The two-door lifestyle model from Fiat, the Fiat 500, was launched in India at a ceremony in Mumbai on 18th July 2008.
It would be available in two variants in the Indian market. The Fiat 500 a 4-cylinder, in line engine that delivers 75bhp@4000rpm & the 1248cc Common Rail Multijet direct injection with supercharger and intercooler engine which is capable of producing a peak torque of 145Nm@1500rpm.
Though a small car it DOESN'T come under the class of so called "SMALL CAR" in India.
The car competes with the likes of Volkswagen Beetle and BMW built Mini Cooper, yet another retro designed lifestyle car in Europe. The fight will continue in India as well as BMW is planning to bring the Mini to India too. Volkswagen is believed soon to follow.
"We expect to sell the Fiat 500 to people who want to make an automotive statement but don't want to show-off with another big limousine," the Fiat spokesperson added. "We expect it to be a hit with the celebrity circuit and trendsetters in the metros since they are aware of the value a genuine lifestyle statement the 500 makes."
Though only 3.55 metres long, the New Fiat 500 is safer than some of the bigger cars and has already received a five star rating in EuroNCAP tests. The car features seven airbags (an industry first for a car in its class) including a knee-bag. All cars feature electronic stability programme - yet another luxury car feature.
Fiat 500 is going to be sold here as a completely built unit (CBU) and would be made available in two versions; Lounge and Sport. Both the versions are priced at Rs 14,82,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Here is the official site if you want to take a look
http://www.fiat-india.com/
