Fiat Doblo, 2010

 

 

 Fiat Doblo, 2010

The new Fiat that is all about space. A space to be shared with family and friends, a liveable space for travelling and socialising, for whoever chooses the Fiat Doblò as a partner for leisure or work.

It was designed with practicality and comfort in mind to make the best of space on board and accommodate up to seven occupants. An authentic "family space" vehicle that can rely on top-class safety, cost-effective running and environment-friendliness.

Compared to the previous version, of which approximately one million units were sold in all its variants, the new Fiat Doblò has been revamped throughout with a new style, new engines and new technical features. These aspects make the new Fiat Doblò the best-in-class in terms of capaciousness and emission reduction. These results were achieved by a new platform, more room for passengers (with a wheelbase of 2755 mm, it is the longest in its segment), a roomy 790 litre boot (3200 litres with the seats folded down), lower CO2 emissions (129 g/km with the 1.3 Multijet 90 HP engine, the lowest in its category), an innovative Bi-link suspension layout for extra comfort, standard safety equipment and highly modular interiors with folding, reclining seats.

Style and comfort
Created by Centro Stile Fiat, the innovative design of the new Fiat Doblò combines original forms and large dimensions in a very balanced manner to confer the impression of a robust, solid vehicle: 439 cm long, 183 cm wide and 184 cm high (189 cm with roof bars), it has a 276 cm wheelbase (best-in-class in its category).


The distinctive front end expresses a strong, clear-cut personality and is well balanced with the total weight. Prominent features are the large, enveloping headlights, the big rounded hood which forms two side "muscles" on the mudguards (this style element is recalled and emphasised on the rear wheel arches), a broad central "mouth" with a logo standing out in central position, seamless hood and bumpers. An ample windscreen with black pillars completes the newly styled front end for a brighter passenger compartment and better visibility, further enhanced by the flat blade wipers with a low, aerodynamic profile that minimises noise and interference caused by air turbulence in addition to more efficient cleaning.

From the side, the Fiat Doblò is typified by an essential lines seamlessly spanning along the bottom from the front to the rear wheel arch which give it strength and dynamism. Side mouldings are standard on all versions. The side is accented by shiny black door pillars, highly functional, compact wing mirrors, and a flushed side door sliding guide integrated in the body, typical of MPVs. The large side windows confer a feeling of brightness and ample interior space. The big sliding side doors making getting in and out easier. They are large enough to accommodate rear electric windows opening the entire surface of the window for the first time in its segment.

The generously-sized rear section immediately suggests a large loading volume and amount of available space. Distinctive and modern, the swing tailgate of the new Fiat Doblò has a sleek style and a large window. The Fiat logo is set in the middle, like a small jewel stone. A unique shiny black fascia splits the tailgate in two: the upper glass part and the lower metal part.

The rear lights are arranged vertically and have a crystal clear transparent part which puts the accent on brightness. Finally, the enveloping bumpers merge into the rear wheel arches on the side and into the tailgate on the upper part without protruding.

The interiors have also been designed with functionality in mind to create appealing, welcoming environments with different combination of colours, materials and trims. The new Fiat Doblò offers many smart solutions for making the best use of on-board space, such as an array of storage compartments and flexible interiors, with up to seven seats, to satisfy the needs of those who wants to enjoy their Fiat Doblò with family and friends. Also the dashboard and the handy roof shelf are designed to ensure top level ergonomics and driving comfort.

Finally, the boot is the largest in its class (from 790 to 3200 litres with the seats folded) and, according to version, may be equipped with a parcel shelf adjustable to two heights to configure the boot as needed. Specifically, up to 70 kg can be loaded on the parcel shelf set to the lower position.

Environment and economy
The Fiat Doblò will be launched with four engines with 5 or 6 speed gearboxes, all designed and made by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies:

    * 1.3 Multijet II 16v - 90 HP (Euro 4);
    * 1.6 Multijet 16v - 105 HP (Euro 5);
    * 2.0 Multijet 16v - 135 HP (Euro 5);
    * 1.4 16v - 95 HP (Euro 5).

