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Fiat has chosen Geneva as the stage on wh
ich to give the international press a first glimpse of the complete Tipo family, winner of the prestigious Autobest “Best Buy Car” award for 2016.
The 4-door sedan will be joined by the all-new 5-door and Station Wagon versions, a statement signed in Midrand has said.
Further novelties, according to the statement obtained by AUTO REPORT AFRICA, include the new 124 Spider, which is already on pre-order in the main markets of the EMEA region, and a Show Car based on the Fullback pick-up, which was designed for drivers who love spending their free time in a dynamic and cool way.
The 500 family will be out in force with the New 500 in the new “S” trim level, the 500X SUV, which continues to surge in popularity and sales volume, and the 500L, which is the market leader in its segment. The cars have very diverse vocations and characters but share the same common matrix: the iconic 500.
There is even room for the traditionally stylish and comfortable Panda, complete with a cameo from “Kung Fu Panda”, a fun Show Car inspired by the third installment of the eponymous animated film from DreamWorks.
The Tipo family
Since its world première at the Istanbul Motor Show in May 2015 and its presentation to the international press last November, the Fiat Tipo has collected the prestigious Autobest “Best Buy Car 2016” award, chosen by a jury of 26 journalists from the most authoritative European car magazines.
This accolade underlines the model’s standout traits of design, quality, comfort and versatility and rewards an exceptional offering that is squarely focused on value for money, a crucial concept in Fiat’s functional family strategy, as summed up by the slogan “You don’t need much to get a lot”.
The debut of the two new models at the Geneva Motor Show completes the Tipo line-up, which represents Fiat’s return to the small car segment. It is a simple and comprehensive offering that targets the heart of the market with the Tipo 5-door and Tipo Station Wagon versions.
The stand will exhibit a 4-door sedan in metallic Maestro Grey paintwork with Lounge trim level and the turbo diesel 1.6 MultiJet II Euro 6 88 KW. The model is already proving to be commercially successful, with around 20,000 orders taken in the first two months since its launch.
The Tipo range is completed by the 5-door and Station Wagon versions, which are also shown with Lounge trim level. The Fiat Tipo 5-door will be unveiled in two variants: the 1.6 MultiJet II Euro 6 88 KW in metallic Amore Red livery and the 1.6 MultiJet II 88 KW with automatic dual clutch transmission for the model in metallic Cinema Black. The Station Wagon will be shown in two versions with metallic Mediterraneo Blue and Colosseo Grey livery and Euro 6 certified 88 KW engines under their bonnets, specifically the modern 1.6 MultiJet II diesel with automatic dual clutch transmission and the 1.4 T-Jet petrol engine.
The three styles share the same values but they each have unique personalities as diverse as their respective target audiences, from families and couples to young people.
The Tipo family was developed around the brief “Skills, no frills” and combines the Fiat brand’s historic concepts of functionality, simplicity and personality in an extraordinary value-for-money offering.
Personality-wise, the Fiat Tipo projects a dynamic style and a strong character in all its versions.
The simple choices provided to the customer result in a range of engines and trim levels that appeals directly to the heart of the market.
Functionality has been a hallmark of Fiat for more than 80 years and has contributed to a back catalogue of highly successful models. In this case, the carefully designed internal spaces offer unbeatable liveability and boot capacity for this category, as well as great versatility of use, particularly for the Station Wagon version.
In terms of size, the 5-door model is 4.37 m long, 1.79 m wide and 1.50 m high, while the Station Wagon adds an extra 20 cm to reach 4.57 m, with a height of 1.51 m thanks to the standard-fit longitudinal roof bars. The width remains unchanged.
The load capacity under the parcel shelf is top-in-class: 440 litres for the 5-door and 550 litres for the Station Wagon, which also integrates innovative solutions that maximize flexibility of use.
The new car fits a reliable suspension layout for highly accurate driving, brilliant road-holding and outstanding comfort: independent wheels McPherson on the front axle and interconnected wheels torque beam on the rear. The two layouts are optimized to reduce weight and thus contribute to improving the car’s fuel efficiency.
