Monday, 26 October 2009

FIAT 500 INTRODUCED IN BRAZIL



FIAT SAYS: The ubiquitous Fiat 500 has popped up in Brazil, in fact it officially went on sale in Fiat’s biggest market outside of Italy on the 1st October. The car will also be launched during the same period in Colombia, Barbados and Panama - and presented in Jamaica before the end of 2009. Not to mention the fact that the little ‘un is already present in Argentina, Chile, CuraƧao, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Sain Martin and Paraguay.

The Cinquencento marketed in Brazil is available in Sport and Lounge outfits, powered by the lively 74 kW 1.4 16v engine teamed with a manual 6-speed gearbox or a 5-speed Dualogic gearbox (robotised, sequential). The power unit and suspension have been adapted to local market needs: the injection system has been re-calibrated to adjust to the 22% of ethanol present in the petrol sold in Brazil. Certain components in direct contact with this specific fuel have also been changed. The suspension has also been revised for the Brazilian roads by increasing the flexibility of the springs and the shock absorber travel.

The Brazilian edition of the car retains the generous safety spec that has given it the top EuroNCAP 5-star ranking: 7 airbags as standard (two front airbags, two window bags, two side bags and one knee bag) plus state-of-the-art hi-tech active safety features: ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD), the sophisticated electronic stability program (ESP), an antislip regulation (ASR) system, a Hill Holder to help the driver with hill starts and hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) to help with emergency stops.

The Fiat 500 model is an authentic Italian style icon that has won the hearts of the international public and critics alike, as confirmed by more than 390,000 orders collected to date around the world and more than 40 international awards.

Watch this space for some exciting developments from the 500 in SA in 2010. Watch out Rio!


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