New FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 pays homage to its iconic predecessor.

• New FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 pays homage to its iconic predecessor
• Distinctly styled with unique 50’s-inspired detailing, including special wheels and historic FIAT badges
• High standard specification includes air conditioning, Poltrona Frau leather seats and Blue&Me connectivity
• On sale in the UK in April priced from £12,545
• FIAT 500X DDCT and FIAT Doblò Trekking also debut

The FIAT 500 has always been a celebration of its iconic predecessor, adopting not only the look but also the character and verve of the 1957 original. But now FIAT is taking that homage to a new level with the new FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 which is set to debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show (March 3).

The VINTAGE ’57 is a contemporary interpretation of the stylistic features that gave the original its distinctive identity. Finished in pastel colours with a contrasting white roof, spoiler, antenna and mirror covers, the most distinctive element of the new FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 is its 16-inch vintage alloy wheels, a nod to those used on the original 500 but updated and refined for contemporary tastes. The wheel centres feature the historical FIAT logos, a subtle touch that’s repeated on the front and rear badges.

The retro theme of the FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 continues inside with a white dashboard; historic FIAT logo in the steering wheel boss and tan-coloured Poltrona Frau leather seats with ivory leather 'half-moon' inserts and "500" embroidery in tan.

There’s nothing retrospective about the FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57’s standard technologies though: air conditioning; Blue&Me™; seven airbags, Start&Stop system, ESP with ASR/MSR, HBA and Hill Holder. Available in the UK in April, the new FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 will be available with the petrol-powered 69hp 1.2-litre as well as the award-winning 0.9 TwinAir 85hp turbo petrol engine. Prices for the FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 will start from £12,545 when it goes on sale in April.

Produced since 2007 in Poland and since 2010 in Toluca (Mexico), the FIAT 500 is now sold in more than 100 countries world-wide, spearheading the brand’s return to North America. More than 1.5 million have been produced.

Other FIAT vehicles debuting at the Geneva Motor Show include the FIAT 500X with DDCT, a six-speed, dual dry-clutch transmission paired with the front-wheel drive 1.4 MultiAir II 140 HP engine that combines the responsiveness and driving satisfaction of a manual with the ease-of-use and economy of a traditional automatic transmission. Also on display for the first time is the new FIAT Doblò Trekking with standard "Traction+" system for improved traction control on slippery surfaces and light off-road conditions. 

New side mouldings, model-specific diamond-cut 16-inch alloy wheels, rugged new front and rear bumper inserts as well as a raised chassis and functional sump guard set the Doblò Trekking apart from its siblings.

Abarth launches customer 500 track package to celebrate 65 years of heritage.

The new Abarth 500, offered with additional equipment and a bespoke Abarth track experience, is the latest deal being offered by the performance car manufacturer.

Just 65 of the brand’s 500 Custom models are being made available, in recognition of the 65 years since Abarth & C. was formed in Italy by Carlo Abarth.

The great value package includes Record Grey Metallic paint finish, rear privacy glass, yellow brake callipers, 17-inch 10-spoke Diamond Finish alloy wheels, along with the Abarth Track Experience. A choice of race circuits is available to customers including Oulton Park, Donington Park and Brands Hatch.

The 500 Custom already features, as standard, Abarth’s new 7-inch TFT instrument panel, sports seats, satin steel twin exhaust and Blue&Me Bluetooth hands free communication system with steering wheel controls.

The hot hatch’s 135hp 1.4 litre turbocharged engine delivers 206Nm of torque to take it from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and on up to 127mph top speed.

“Now is the time for anyone who has been thinking of owning an Abarth 500 to buy one,” says Gerry Southerington, head of brand, Abarth UK.  “As well as the extra equipment and superb value for money, customers can enjoy a track day experience they certainly won’t forget.

“And the top race circuits on offer will allow these new owners to fully appreciate the dynamic abilities of Abarth cars in their natural environment.”

The celebratory Abarth 500 track experience package costs £14,990 (OTR) and is available from any of Abarth’s 29 UK dealers.