In the EMEA region, the launch of the range follows a simple and straightforward logic: three body styles, three trim levels, three engines with three different fuel options and three types of gearbox. Specifically, the sedan, 5-door and Station Wagon will be available in the Pop, Easy and Lounge versions. The Euro 6 engine range offers diesel, petrol and dual fuel (petrol/LPG) solutions. The gearbox can be manual, automatic dual-clutch and automatic with torque converter.
In true Fiat style, the new additions to the Tipo family are packed with plenty of clever solutions that make life better for everyone on board. Like the remarkably generous standard equipment and the debut of the innovative UconnectTM 7″ HD LIVE system with a 7″ high-resolution colour touchscreen display and a capacitive screen that the user can pinch and swipe just like a tablet.
The latest-generation system includes a hands-free Bluetooth interface, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX and USB ports with iPod integration, controls on the steering wheel and, on demand, rear parking camera and the new TomTom 3D built-in navigation system.
The customer will always be connected with the UconnectTM LIVE services available on the touchscreen radio.
Users who download the free UconnectTM LIVE app from the Apple App Store or Google Play onto their smartphone can fully exploit the benefits of UconnectTM LIVE, including music streaming with Deezer, and TuneIn, news from Reuters, connected navigation with TomTom LIVE and the ability to stay in touch with friends via Facebook Check-in and Twitter. Besides savings, users can monitor their car’s environmental performance and maintenance status wherever they are with eco:Drive and my:Car.
CarPlay and Android AutoTM will be available on UconnectT 7” HD LIVE within the next few months.
Apple CarPlay: Apple CarPlay allows the driver to use their iPhone in the car in the most intuitive way possible. Apple CarPlay perfectly integrates the iPhone with the display and the car’s native controls. Now users will be able to make calls, play their music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic conditions and much more, while staying focused on the road.
Android Auto: Android Auto will give the driver useful information organized in simple sheets that only appear when necessary. This function gives access to: Google Maps with voice-guided navigation system, traffic information in real time, lane guidance; Google Play Music and many other music services; the ability to make and receive calls and send messages while you keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Android Auto and Google Play Music are registered trademarks of Google Inc.
Designed to tackle future challenges, the new 5-door and Station Wagon versions of the Fiat Tipo were designed in Italy by the Fiat Style Centre, developed in Turkey together with Tofas R&D, one of FCA’s largest research and development centers, and made in the Tofas plant in Bursa – one of the world’s best automotive factories, which has received a World Class Manufacturing Gold Medal.
Liveability and load capacity
Like the sedan model, the Fiat Tipo 5-door and Station Wagon variants are welcoming, practical and ideal for comfortable journeys. The designers implemented the most modern ergonomic criteria to define the parameters which measure the car’s capacity to respond to the needs for onboard wellbeing and comfort. The final result is excellent basic ergonomics: liveability, driving posture, space reconfiguration, accessibility and visibility.
The Tipo 5-door and Station Wagon easily accommodate five passengers and even tall people up to 1.85 m in height can travel in comfort up front or on the back row. The secret to this spacious design, particularly on the five-door model, is the regular shape of the rear end, which gives passengers added centimetres of headroom in the cabin. Legroom is also top-in-class: there are 1.07 metres between the edge of the front seat and the passenger’s heel and 934 millimetres for the rear seat (the latter value is typical of higher segment cars). Not least important, the rear middle seat has been designed as a full-sized seat offering enough legroom to make any trip pleasant, even for adult occupants.
The load capacity is also class-leading: 440 litres for the 5-door and 550 litres for the Station Wagon. The latter adopts several solutions that increase the convenience and usability of the boot. First, the boot sill is low and stepless, to facilitate loading even the bulkiest of packages.
The loading floor is reconfigurable: it can be lowered to maximise capacity and locked at a 40° angle to enable the load to occupy the underlying space. At the sides of the luggage compartment there are two side panels for holding small items, which can be removed to further increase the width of the luggage compartment.
The roller blind that covers the load can be removed with one hand and stored under the floor panel. Two lights, two bag hooks and four load-retaining hooks positioned on the floor provide added convenience.
Finally, in case 550 litres were not sufficient, the flip-and-fold rear seat with 60/40 split can be folded down to obtain flat loading surface measuring 1.80 m in length.
