Fiat 500 (2007): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

21 March 2007 09:49

Is it a Trepiuno, Cinquecento or 500?

Welcome to the new Fiat 500 - due to launched 50 years to the day after the unveiling of the original 500. That car became an icon, and Fiat is hoping for more of the same with this modern interpretation, the most exciting launch in Turin for a generation. On 4 July 1957, the original 500 marked the culmination of the Italian manufacturer’s post-war revival: the new car will again be crucial to Fiat, consolidating the success of the Panda, Grande Punto and Bravo.

Not a lot. Massive public interest after the car was shown at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show convinced Fiat to put the 500 into production, and thankfully it remains faithful to the concept. So it's pretty cool, then. There have only been detail changes: the Trepiuno's door handles and indicators have been replaced by more conventional items, the rear lights are no longer smoked, and the exhaust has been moved from its central position. The rest of the exterior is near identical, especially the wonderful proportions.

By Ben Pulman