Fiat 500C, 2010

 

 

 

Fiat 500C, 2010

Unveiled to the world for the first time at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the new Fiat 500C pays homage to the original 1957 Fiat 500 and its fabric roof, but also offers innovative solutions in terms of mechanical design, engines and comfort. All this in line with the most authentic Fiat tradition of giving people access to segment firsts in content and technology.

In Italy, the public will be able to take it for a test drive from July 4th, 2009, the birthday of the Fiat 500 and exactly two years after the launch of the model that really raised the bar in terms of comfort, safety, technology and features.

Using a typical open-source approach (i.e. continually evolving a successful product on the basis of input from its users), the Centro Stile Fiat design centre created the Fiat 500C by interacting with the many communities of Cinquecento enthusiasts - notably the 500 Wants You website - and reinforcing the position of the model as "a car for the people, by the people"...

Starting from the saloon version, the introduction of the soft top does not change the winning characteristics of the model such as its four comfortable seats and boot capacity, but it does add new functions that heighten enjoyment. These include easier access to the boot even when the soft top is fully open, thanks to a clever system of parallelogram hinges.

Another strong point of the original cabriolet version is its exceptional climate and acoustic comfort. Thorough aerodynamic research means that the turbulence experienced with the roof open has been reduced to a minimum, allowing full enjoyment of the fresh air and the company of fellow passengers.

The decision to re-interpret the original design in modern key, with an electric sliding roof but a stylistic design that retains the shape of the classic car makes the Fiat 500C less of a seasonal product and one that can be enjoyed the whole year round. In short, all these features make this new vehicle one of the most successful convertibles in the modern city-car segment.

A true object of design, the soft top of the Fiat 500C stands out for its elegant electrically controlled movements and its impressively finished and carefully selected technical features, from the glass rear window to the third brake light built into the soft top itself. Available in three colours (ivory, red and black), the clever soft top is matched with various paint finishes including three ad-hoc creations: a pearlescent Ragamuffin Red, a Tech House Grey so typical of sporty super cars, and Goth-Metal Blue (the latter available for the whole range).

The Fiat 500C has an exclusive feel to its interior, which is embellished with top quality and highly desirable fabrics, including Frau leather upholstery, and a long list of market-dependent standard and optional features: from automatic climate control to the innovative Interscope HiFi System, from the Blue&Me Map portable navigation unit to the smart wind-stop, and from the Start&Stop system to the new collection of customisable options.

A free and emotive expression of the automobile, the Fiat 500C retains the same dimensions as the base model (355 cm long, 165 cm wide and 149 cm high) and shares all three of its power units: the 75 HP 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel engine combined with a five-speed manual gearbox and the two 69 HP 1.2 litre and 100 HP 1.4 litre petrol engines, both available with manual or Dualogic robotised gearbox. Each engine offers different qualities, but all three are defined by generosity and a lively temperament, as well as high performance and sophisticated technology. Among their common qualities are great reliability and respect for the environment (all are Euro5-approved). To confirm Fiat Automobiles' commitment to environmental protection and sustainable mobility, the Fiat 500C includes the innovative "Start&Stop" system, which controls the temporary cutting out of the engine and its subsequent restarting. When the vehicle stops, putting the gear lever in neutral and releasing the clutch will switch off the engine; to restart, simply put the car back into gear.

With the commercial launch of its latest convertible, the Fiat 500 continues to be talked about and confirms its status as a real Italian style icon, able to win over the public and critics worldwide. The best evidence of its success are the 30 awards it has won across the globe, the 11 million internet users that have visited its website (viewing a total of 200 million pages) and the more than 360,000 orders so far received across the 59 markets in which it is being sold.

This is all the more impressive when you consider that more than half the sales have been recorded outside Italy (50% elsewhere in Europe and 8% in the rest of the world). In each country where it has been launched, the Fiat 500 has generated enormous interest: in Japan, for example, there have been more than 5,000 orders. It should also be highlighted that 80% of Fiat 500 clients select the most expensive features and 90% ask for the Blue& Me system.

