Benvenuti Amici!
The 500. The 500L. The 500X. In the drama rich past of what may be the most storied brand in automobile history, the letter signature (following the number) of these models would have signified a generation or trim level. We covered a bit of the original 500 naming system in a past entry. [FIAT Global Brand Chief] Olivier Francois recently shed a little more light on possibilities of the modern naming system. In an interview with Just-Autos, he hinted it could be future FIAT 'families' of vehicles would be introduced to different markets. He went on to explain the template for it will likely be the 500 Family of vehicles. The Nuova Cinquecento is the best modern example of what put FIAT on the map… runabouts. It is relatively small, very stylish, comparatively affordable and obviously Italian. To suit varied tastes and lifestyles, it is available in Pop, Sport, Lounge, Turbo and cabrio trims. Of course, there is the extreme ABARTH model ~ for those interested in more drama for their 500. 'Perfect in its execution… a fine flagship model for any brand.
The 500L, inspired by the 500 Giardiniera and the 600 Multipla, takes its styling cues from the modern iteration of the Cinquino. Without aping the Cinquecento or presenting it in bloated form, it completely re-imagines the cultural icon as a 4-dr/5-dr 'city lounge'/estate coach. It is larger in size and available in Pop, Easy, Lounge and Trekking trim. This model carefully treads the line of passionate city car and ultimate utilitarian urban dweller.
500: The Ultimate MODern Runabout
500L: The Ultimate City Lounge
The latest and, according to Roberto Giolito, final spin-off of the modern 500 is the 500X. Sharing a platform with the Jeep Renegade, the 'X' is the most extreme departure from the 2007 original model. It is meant to represent what happens when the city car goes off road. This 4-dr/5-dr member of the 500 Family will be available in Pop, Easy, Lounge, Trekking and Trekking Plus trims. This model retains styling cues from the Cinquino and suggests FIAT could very well become more involved in Motorsport (a dream for many FIATisti). Rumor has it, taken from an interview with Roberto Giolito, there could also be an ABARTH model based on the 500X. Oh my rally goodness!
If we are to take don Francois' word as gospel, we could very well see Punto and Panda Families. Already there exists a wink at this notion, in the Avventura (Punto) and Panda Cross (Panda). FIAT has also announced the Practical versus Passionate ranges in their five year plan. Nothing seems more practical than offering utilitarian and passionately designed cars for a demanding international market. This approach also provides a very clear picture of how FIAT will tackle creating a distinctive and instantly recognizable global 'face' for the brand.
With the looming rumor, and suspected test mule spotting, of what will likely be the upcoming return of the FIAT Spider, it is a great time for fans of the brand and models. If FIAT does as good a job restructuring the parent brand as it has with Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge, we are in for a wild ride. I, for one, couldn't be more excited about the possibilities.
500X: Born from City & Bred for Country
Avventura: The City is Officially in Trouble
Panda Cross: Perfect for Unfriendly Cities
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
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