Top Gear takes the new Fiat 500 diesel out for a spin
The new Fiat 500 is proving to be quite popular in Europe where the crew from the Top Gear web site had a chance to try out the 1.3L diesel model. The cute little 500 draws plenty of attention on the streets of London, but it's what's under the skin that counts. The handling and steering are far superior to what one might expect from a little car like this. It corners flat and turns in smoothly. The 75hp 1.3L MultiJet diesel provides plenty of performance and still delivers 56 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle. According to Top Gear's scribe, even when the fashion aspect of the 500 fades, this will still be one fine little ride.
[Source: Top Gear]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Wildgoosechase73 11:07AM (3/14/2008)
I'm no fan of tiny cars but the 500 is too cute, it's everything the New Bettle was supposed to be.
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Tim 11:13AM (3/14/2008)
This is another in a long line of diesel fuel misers that we in the US CAN'T have because of our overly-strict emission standards.
Instead, we just keep burning MORE fuel and causing more emissions due to "unintended consequences" or "blowback" of too strict regulation.
The Neo-Con, Democratic-Socialist, Liberal, “progressive” politicians just don't get it.
HELLO…. Fair & BALANCED does not exist in Washington, DC either!
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rgseidl 2:10PM (3/14/2008)
@Tim -
Europe did indeed not strangle the passenger diesel market with emissions regs, but the main reason diesels are popular is that the fuel tax per unit of energy is generally substantially lower than the one for gasoline.
The boom was launched in the early 90s when bickering national governments took forever to agree on the introduction of unleaded fuel to finally support three-way catalysts for gasoline cars. Anyone who had to cross borders on a regular basis opted for a diesel instead. Also, advances in turbocharging and direct injection meant more specific power, an important consideration when your road tax is based on engine displacement.
As for your politicians, what do you expect? Because of how the US political system is set up, their primary qualification is the ability to raise oodles of campaign contributions by prostituting themselves to corporate interests. Most other countries elect their leaders once every 4-5 years after just 3-4 weeks of campaigning.
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brn 7:54PM (3/14/2008)
Have I already mentioned how ugly this thing is?
Yea, I think I did.
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Rick 10:47AM (3/17/2008)
A gorgeous interpretation of a classic design, with the correct mechanicals to boot in the 21st century. Too bad I'll never have the chance to own the Abarth model.
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