 |
| Image via Wikipedia |
The undisputed star of the stand is the new Panda, consistent evolution of a successful city car that in its 31-year history has always been a synonym of functional design, manoeuvrability, space, reliability and comfort. To emphasise the strong bond with the first generation of the model, a Fiat Panda of the 1980s surrounded by 5 vehicles of the new model that represent a significant sample of the range in terms of colours, optional extras and accessories is on display in Bologna.
Starting from the concept that every one of us has different requirements, the new Panda makes maximum use of the interior space, minimising the obstructions. Although continuing to be a very compact car, the Panda has grown just a few centimetres to ensure the attainment of the highest standards of safety and improve the generous level of passenger room and capacity of the boot still further. With a length of 365 centimetres, a width of 164 and a height of 155, the new Panda can comfortably accommodate up to five people and is equipped with one of the roomiest luggage compartments in its segment. In addition, modularity is enhanced by numerous storage compartments and a wide array of front and rear seat configurations. Besides, every one of us has our own lifestyle, a personal relationship with our own objects, our own way of distributing them in space. And of finding them. So in this sense the new model is a place to fill in an entirely personal way, but at the same time it is a place that you are glad to share with others.
On the subject of engines, the Panda range has been expanded with the TwinAir twin-cylinder engines: the 85 HP Turbo and the new 65 HP aspirated engine, with even lower fuel consumption. At its launch, the new model will be available with front-wheel drive - and later the Panda 4x4 will make its debut - and will offer a range made up of: 4 engines (85 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo, 65 HP 0.9 Aspirated TwinAir (unavailable in Italy), 69 HP 1.2 Fire and 75 HP 1.3 MultiJet II), 3 trim levels, 10 body colours, 3 interiors, 2 hub caps and 2 14" and 15" alloy wheels for a total of over 600 combinations. The new contents include the "Blue&Me TomTom LIVE" that combines the advantages of an infotainment system which is integrated and connected with those of a portable navigation system, opening the doors to connectivity. Already from its first year of life, an innovative optional braking system will become available. It can detect an obstacle present nearby and automatically brake at speeds slower than 30 km/h.
The Bologna Motor Show is also the ideal opportunity for discovering the new Punto 2012. It is an important product innovation for the model that will allow it to remain among the European best sellers also in 2012. Also making their debut along with the aesthetic changes will be the two-cylinder 85 HP TwinAir engine - named "International Engine of the Year 2011" - which proves that the model is a perfect balance between eco-friendliness (98 g/km CO2) and driving pleasure (85 HP at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 145 Nm at 2,000 rpm).
As for the 500 model, the TwinAir name on the Fiat Punto 2012 will indicate not only the revolutionary two-cylinder engine, but also a new trim level with a unique and recognisable look on display in the stand area, which is marked by the exclusive shade of Verde Lime combined with the glossy black "pianoblack" roof.
A Punto 2012 equipped with the evolution of the 85 HP 16V 1.3 MultiJet is also on display beside this special version. With the introduction of two new technologies (Intelligent Alternator and Intelligent Flow), it can reach the record level of 90 g/km CO2.
Finally, a show car that combines highly recognisable elements, such as the exclusive opaque yellow colour, with the performance of the 135 HP MultiAir turbo engine will be on display together with these two versions that will be introduced to the market in early 2012.
The Bologna stand certainly would not be complete without the Fiat 500 and Fiat Freemont, two cars that ideally represent the new journey begun by the Fiat brand with the alliance between the Fiat and Chrysler Groups. A journey full of colour, simplicity and ingenious solutions that involves many people around the world and brings two apparently remote industrial cultures closer together. It is enough to observe these two cars to discover how often opposites can come together and blend beautifully: small/large, aesthetic/practical, emotional/rational... 500/Freemont. So if the Fiat 500 is the car that crossed the ocean from Europe to go to America, becoming a style icon and one of the symbols of the new industrial alliance, Freemont made the reverse journey: from America to Europe, where it "obtained citizenship" with the contribution of Fiat technology and style. And that's not all. The 500 embodies Italian DNA: the values of style, charm and ingenuity for which the brand is recognised worldwide, as the success of this model in all the markets where it has been launched also demonstrates. The Fiat Freemont on the other hand has global DNA. It was born in the USA, grew up in Italy and enjoys success in Europe.
