drive 50 kilometres.
predecessor, everything has changed.
The most expensive ... and the most sold
An even more striking look With its battery placed in the floor, the 500 has a very low centre of
So here is the new 500, 500% new because it has been totally revised and gravity and therefore the balance is perfect when it takes corners. It is
is more advanced technologically, and above all it is 100% electric. It is impossible to remain silent about the sound warning for pedestrians
more comfortable and more spacious as it is wider and 6 cm longer (3.63 which is compulsory from 20 km per hour, since it is the music of the
m now) with a wheelbase that is 2 cm longer and it has larger wheels. film Amarcord by Nino Rota, in true Dolce Vita style.
It affirms its character on the exterior by distinguishing itself from the Equipped with an 118 HP engine, the 500 comes in three different
parent brand with a distinctive 500 logo mounted on the front facade in categories with the price ranging from € 27,500 to € 34,900. €3,000 must
the place of the Fiat logo. The front is straighter, as on the 1957 version, be added for the Cabriolet version and €2,000 for the 3 + 1 version, the
the headlights are still round but are cut off by the hood, making the car model that has a small additional door on the passenger side to make
look as if it has eyebrows. The door handles have practically disappeared it easier to get into the back. The must-have to impress girlfriends and
and a simple notch opens the doors electrically. pump up the bill ... which is of no importance when it comes to buying
a 500. A star is priceless!
More space and more technology
The interior of the new 500 is totally new.
There are many reminders of the past, such
as the minimalist dashboard with only a few
buttons, the iconic circular central display and
the steering wheel which still has two handles.
A modular storage unit is located between the
front seats where the gearshift used to be.
There is more room in the back for passengers
and the volume of the luggage compartment
remains unchanged (185 liters). The 500 is
clearly extremely high tech with a system
whereby the smartphone can be integrated in
mirror mode, and the large central touch screen
is equipped with wireless navigation, Apple
CarPlay /Android Auto.

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