Fiat has finally rolled out the Fiat 500 in India. The car, which is on the lines of the iconic Fiat 500 of 1957, has in-built safety standards of the highest order: it has bagged a 5-star rating in the gruelling Euro NCAP crash test safety programme, placing it at the very top of its category in terms of safety. This is also the first time a car of this type has been equipped with seven airbags as standard across its entire range.

Two versions of the new 500 – Lounge and Sport – carrying a price tag of around Rs 14.82 lakh (ex-showroom in Delhi) will be available.

Weighing about 130 kg, the 1.3 litre 16v MultiJet – a 1248 cc, 4-cylinder in-line unit with a bore of 69.6 mm and a stroke of 82 mm – is the smallest and among the most advanced second generation Common Rail direct injection turbo diesel.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, CEO, Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd, said, “The launch of the Fiat 500 fits perfectly in the Indian context as the company is going through the process of transformation. We are confident that this car, with it’s stylish looks, economical consumption figures, exceptional safety features and green credentials, will win a place in everyone’s hearts.”

The car will be equipped with “Blue & Me” the voice activated in-car communication system and infotainment. Fiat 500 will be available through the imported CBU (completely built unit) route and the company will facilitate the import of the car to the customer.

Fiat has also made the provision of customizing the car to ensure the exclusivity of every Fiat 500. The launch of the 500 is the ideal pre-cursor to the introduction of the other much-awaited Fiat cars such as Bravo, Linea and the Grande Punto in the Indian market.

In the first phase the Fiat 500 will be sold & distributed by Tatamotors through the new Fiat dealer network in six cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Pune). The car will be made available in eleven colours (Bossa Nova White, Jive Blue, Breakfast Grey, Mod Blue, Crossover Black, Ye Ye Green, Calypso Orange, Cha Cha Cha Azure, Pasodoble Red, Tropicalia Yellow, and Punk Grey)

Also, all Fiat 500 models have speed-sensitive power steering system, which have two operating modes. It uses an electric motor, rather than a hydraulic pump driven by the engine. This gives efficiency in fuel consumption and reduces noise.

There are three specification levels common to the Lounge and Sport. They are:

• ABS anti-lock braking with EBD
• Remote central locking
• Seven airbags
• Electric front windows and door mirrors
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Seat-back pockets
• Radio with MP3-compatible CD player and 6 speakers
• Front passenger under-seat stowage
• Dualdrive electric power steering
• Folding rear seat
• Follow Me Home headlights
• Trip computer

Moreover, the Lounge also has:

• Leather steering wheel with Blue& Me controls
• Blue& Me
• Air conditioning
• Luxury interior trim
• 15" alloy wheels
• Body coloured door mirrors
• Exterior chrome trim
• Glass roof (fixed)
• 50:50 split/folding rear seat with head restraints

Additional features of the Sport include:

• Sports leather steering wheel with Blue&Me controls
• Blue& Me
• Air conditioning
• Sports interior trim
• 15" sports alloy wheels
• Body coloured door mirrors
• Dark tinted rear windows
• Spoiler
• Foglights