Fiat 500 (Nuova)

[ScionDriver]

It is quite a nice little car there. I like the interior but I am not sure I like the gear shift stick kind of floating out in the middle of nowhre (Like on the last generation Civic Si)

[Wouter Melissen]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Yes but this usually is done by many manufacturers prior to an important motorshow. The strange thing in this case is the fact that it has been launched after the motorshow.

I disagree. Now that the secret is out, Fiat has plenty of time to brief its dealers and prep the car for a swift roll-out after its motorshow debut in September. I would expect the cars to be in the showroom very shortly after Fiat's fine models have pulled the tarp off this car in Frankfurt.

[jorismo]

Originally Posted by Wouter Melissen

I disagree. Now that the secret is out, Fiat has plenty of time to brief its dealers and prep the car for a swift roll-out after its motorshow debut in September. I would expect the cars to be in the showroom very shortly after Fiat's fine models have pulled the tarp off this car in Frankfurt.

I tend to agree but now I see a small problem. I might be wrong so correct me at any time.

According to you, Fiat made a smart step by presenting the car a week after Geneva. Seems smart to me too. But if they want to to a swift roll-out after Frankfurt that doesn't seem very smart to me.

My point is: it's now March, so September is like 6 months away. They will present the final model in Frankfurt, where dozens of other cars will be presented... It just doesn't seem logical to me. Why wait for such a long time and then present the final car in a buzzy week and take the risk to get drowned in the massive news river. I don't think that would help their swift roll-out a lot...

But then again, I could be so wrong here...

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by jorismo

I tend to agree but now I see a small problem. I might be wrong so correct me at any time.

According to you, Fiat made a smart step by presenting the car a week after Geneva. Seems smart to me too. But if they want to to a swift roll-out after Frankfurt that doesn't seem very smart to me.

My point is: it's now March, so September is like 6 months away. They will present the final model in Frankfurt, where dozens of other cars will be presented... It just doesn't seem logical to me. Why wait for such a long time and then present the final car in a buzzy week and take the risk to get drowned in the massive news river. I don't think that would help their swift roll-out a lot...

But then again, I could be so wrong here...

The car will be for sale on 4th July, exactly 50 years after the original was launched, so by Frankfurt it won't be front page news anymore.

[jorismo]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

The car will be for sale on 4th July, exactly 50 years after the original was launched, so by Frankfurt it won't be front page news anymore.

So the final model wont be presented at a big Autoshow?

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by jorismo

So the final model wont be presented at a big Autoshow?

I honestly doubt it. Maybe at Barcelona just before going on sale.

[jorismo]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

I honestly doubt it. Maybe at Barcelona just before going on sale.

Perhaps the beginning of a short and messed up return...?

[McReis]

Originally Posted by jorismo

Perhaps the beginning of a short and messed up return...?

I can't see why. The car looks very nice, very suited to today's needs, fitted with nice engines and in a time where retro-inspired cars sell like hot bread.
I wish I had an excuse to buy one.

[jorismo]

Originally Posted by McReis

I wish I had an excuse to buy one.

Isn't there an excuse for everything?

[McReis]

Originally Posted by jorismo

Isn't there an excuse for everything?

I have to find an excuse to rob a bank then. Oh, wait, the Nuova!

*sock in head*

Have to go know, ttyl!

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by McReis

I have to find an excuse to rob a bank then. Oh, wait, the Nuova!

*sock in head*

Have to go know, ttyl!

Sell the Mazda...

[McReis]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Sell the Mazda...

I don't want it THAT desperately.
Plus, I'd still have to rob, at least an old lady's purse, to make up for the price difference.

[Pando]

Which reminds me, how much do you reckon it's going to cost? A tad bit more than the Panda?

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by Pando

Which reminds me, how much do you reckon it's going to cost? A tad bit more than the Panda?

As I said some posts above from 10.000€ for the base 1.2-litre petrol.

[Coventrysucks]

The UK is not getting the cheap versions, which is typical.

I can understand that, with the success of the MINI, their largest customer base will be fairly successful, fashion concious estate agents, so they will sell more of the top-of-the-range cars.

To not offer the cheaper versions is a bit underhand.

I suppose the smaller the number of people able to afford one, the less are sold and the stronger the image, desirability and the residuals.

Europe is traditionally much more utilitarian in its approach to cars - people are more content with having a lower-spec car, and aren't drawn, magpie like, to big shiny wheels.