In short, as an expression of Italy's finest automotive design, the Fiat 500 is not merely a super-compact city car, but a real platform upon which Fiat Automobiles is building a whole family of cars with advanced technology and high attention to detail. The new Fiat 500C represents another step forward in this direction.

Alluring shape and innovative design
First of all, the front of the car differs for a slightly higher windscreen needed to resize the upper cross member; this gives a better view for the rear passengers, a stronger body and superbly clean lines. These are also enhanced by the continuity of the windscreen, which extends to the fabric roof without exposing any part of the bodywork (an extremely elegant and technologically sophisticated solution in keeping with the spirit of the Fiat 500C).

From the side, the car stands out for the outline of the pillars which present strong arches in contrast with the shape of the soft top. The soft top really defines the upper lines of the Fiat 500C and gives it a more slender look compared with the saloon version. Staying with the side view, the alloy wheels also stand out: one option is 16 inches, with a cross-spoked design that has echoes of the original 1960s spoked wheels; another is 15 inches, with a more fluid design (both wheels have the classic cup-shaped locking nuts embossed with the 500 logo).

But it is the rear aspect of the new car that is most different, particularly the clear division between the upper fabric part and the car's steel bodywork, emphasised by chrome trim like that of the Fiat 500 versions from 1957 onwards. This stylistic element makes the rear of the car appear wider by creating a horizontal line across it. In addition, the rear window (in glass with an electric demister) is more rounded. While retaining the same visibility as the 500 saloon, its smoother corners are closer in design to its 1950s forerunner.

Another important feature of the new car is the boot: this opens upwards without protruding from the shape of the vehicle (this means there is no need to step away when loading luggage). In addition, if the soft top is down, an electronic device lifts it a few centimetres to allow the boot to be fully opened. This is an extremely functional and streamlined solution which can be appreciated both for its usability, and for the way it integrates with the vehicle. It should be stressed that the Fiat 500C is "best in class" in its segment for the ease and versatility of loading and unloading. Merit for this goes to the spacious luggage compartment (with a capacity of 182 litres - just three litres less than the saloon version), the traditional upwards-opening boot and wide access.

Fiat 500 Abarth R3T, 2010

 

 

Fiat 500 Abarth R3T, 2010

Abarth introduced its latest racing gem at the 51st Sanremo Rally. The new Fiat 500 Abarth R3T will lend its name to a promotional rally trophy in 2010, due to join the two track events (European and Italian) planned for the Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse.

This marks a return to promotional trophy events, a niche it has made its own for more than thirty years. Since 1977, to be precise, when the first ever Autobianchi A112 Abarth Championship was held, followed by trophies for the Fiat Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Punto Kit and Super 1600, Stilo, Panda Kit.

The Fiat 500 Abarth rally version will be type approved for Group R3T, the category for turbocharged cars up to 1600 cm3 in capacity. This class will be the future of the specialism because it represents a good compromise between car cost and performance. Ideal for private drivers and young people who want to show their worth in a true racing car, capable of outstanding performance by any standard.

The Fiat 500 Abarth power unit is 1368 cm3 with a Garret GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger capable of delivering a power of 180 hp (132 kw) at 5500 rpm.
The gearbox is sequential, front meshing with 6 speeds and includes a multiplate self-locking differential, twin plate clutch and special half-axles.

Great care has been taken to ensure the suspension can be adjusted to obtain a ride suited to each driver's individual driving style. The racing shock-absorbers are adjustable, with coaxial spring and wheel to alter the ground clearance plus special shims to adjust the caster and camber angles.

The 7" x 17" OZ asphalt rims are designed for 19/62-17 tyres.
The Brembo brakes are all disc, ventilated at the front with 4 callipers, solid disc at the rear with brake distributor and governor. The handbrake is hydraulic.
The Fiat 500 Abarth is equipped with a special welded roll-bar integral with the body, the required safety devices and FIA type-approved seats with 6 seat belt anchorage points.

The weight is the lowest set by the regulations for this category: 1080 kg unladen.
Great care has also been taken over the details, beginning with a livery that is most decidedly in keeping with tradition, complemented by a lovingly crafted interior and instruments.

 

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