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18th
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An itty-bitty, Old World car in the great big New World; the Fiat 500 has been trying to win the hearts of North American drivers since its introduction in 2011.
With a small engine capacity, miniature volume and a small amount of room for backseat passengers, the 2013 version of the Fiat 500 somehow still manages to be bigger and bolder. And it's not just physical size: Both power and equipment in the 2013 Fiat 500 have been ramped up, as well. Fiat now offers a little more to whet the market's appetite: a new Turbo version is due to appear on the scene and will produce 135 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, complete with more powerful brakes, plus sportier suspension and looks. It fills the slot between the 101 hp Sport and 160 hp Abarth versions.
For the 2013 model, it's also hold-onto-your-hats time for audiophiles who get to experience the premium Beats By Dr. Dre sound system made up of six speakers and an 8” subwoofer. Aside from this option, an Alpine system will replace Bose on all 2013 Fiat 500 models.
Powering this dimunitive dynamo is last year's 4-cylinder, 1.4L engine with an output of 101 hp and 98 lb-ft of torque. The 5-speed manual gearbox in the 2013 Fiat 500 has a slightly taller final drive, aimed at improving fuel economy. And that means ratings from 6.7/5.1L/100 km to 6.4/4.9L/100 km city/highway to better compete with the likes of Scion iQ, Chevrolet Spark and smart fortwo.
For those who love the look of Italian design, Fiat repeats the many customized options for the 2013 version of the 500. With hundreds of accessories available across a variety of trims, you can really personalize your little joyride. With such a wide selection of colours (15 in all) and trim choices, Fiat's designers have put style and pizzazz up front.
Among other changes, it's nice to see the availability of leather seating for the 2013 Fiat 500 Sport , as well as more robust carpeting and a denser sunshade.
For the bottom of the range Fiat 500 (the Pop) you'll pay $15,995 which includes fabric seats and 15” steel wheels. The Fiat 500 Sport can be yours for $18,595 and comes with sport seats and 16” alloy wheels. You can get your hands on the Lounge from $19,595 with leather seats. The Pop and Lounge versions of the Fiat 500c convertibles retail for $19,995 and $22,995 respectively. Finally, the top of the line Fiat 500 Abarth starts at $23,995. We're still waiting for prices on the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbocharged models.
Made at their plant in Toluca, Mexico (which Fiat has taken advantage of since its repurchase by Chrysler during the 2009 financial crisis) the Fiat 500 has been scheduled for an annual production run of 50,000 units. As the little train that could, sales have been steadily picking up steam since a sluggish start in 2011. Indeed, its popularity has climbed almost 30% in Canada in 2012 alone.
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With a small engine capacity, miniature volume and a small amount of room for backseat passengers, the 2013 version of the Fiat 500 somehow still manages to be bigger and bolder. And it's not just physical size: Both power and equipment in the 2013 Fiat 500 have been ramped up, as well. Fiat now offers a little more to whet the market's appetite: a new Turbo version is due to appear on the scene and will produce 135 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, complete with more powerful brakes, plus sportier suspension and looks. It fills the slot between the 101 hp Sport and 160 hp Abarth versions.
For the 2013 model, it's also hold-onto-your-hats time for audiophiles who get to experience the premium Beats By Dr. Dre sound system made up of six speakers and an 8” subwoofer. Aside from this option, an Alpine system will replace Bose on all 2013 Fiat 500 models.
Powering this dimunitive dynamo is last year's 4-cylinder, 1.4L engine with an output of 101 hp and 98 lb-ft of torque. The 5-speed manual gearbox in the 2013 Fiat 500 has a slightly taller final drive, aimed at improving fuel economy. And that means ratings from 6.7/5.1L/100 km to 6.4/4.9L/100 km city/highway to better compete with the likes of Scion iQ, Chevrolet Spark and smart fortwo.
For those who love the look of Italian design, Fiat repeats the many customized options for the 2013 version of the 500. With hundreds of accessories available across a variety of trims, you can really personalize your little joyride. With such a wide selection of colours (15 in all) and trim choices, Fiat's designers have put style and pizzazz up front.
Among other changes, it's nice to see the availability of leather seating for the 2013 Fiat 500 Sport , as well as more robust carpeting and a denser sunshade.
For the bottom of the range Fiat 500 (the Pop) you'll pay $15,995 which includes fabric seats and 15” steel wheels. The Fiat 500 Sport can be yours for $18,595 and comes with sport seats and 16” alloy wheels. You can get your hands on the Lounge from $19,595 with leather seats. The Pop and Lounge versions of the Fiat 500c convertibles retail for $19,995 and $22,995 respectively. Finally, the top of the line Fiat 500 Abarth starts at $23,995. We're still waiting for prices on the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbocharged models.
Made at their plant in Toluca, Mexico (which Fiat has taken advantage of since its repurchase by Chrysler during the 2009 financial crisis) the Fiat 500 has been scheduled for an annual production run of 50,000 units. As the little train that could, sales have been steadily picking up steam since a sluggish start in 2011. Indeed, its popularity has climbed almost 30% in Canada in 2012 alone.
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| Finally, the top of the line Fiat 500 Abarth starts at $23,995. (Photo: Fiat) |