The public visiting the Motor Show will be able to admire the latest Fiat 500 innovations - the Nation Limited Edition, the refined 500C by Gucci and the new TwinAir trim level with the "byAbarth" pack - while in an area set up outside it will have the chance to try out a few 500 TwinAirs that ensure the ultimate "fun to drive" feel, low fuel consumption and the lowest level of emissions in the world for a petrol engine (90 g/km with Dualogic robotised gearbox and 92 g/km with manual gearbox), as well as a highly satisfying retro sound reminiscent of the first legendary 500s.
With the prestigious 5-star Euro NCAP and 40 awards it has won internationally to date, the 500 has proven since its launch in July 2007 that it is not merely a super-compact city car, but an authentic platform upon which Fiat is building a whole family of cars with technology and attention to detail worthy of a higher category. Specifically, the Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition is the tribute that the brand dedicates to the great countries where the car is sold. With just 500 numbered units made in the saloon version and 500 in the convertible version, the first edition pays homage to the United States, celebrating the arrival of the 500 in North America and the beginning of collaboration with the American pop singer Jennifer Lopez.
The spotlights are also trained on the Fiat Freemont that recently won the prestigious five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Five stars is the top score that this independent consortium has been awarding since 1997 after testing vehicle safety. The rating is even more important considering that since 2009 Euro NCAP has adopted a new scheme composed of four areas of assessment, namely Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian Protection and a new area: Safety Assist. Injury avoidance and mitigation functions, such as seat belt reminder, ESP and speed limiter, are also rated. Achieving a five-star rating will become increasingly tougher year by year (2009, 2010-2011, 2012).
The first Fiat vehicle to be produced from its partnership with the Chrysler Group, the Freemont is "All the car you want" because it is equipped with everything you need to go where you want, with whoever you want, and without compromise. This is partly achieved by the new all-wheel drive (AWD) that allows you to control the car in any situation, in total safety.
Two examples of the Fiat Freemont are displayed on the stand. They are equipped with the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2, one with front wheel drive and the other with all-wheel drive (AWD) with 6-speed automatic gearbox, both with 7 standard seats. Moreover, the AWD version is offered with the exclusive Lounge trim level including satellite navigation with 8.4" touch screen, DVD and rear TV camera, 19" alloy wheels, automatic three-zone climate control, leather seats, rear parking sensors and Alpine sound system with 6 premium speakers + subwoofer.
The same freedom and flexibility are guaranteed by another two models displayed at the Bologna Motor Show: the Fiat Qubo Trekking with Nitro kit and the Fiat Sedici MY 2012. The first vehicle is marked by the strong "Outdoor" characterisation of its exteriors in addition to the traction control system Traction+ and the new Nitro Kit, developed together with the American company Nitro (world manufacturer of snowboards). A Fiat Sedici MY 2012 model is also on display next to the Qubo Trekking. It is the versatile car that since its launch in 2006 until today has recorded more than 76,000 registered vehicles, proving to be the best selling compact SUV in Italy. To face up to future challenges and a segment constantly growing, the Fiat Sedici updates with the Model Year 2012, offering certain new exterior and product features, in addition to a significant enrichment of the standard equipment.
Note that all the Fiat products displayed in Bologna are "Air Technologies" ambassadors, the new brand that contains all the low impact technologies able to combine respect for the environment with driving pleasure, and expresses the attitude with which Fiat calls people to experience their cars: with optimism, fun, economy and respect. From engines to alternative fuel systems, from gearbox and traction management systems to Start&Stop and from the technical solutions designed to improve vehicle dynamic efficiency to the exclusive eco:Drive software that allows drivers to check and correct their driving behaviour with the aim of reducing emissions and saving fuel: these are the thematic areas of "Air Technologies" that translates the Fiat philosophy of converting the needs of the people into concrete solutions immediately available today for all.
Finally, there will be a multimedia workstation in the exhibition area that will let users challenge each other in exciting races driving the new Panda using a smartphone as a joystick. The stand set up at the Bologna show will also introduce visitors to the products of FGA Capital, a finance company specialising in the automotive segment, through illustrative materials and certain dedicated publications. The finance company operates in Italy (with the Sava and Leasys-Savarent brands) and across Europe with a sole mission: supporting the sales of all Fiat Group Automobiles brand vehicles by offering innovative financial products with high added value services targeted to the dealership network, private customers and companies.
No comments:
Post a Comment