All models in the Tipo family feature numerous compartments with a variety of shapes and capacities totalling no less than 12 litres, to satisfy all needs. Easily reachable by driver and passengers, these compartments are perfect for storing personal objects, smartphones, game consoles, bottles, coins and much more. Furthermore, there is a media centre for connecting devices in front of the gear lever.
Maximum comfort is also assured by the excellent driving ergonomics and the new dashboard, which provides great visibility. In particular, the driving position is one of the strengths of the Fiat Tipo.
The angular position of the steering wheel gives the driver a feeling of safety and control, as does the perfect arrangement of the controls (climate control system, radio and control panel) which can be reached easily without the driver having to take their eyes off the road. Passengers also enjoy superlative comfort, as demonstrated by the rear row of seats, which is suitably shaped and densely padded to comfortably accommodate three adults.
Engines and transmissions
The Fiat Tipo 5-door and Station Wagon models offer an updated range of engines (all Euro 6 for the European market) in three different sizes with three fuel options. They are the turbo diesel 1.3 MultiJet 70 KW and 1.6 MultiJet 88 KW, also available in the ECO version; the Fire 1.4 16v 70 KW, 1.4 T-Jet 88 KW and 1.6 E-torQ 80 KW petrol engines. Completing the line-up is the 1.4 T-Jet 88 KW dual petrol and LPG engine.
There are also three types of transmission: manual with five speeds for the 1.3 MultiJet and six for the other engines, automatic with torque converter for the 1.6 petrol engine and automatic dual-clutch for the 1.6 MultiJet 88 KW.
1.4 16v Fire 70 KW
Solid and reliable, the 1.4 16v Fire is the entry-level petrol engine of the Tipo family. This engine delivers 70KW at 6.000 rpm and reaches maximum torque of 127 Nm at 4.500 rpm. The engine, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, is a straight-four with overhead twin camshaft and direct valve control.
Implementing an optimised fluid-dynamic intake system, it is characterised by particularly high volumetric efficiency across the entire operating range, which translates into brilliant performance and cost-effective running at the same time.
1.4 T-Jet 64 KW
The outstanding 1.4 T-Jet 64 KW power unit is marked by reliability, compact size and an excellent trade-off between spirited driving and running costs. A concrete expression of the downsizing concept, the 1.4-litre engine includes proven technological solutions such as the turbocharger, which ensures good performance and limited fuel consumption without compromising on driving fun.
In detail, the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine develops 88 KW of maximum power achieved at 5000 rpm and has a maximum torque of 215 Nm at 2500 rpm. This ensures high driving flexibility, reduced use of the six-speed manual gearbox and a great response. This is aided by the low inertia of the turbocharger, which makes it possible to obtain maximum performance with every tap of the accelerator, without the annoying lag typical of this type of engine.
The same engine is available in the dual fuel version (LPG/petrol). Use of the latest technology has allowed us to comply with the stringent Euro 6 standard, increase the available range and ensure performance very similar to the petrol version at a lower running cost, due to the use of a cheaper fuel than petrol and diesel.
Unlike an aftermarket conversion, the 88 KW 1.4 LPG Turbo engine has been designed for integration with the LPG system by using specific materials and components and applying dedicated technology. In particular, the valve seats and the intake and exhaust valves have been redesigned to reduce wear and achieve the same durability and performance as the petrol version. Obviously, in order to attain the ultimate quality and reliability, the LPG system is factory-fitted so that each car is certified, tested and guaranteed by Fiat.
1.6 E-torQ 80 KW
For those looking for a vehicle that offers maximum comfort, the best choice is the version with 1.6 E-torQ petrol engine delivering 80 KW and 152Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with torque converter.
This power unit stands out for its light structure, owing to the adoption of exclusive components and graphite-coated pistons that are optimised to reduce friction and weight. Furthermore, the forged steel connecting rods and aluminium oil sump further contribute to reducing weight.
1.6 MultiJet II 88 KW and 1.3 MultiJet 70 KW
All models offer the 1.6 litre turbo diesel engine, fitted with second-generation MultiJet technology to guarantee an enjoyable drive, great autonomy and low running costs.
