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Fiat is taking orders now for what will be the hottest fashion item for the coming summer - the new Fiat 500C, the open top version of Fiat's Bambino, the car that has already captured hearts and, thanks to it's green credentials, minds, around the world.
"The interest in the open top Fiat 500C has already proven as strong as it has been for the normal Fiat 500," explains Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager for Fiat in Australia. "So we have opened up the order books now, so everyone who wants to be seen in the chicest car this summer can be ready to take their top off the moment summer arrives!"
The new Fiat 500C is available now to order in two versions, both equipped with the 1.4 litre 74kW engine with a choice of manual or DuaLogic gearboxes, with deliveries starting in early January.
Fiat's 1.4 litre 16v engine delivers 74 kW at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 131 Nm at 4,250 rpm. Developed with strong performance and low consumption in mind, this engine puts the Fiat 500C at the top of it's class, with a top speed of 182 kph and 0-100 kph acceleration in just 10.5 seconds. Fuel economy is impressive too: in the combined cycle, the 1.4 litre achieved 6.3L/100 kph. With 74 kW available, this compact car is capable of lively performance and quick responses in city traffic.
"The 500C has been the car to be seen in during the European summer this year, and the demand, like that for it's solid roof cousin, has run well ahead of supply. With limited numbers coming to Australia and existing pent-up interest, we can expect the demands to run ahead of supply here too, so now is the time to start planning for chic open top motoring this summer!"
Starting from the basis of the highly successful hatchback, the introduction of a soft top version does not change the winning characteristics of this model, such as its four comfortable seats and its comprehensive safety equipment, but it does add new functions that heighten enjoyment, including easy access to the boot even when the soft top is fully open, thanks to a clever system of parallelogram hinges.
If the soft top is down and the boot release is activated, an electronic system automatically lifts the hood a few centimetres to allow the boot to be fully opened. This functional and neat solution contributes to the fact that the Fiat 500C is the best in class for ease and versatility of loading and unloading. The luggage compartment itself,(with a capacity of 182 litres) together with a traditional upwards-opening boot and wide access, is spacious and easy to load.
Another strong point of this original convertible version is its exceptional climate and acoustic comfort. Thorough aerodynamic research means that turbulence experienced on the move with the roof open has been reduced to a minimum, allowing full enjoyment of fresh air and the company of fellow passengers.
The new Fiat 500C has an exclusive feel to its interior, which is embellished with top quality desirable fabrics, including optional Frau leather upholstery, and a long list of standard features: from automatic climate control to the innovative Blue&Me telematics system.
Structurally derived from the Fiat 500 hatchback (the first car under four metres to receive a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating), the Fiat 500C retains all the safety features (active and passive) that justifiably place it among the market's best-in-class.
For example, with seven air bags offered as standard equipment, (two front, two window, two side and onw knee bag) the Fiat 500C is unrivalled in its segment in terms of passive safety. Furthermore, the new car's stable and efficient braking system combined with its responsive acceleration and reliable handling allows it to emerge unscathed from emergency situations.
The Fiat 500C uses sophisticated technical solutions to ensure that the driver is in control of the car (active safety): such as ABS anti-locking braking with electronic brake distribution (EBD); an advanced electronic stability program (ESP); anti-slip regulation (ASR), a Hill Holder system - which helps the driver with hill starts - and a hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) to help with emergency stops.
Moreover, to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers, the Fiat 500C has a body designed according to the latest crash resistance criteria. This is the first super-compact car equipped with a front end structure specifically designed to improve inter-vehicle compatibility in head-on collisions, with a rigid cabin to protect the occupants and high-absorption zones on the outside.
In short, as an expression of Italy's pre-eminent automotive design, the Fiat 500C is not merley a super-compare city car, but a real platform upon which Fiat Group Automobiles is building a whole family of cars with advanced technology and great attention to detail. The new Fiat 500C represents another step forward in this direction.
If you would like any more information on the Fiat 500C please contact Gulson Canberra Alfa Romeo and Fiat on 02 6280 4440 or Italy@gulson.com.au
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