Launched in July 2007, the iconic FIAT 500 was an immediate critical and commercial success, winning the European Car of the Year title and amassing a 13.9% market share within a year of going on sale.
Indeed, since its launch the FIAT 500 has collected more than 40 major, international awards including, most recently, the Best Small Convertible of the Year award, as determined by the Southern Automotive Media Association in the US.
Produced in Poland (since 2007) and Mexico (since 2011), the FIAT 500 is sold in more than 100 countries around the world, and its popularity shows no signs of abating. It recently reappeared amongst the UK's 10 bestsellers and in the US it has enjoyed eight consecutive months of sales growth, up 109% compared to 2011, with more than 70,000 registrations in total.
Even the FIAT 500's Facebook fan page is proving a hit (www.facebook.com/fiat500), having attracted more than 300,000 enthusiastic visitors from all over the world.
Initially offered in three trim levels and powered by 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines, plus a 1.3-litre turbo-diesel engine, the range has evolved since 2007 to include a convertible body style, Fiat's revolutionary TwinAir engine, several special editions (most recently the 'by Gucci' and 'Street' versions) as well as a whole separate range of high-performance Abarth derivatives.
Power outputs range from 69hp to 180hp and Irish prices range from €12,895 for the 1.2 Pop to in excess of €50,000 for the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari.
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