The 1.6 MultiJet II develops 88 KW at 3.750 rpm and can be combined with the manual six-speed gearbox or the six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, which ensures continuous torque and traction delivery. Additionally, by using a variable geometry turbocharger, the engine delivers high torque at low revs (320 Nm at 1.750 rpm) all to the benefit of flexibility. These remarkable results are achieved while respecting the environment-the engine is Euro 6 compliant-and with the utmost attention to efficiency in terms of fuel and emissions: on the combined test cycle, the Tipo 1.6 MultiJet II 88 KW registered 3.7 litres/100 km of fuel consumption and 98 g/km of CO2 emissions.
The 1.3 MultiJet II 70 KW engine guarantees good performance and extremely low running costs. The pride and joy of FCA motor engineering, the engine ensures great autonomy without sacrificing comfort and driving enjoyment. It is equipped with a manual five-speed gearbox and develops 70 KW delivered at 3.750 rpm, while the variable geometry turbocharger ensures high torque from low revs and a maximum torque of 200 Nm from 1500 rpm.
The secret behind both engines is the third-generation Common Rail MultiJet II injection system, the high-tech solution for controlling high injection pressures, whatever the engine speed and injected fuel quantity. In practice, the engine introduces small amounts of fuel (pilot injections) to optimise noise and emissions and, with the main injection, manages the injected quantity of fuel necessary to provide the performance required by the driver, ensuring particularly smooth engine operation in all situations.
Fiat 124 Spider
The new Fiat 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic styling and performance to a new generation. Paying homage to its namesake, the original 124 Spider that was launched nearly 50 years ago, the Fiat 124 Spider delivers an authentic Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with inimitable Italian design.
The designers at the Fiat Style Centre have created a car that encompasses in a new perspective the classic beauty of its predecessor without betraying its very essence. The front-end is bold without being aggressive and the two small domes on the bonnet give an indication of the engine’s power. The side boasts the proportions of a true sports car, suggesting its longitudinal engine and rear-wheel drive mechanical architecture and its retracted passenger compartment.
In the EMEA region, the Fiat 124 Spider is equipped with the reliable 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with MultiAir technology, which delivers 102 KW power and 240 Nm of torque, and is available with a six-speed manual transmission. The performance is outstanding, including a top speed of 215 km/h with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The 124 Spider’s suspension uses a double-wishbone layout in front and a multilink in the rear, specifically tuned for greater stability while braking and turning. Steering is light and responsive with the use of an electric power assist system.
The steering and suspension setup, lightweight frame, balanced weight distribution and turbocharged engine combine for a dynamic driving experience. Noise vibration and harshness (NVH) enhancements, including an acoustic front windshield and insulation treatments; also help to deliver a refined, quiet ride.
For an open-air driving experience, the Fiat 124 Spider’s soft convertible top is easy to operate and requires minimal force.
The trim levels available are the “124 Spider” and “Lusso” (Luxury). Standard equipment includes four airbags, manual climate control, MP3 radio with USB port and four speakers, leather steering wheel, cruise control, 16″ alloy wheel rims, start button and Keyless Go function. The Lusso upgrade adds many fine details, such as 17″ alloy wheel rims, leather seats, lower dashboard and instrument cluster hood with stitching details, Premium Silver roll-bars and front pillar, chrome-plated twin tailpipe, fog lights and automatic climate control system.
The infotainment system, which is optional for both trim levels, includes a 7″ touchscreen display, AM/FM radio, HD Radio, MP3 player, two USB ports, auxiliary input, six speakers, multimedia control, Bluetooth connectivity, rear camera and 3D navigation system.
Also standard on the system, voice recognition allows drivers to operate their mobile phone, music and navigation system hands-free, to stay focused on driving. In addition, a handy voice command system allows drivers with a compatible mobile phone to reply to text messages using predefined responses.
Other available options include navigation.
For superb audio quality, a Bose premium sound system with nine speakers, including twin headrest speakers per seat and a subwoofer, is available as an option. For added entertainment, the system additionally provides the driver with access to App Aha and Stitcher Internet radio apps via Bluetooth connectivity.
Aha makes it easy to instantly access more than 30,000 stations of audio content, including leading Internet music services, Internet radio, news, entertainment, audiobooks, Facebook and Twitter newsfeeds, weather and more.
Stitcher is an application that provides access to thousands of radio shows and podcasts streamed directly to devices without downloading or syncing. Recommended content is automatically selected by registering content added to Favourites.
