The countdown to the local introduction of the Fiat 500 on 4 July is truly underway. Orders for the reborn legend are now open — and the car is so customisable that you could have 500 000 Cinquecentos in a row and no two would be absolutely identical…

An essential tool in the purchasing process is the Fiat 500 Configurator, which is accessed via the Fiat website (www.fiat.co.za) or you can go directly to www.fiat500.co.za. It enables you to enter a virtual showroom and spec the 500 of your choice — inside and out. You then get to see your finished product from every angle and in motion. You have the option to save your creation and give it its very own name. This allows you to revisit your car, make changes or, if you wish, create another unique 500. Should you want to go ahead with the order, you simply give the dealer the name of your preferred 500 as it has been configured in the virtual showroom. Or, as all sales staff have been trained on the new bambino, they can sit with you and help you spec your own 500.

Engine options

Initially, two petrol engines will be on offer. First up is the tried and tested 1242cc Fire engine that has undergone a series of refinements to improve fuel economy. The 1.2-litre 8v mill delivers 51kW at 5500rpm and peak torque of 102Nm at 3000rpm, with a top speed of 160km/h. Fuel consumption is 5.1l/100km in the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 119g/km. Acceleration to 100km/h is 12.9 seconds. It’s mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The engine features an electronic throttle valve control system known as ‘drive by wire’ (with no mechanical connection between the accelerator and the throttle), while it is the electronic control unit that delivers the torque on the basis of the driver’s demands (torque-based system). Another feature where fuel consumption is concerned, is the use of an active knock sensor capable of managing the advance in the best possible way in all conditions and, above all, the multipoint sequential phased injection system by Magneti Marelli.

Next up is the 1.4-litre 16v engine that currently sees service in the Panda 100HP. With a maximum of 73.5kW on tap at 6000rpm and peak torque of 131Nm at 4250rpm, this 500 has a top speed of 182km/h, and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds. It is enhanced too by an electronic throttle valve control system (‘drive by wire’). A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on the 1.4-litre model.

Trim options

Three trim outfits have been selected: Pop, Lounge and Sport. The entry-level Pop spec is exclusively available on the 1.2. Standard equipment includes seven airbags (including a driver’s kneebag), ABS with EBD, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, height-adjustable driver’s seat, air-conditioning and audio controls on the steering.

The 1.4 versions are available in either Lounge or Sport guise. In Sport trim, 15” alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, leather ‘Sporting’ steering wheel, Stability Control (ESP), Traction Control (ASR), Hillholder, Sport-specific internal upholstery and colours, as well as Blue&Me (audio and telephone connectivity) are added to the package. The Lounge outfit is similarly specced to the Sport but features different 15” alloys and forgoes the rear spoiler for chrome-trimmed details and a fixed glass roof. As with the Sport, this model boasts Lounge-specific internal upholstery and colours.

More options

With around 500 000 different permutations you can, there's a choice from a number of 15” and 16” alloy wheel options, decal packages (for the flanks, mirrors and roof), badging and side protective moulding options, additional chrome trimmings (mirrors, gear lever, pedals and front nudge bar), sporty side-skirt package, scuff plate trims, mats, sound system upgrades, key fob covers and even fragrance diffusers. And, that’s not counting the 12 exterior colour options, including six vintage colours that will bring the 1950s and 1960s to mind, plus tri-coat white (called Pearl White) produced by a process that is usually only adopted on luxury cars, as well as the 15 types of upholstery including Cordura and Frau Leather. Some of the options need to be ordered as factory-fitted items, while others can be specified as aftermarket equipment (like the key fob covers and fragrance diffusers).

Of course the spec choices will influence the price but at this point Fiat reckons the “base versions” should cost between R150 000 and R180 000, dependant on exchange rates.