To mark the launch and celebrate 50 years of the 124 Spider, which was unveiled in Turin in 1966, a limited series has been manufactured in the exclusive Anniversary trim level, which comes as standard with packages created for customising the other versions. More in detail, it fits the Visibility Pack, which includes full LED adaptive headlights with light and rain sensors, the Radio Pack with DAB radio, 7″ touchscreen display, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and multimedia control, the Bose Pack with nine speakers of which four are integrated in the head restraint and the Premium Pack with keyless entry, rear parking camera and 3D navigation system.
Added to this are Premium Silver side-mirrors, the distinctive “Anniversary” plaque and the 124 Spider logo on the front grille. This limited series has enjoyed great success – so much so that all vehicles were purchased within weeks after ordering was launched.
Two 124 Spiders will also be on display at the Geneva Motor Show, both with the Lusso trim. The first has tri-coat Ice White livery and a black leather interior. The second, in Passione Red, combines leather seats, tobacco door panels and dashboard, rear luggage rack in Premium Silver like the mirrors, and unique historical-design wheel rims. These fine details are a throwback to the original 124 Spider and were designed by Mopar, FCA’s reference brand for accessories, services, Customer Care, and genuine spare parts.
Also appearing will be a 1970 model equipped with a 1608 cm3 displacement engine incorporating two dual-barrel carburettors, to provide 80 KW and a top speed of around 180 km/h. It is a second-series 124 Sport with characteristics humps on the bonnet, an aesthetic touch that has been retained in the new Spider, which also has a honeycomb radiator grille and larger taillights. The car sports a rare Colorado Yellow finish.
New Fiat 500S
The star of the stand will still be the New Fiat 500, created to face future market challenges while remaining true to its own deep roots. Developed by the Fiat Style Centre, the city car has a refreshed exterior and interior design, which is unmistakably 500 and even more attractive. It has not grown in size but it is packed with more technology, engine versions and customisation ideas: the icon has evolved and further refined the features that have turned it into a masterpiece.
The “S” trim level, the sportier version of the iconic Fiat car, will be given its world première in Geneva. The distinctive look of the 500S includes sportier bumpers, with integrated fog lights at the front, plus special side skirts and spoiler; exclusive “Satin Graphite” paint for the door handles and tailgate, mirror fairings and wheel rims; rear privacy glass, chrome exhaust tailpipe and “black grained” front air intakes, as well as a bold rear grille. Alloy 15″ wheel rims with special “Satin Graphite” finish and 16″ rims with matt diamond black treatment are also available upon request. The exclusive sportiness of the 500S is also reflected in the new body colours: Metallic Azure and matt Alpine Green, with dark interiors. The seductive appeal of the New 500S is enhanced by the black seats and roof lining that contrast with the door panels and seat edges, which are available in blue, white and yellow. The interior is available on request in Frau leather with white or azure details. In addition, embellishing the passenger compartment, are “Satin Graphite” details on the dashboard fascia and special sports steering wheel.
The dashboard incorporates a UconnectT 7″ HD LIVE touchscreen with tablet effect and HD display, the next frontier of infotainment, as standard equipment. This system implements a wide range of functions, including UconnectT LIVE services as standard, Bluetooth hands-free system, voice recognition and plenty of music options in addition to FM/AM radio. The driver can connect their multimedia devices via USB or using the 3.5mm auxiliary jack, or stream music from a compatible smartphone using Bluetooth. In addition, the new UconnectT 7 “HD LIVE is available on request with the integrated mirroring system for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio (DAB) and a 3D integrated TomTom navigation system.
The new Fiat 500S complements the 500 range with the latest audio experience from Beats by Dr. Dre, the system designed to revolutionise the way in which music can be heard inside the vehicle.
On request, the customer can equip their car with the exclusive BeatsAudioTM system developed in conjunction with Beats by Dr Dre. Specifically, the BeatsAudioTM system boasts a total output of 440 watts and features a digital 8-channel amplifier integrating an advanced equalisation algorithm, which can recreate the entire sound spectrum that an artist experiences during studio recording.
The Beats AudioTM sound system consists of 8-channel amplifiers with 440 watts of power; two dome tweeters installed in the front pillars; two 165 mm midwoofers in the front doors; two full-range 165 mm speakers in the rear side panels; and one 200 mm subwoofer in the centre of the luggage compartment, in the spare wheel compartment.
With the 7″ TFT screen for the speedometer and driving instruments-standard on the new 500S-the car’s dashboard delivers a fully-digital driving experience that nevertheless retains the classic 500 instrument layout, complete with circular cluster and round buttons.
Visitors to the stand can admire a 500S 1.3 MultiJet 70 KW in all-new matt Alpine Green livery, with two-tone black/ivory leather interior. The power unit represents the best of today’s small diesel engineering technology: it emits only 89 grams of CO2 per kilometre and meets Euro 6 standards while guaranteeing outstanding performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 10.7 seconds and the top speed is 180 km/h. It is also fuel-efficient and eco-friendly: 3.4 litres of diesel are needed for 100 kilometres. Finally, a little record: the New 500 is the only car in its segment, together with Fiat Panda, to offer a diesel engine.
The second 500S is a convertible with interiors upholstered in a special black and white fabric. The central seat features a “Texfilm” application with “Sportball” graphics. The seat design is completed with a two-tone embroidered “500” logo in silver and the characteristic “S” motif with white side insert. The Fiat 500S Cabrio inherits all the winning features of the sedan, including compact external dimensions, best-in-class safety, habitability with four comfortable seats and excellent engines in terms of performance, fuel economy and respect for the environment. The silhouette is enhanced by an innovative sliding roof, a marvel of design in its own right.
The soft top of the Fiat 500S Cabrio stands out for its elegant, electrically controlled movement and its impressively finished and carefully selected technical features, from the glass rear window to the third brake light built into the soft top itself. Additionally, the Fiat 500S Cabrio retains the solid sides of the classic version and can therefore be enjoyed all year round.
Fiat 500X and Fiat 500L
The 500X will not cease to attract visitors: two cars, one sporting the off-road Cross Plus trim level with special bumpers, protective shields and Traction Plus two-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive, and one showcasing the Lounge trim level features, which expresses the more luxurious side of the Fiat SUV’s metropolitan personality, will be on display.
The first four-wheel drive Cross Plus, with Giallo Amalfi three-coat paint and tobacco leather interior, fits a powerful 1.4 MultiAir 125 KW and an innovative nine-speed automatic transmission
for achieving the perfect balance between driving comfort and sporty feel, guaranteeing outstanding pick-up and smooth torque delivery.
Furthermore, the innovative all-wheel drive system optimises the performance and fuel consumption ratio thanks to the disconnect function that, when not necessary, completely disengages the 4×4 system, eliminating gear and shaft rotation, thus eliminating losses due to friction and inertia and bringing the performance closer to that of a two-wheel drive vehicle of equal trim. This model offers the best on-board comfort thanks to electrically adjustable front seats with eight-way lumbar support, which is also electrically adjustable in four positions.
By its side will be a 500X Lounge in Gelato White, equipped with 18″ Jet Black alloy wheels and carbon-look mirror fairings, both from the Mopar accessory line. Not forgetting the handy tablet holder and the worktable which is anchored to the front seat. Also made by Mopar are the mats with metal plated logo and the Fiat-branded tyre valve caps. A small but significant example of the extensive collection of accessories that make the new SUV even more distinctive.
The car is equipped with the 1.4 MultiAir 125 KW engine paired with a dual clutch automatic and sequential transmission, consisting of two parallel transmissions. Compared with traditional automatic transmissions, it allows extremely fast gear shifts as well as improved efficiency and a reduction in fuel consumption.
The 500X leads the segment in terms of technology and safety systems. Both vehicles on show are equipped with the Lane Assist system (which alerts the driver with visual and acoustic warnings in the event of involuntary lane changes), Brake Control (which warns the driver of potential collision risks and independently brakes the vehicle if the driver fails to react in time), Blind Spot Assist (which alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in blind spots) and Rear Cross Path Detection (which warns the driver of the presence of vehicles approaching from the side when reversing).
Safety is also assured by a high level of visibility. Both 500X models are fitted with xenon headlamps, enabling sharper illumination because they are closer to the natural viewing conditions of the human eye, as well as fog lights with cornering function that perfectly illuminate the inside of the curves. Furthermore, the automatic headlights switch on and off automatically depending on the light conditions, and also change automatically from high to low beam when other vehicles approach.
The Fiat 500X is not lacking in onboard comfort and driving pleasure, as highlighted by the numerous features offered on both display vehicles, such as the Electric Park Brake, Keyless Entry and Keyless Go, rear manoeuvring camera with parking sensors, and the Mood Selector.
Finally, the 500X is always connected thanks to UconnectTM Live services, which are standard throughout most of the line-up. The display vehicles also feature the UconnectTM 6.5″ Radio Nav LIVE system and the powerful BeatsTM by Dr. Dre hi-fi system, with nine speakers and eight-channel amplifier.
The line-up is completed by the 500L model, which combines the iconic 500 style with the functionality of Fiat’s design tradition.
Visitors to the Geneva Motor Show will be able to admire a 500L Trekking in the exclusive two-tone combination of matt grey with matt black roof, part of the new S Pack, and the Beats hi-fi system. The S Pack-which is being unveiled at the show and available from April-provides a unique look created by the contrast between the red brake callipers, matt black details (front and rear bumpers, fenders and side skirts) and exclusive 17″ matt black alloy wheels. Equally unique is the audio experience assured by the hi-fi system by Dr. Dre, with six speakers plus stereo subwoofer offering 520 watts of power, amplifier with DSP, eight channels and an advanced equalisation algorithm. The radio comes with UconnectTM LIVE services that let you always be connected to social networks thanks to Twitter and Facebook Check In, to listen to your favourite music with Deezer and Tune In, to be informed in real time with Reuters; to monitor your driving with eco:Drive and manage your car with My:Car.
This car is also equipped with original Mopar accessories that enhance the functional and family vocation of the 500L. The special child seats and Cargo Bay Organizer ensure a safe, simple ride with children and make managing the ample load area extremely practical. The sports pedal unit and chrome sill plate give an extra edge.
The 1.4 16v T-Jet 88 KW engine that equips it is the ideal solution for those looking for a vehicle that can easily negotiate city traffic while maintaining low running costs. Reaches a top speed of 183 km/h and an acceleration from 0 to 100 in 11 seconds.
Fiat Panda
The Geneva Motor Show wouldn’t be complete without the ideal winter vehicle, one that shines and stands out for its style, efficiency, easy handling and compact size. We mean the Fiat Panda Cross of course, which concentrates all the exclusiveness of the off-road vehicles in higher categories into just 370 centimetres. This car is simply one of a kind, because it teams a traction system and technical features which are ideal for off-road driving offering the performance and contents of an SUV, with the external dimensions, efficiency and easy handling of a city car, along with a distinctive style that manages to combine rational design with thrilling driveability.
The audience will be able to admire a Panda 4×4 Cross in Toscana Green on the stand, with two-colour grey and brown eco-leather seats and bronze dashboard, equipped with an authentic engineering gem applied to turbo diesel engines: namely the 1.3 MultiJet II 70 KW engine. The all-wheel drive car features the Electronic Differential Lock, which it was the first to introduce to the market
Alongside the Panda 4×4 Cross, which has in itself defined a brand new category of SUVs, visitors will also have the chance to feast their eyes on a showcar: the Kung-Fu Panda dedicated to the third episode of the eponymous feature film by Dreamworks which is scheduled to be released across Europe mid-March. Just like Po, the star of the film, the car sports the same specific black and white livery, mirroring the coat of the fun panda both inside and out. The black and white theme also distinguishes the seatbelts and carpet mats, inspired by the colours of Po’s costume.
Fiat Fullback Show Car
“Lifestyle at work”: this effective claim sums up the very essence of the Fiat Fullback Show Car, a pick-up truck dedicated to anyone in pursuit of a vehicle to use for both work and play without compromise, one that combines the brand’s functional soul with a highly personal and unique design. Based on the namesake Fiat Professional vehicle presented at the Dubai International Motor Show in November and available in all dealers from June, the Fullback demonstrates the brand’s functional soul in a highly personal and unique design.
The new pick-up truck blends the winning features of robust durability and reliability with a versatility that makes it perfect for everyday life and leisure time. In short, the new vehicle is ready to take on any challenge, hence the name. It is certainly no coincidence that the “fullback” is a fundamental position in rugby or American football (the last man in the line of defence and a defender in attack) which identifies a player who is capable of dealing with any situation.
The style of the vehicle will without a doubt draw in the crowds: the body colour is Liquid Metal Grey, with black leather interiors and anodised copper dashboard inserts. The Fullback sports specific design details and accessories that lend it charisma: exclusive matt black features such as the mirrors and door handles, the Sport Bar and the extensive side steps, the 20″ alloy wheel rims with diamond black inserts on the spokes. The front stands out thanks to its special grille, which is further enhanced by chrome-plated segments that emphasise its three-dimensional appeal, and the dedicated skid plate that gives it a more dynamic and concurrently off-road look. The Bi-Xenon headlights and the navigation system are additional stylish features. Under the bonnet, a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine delivers 132 KW and is combined with a five-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system with rear electronic differential.
Fiat stand
The stand in Geneva will use sophisticated symbolism and elegance to attract visitors. The theme of the installation is duality and the complementarity of opposing elements, as summarised by the Yin and Yang concept. In other words, mutually related elements that constantly alternate through changes in the state of equilibrium. In short, the stand represents the two functional and exciting worlds that characterise the Fiat brand.
On the white side, to the left of the stand, you will find models characterised by simplicity, functionality and convenience: the features that have always marked the Fiat brand. Even so, over the course of its history, Fiat has created thrilling vehicles that have become a fashion icon. “Value for money” and “Dolce vita”, typically Italian values, are both part of the brand’s DNA – which is why on the black side, to the right, there are vehicles that embody seduction and ambition.
From an architectural point of view, the underlying construction that defines the space looks like a fluid and harmonious structure with a contemporary edge.
The dynamic shapes and contrasting interplay of the light and dark flooring lead the eye towards the centre, where the new 124 Spider is installed on a platform covered in real leather.
From the front, visitors can appreciate all the cars on show while videos are projected on the large screen. By means of a clever alternation of full spaces and voids, the background conveys a feeling of solidity and enveloping protection. The same which is felt at the wheel of a Fiat.
The surfaces consist of a few essential materials such as steel, wood and glass, the latter used in shades of black and white that are perfectly in harmony with the architectural setting.
A selection of merchandising and exclusive Fiat accessories made in collaboration with Mopar, the reference brand for services, Customer Care, original spare parts and accessories for FCA brands.
Making its debut alongside the new 124 Spider is an ad hoc collection meant for people who like to enjoy their free time to the fullest with elegance and originality. A set of luggage designed to make the most of every space is available for the boot and luggage rack. The suitcases are made of technical fabrics such as Sonnenland, the same material used for the soft top hood, and Alcantara.
In collaboration with the brand Italia Independent, exclusive his and hers glasses evoking details of the materials used in the vehicle or original graphics have also been created.
On show in the Mopar Store will be the new collection dedicated to the 500, designed in conjunction with the Style Centre, which is set to capture the attention of an increasingly young audience with exclusive tastes. For women in particular there are more fashionable items, such as bags made of technical fabric with exclusive patterns and integrated Power Bank, which enables media devices to be recharged in any situation. There is no shortage of trendy attire, such as sweatshirts with built-in earphones that enable the wearer to conveniently listen to their favourite music.
Finally, thanks to the informative leaflets and the special elements placed on the stand, the audience will get a chance to become acquainted with the products of FCA Bank, the financial company specialising in the automotive sector. The company operates on the main European markets-in Switzerland through FCA Capital Suisse SA-with a sole mission: supporting the sales of all Fiat and Chrysler Automobiles brand vehicles through innovative financial products and high added value services dedicated to dealer networks, private clients and companies.
South African Launch:
South Africans can expect the New Fiat 500 series 4 to hit showroom floors in the coming week, which will see the addition of three twin air engine derivatives to the model lineup whilst the Fiat 500S is still under consideration for South Africa.
An addition to the Fiat Family will be the greatly anticipated Fiat Fullback which is expected to hit dealerships in the third quarter of 2016, whilst the Fiat Tipo and Abarth 124 Spider are being considered for the South African market and is currently planned for quarter one of 2017.
