Archive for the ‘Fiat’ Category
Monday, March 15th, 2010
If you are the kind of person more concerned that your new car should come in a particular colour than anything else, then Fiat may have just the car for you. Back in January, the carmaker launched its self-explanatorily named 500 Pink. Clearly some people loved it as the Italian carmaker has now launched a convertible version.
So if you are a real life Barbie and you need to car to match then get down to your local dealership as Fiat is producing just 300 examples for the UK. Along with 500 pink hatchback versions, the new 500C Pink is available with 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim, side rubbing strip with 500 badge, body coloured door mirrors, leather steering wheel, leather gear knob, split folding rear seat and Blue&Me infotainment (Based on the 1.2 Pop specification).
With an on the road price of £13,500 – the 500C Pink costs just £1,200 more than a regular 1.2 Pop convertible, yet includes £1,870 worth of extra equipment.
“We reacted to customers’ requests earlier this year when we gave them the 500 Pink, and I believe we will find a new group of fans with the 500C version of this limited edition car,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland.
“With all the benefits of the convertible roof this summer, coupled with the style and personality of the Pink range, I think it will be one of this year’s must-have car purchases.”
For more details on the Fiat 500 Pink or to place an order, customers should visit: www.fiat.co.uk/pink
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Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Fiat’s commercial vehicle division is to embark on a whole new approach to marketing this week with the launch of its very own sitcom.
Fiat Professional commissioned the filming of the new sitcom, called The Fleet, which will get its first three minute airing in a special centre commercial break during News At Ten next Monday (15 March).
It will be the first episode of the comedy, with nine further 3-4 minute episodes planned for broadcast on the Internet. Support will come from digital advertising, press and radio and even a live performance at a special launch event today (March 11) at Stoke Place, Berkshire.
The campaign came as the Italian brand made a simple observation: while the van market has moved on in terms of its product, the same has not happened in communication.
“We needed a radical approach to marketing, in a sector that has been hit hard by the recession, is incredibly competitive and where we are a relatively small brand,” says Gerry Clarke, director, Fiat Professional UK. “This is a completely new idea for us and it’s particularly special that the first episode of The Fleet is broadcast during the news’ centre break – currently News At Ten doesn’t even have a centre break!”
The campaign is the brainchild of marketing specialist krow, which has been appointed to handle the £3.5 million Fiat Professional UK advertising account.
“We want to show we really understand our target market, and give ourselves the opportunity of starting a relationship with them,” says Nick Hastings, creative director, krow. “So writing a comedy series about them felt like a good place to start.
“To make it really funny we hired two sensational writers, Ali Crockett and David Scott, and brought in Dominic Brigstocke to direct it. And then we added an amazing cast.”
Fiat commercials to buy and lease on TheVanWebsite.co.uk
Fiat commercial road tests report
The sitcom follows the trials and tribulations of Pete – played by top comedy actor Phil Cornwell – the fleet manager of Lightfoot Logistics. The hilarious script cleverly carries a strong marketing message from Fiat Professional.
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Friday, February 26th, 2010
Fiat has released details of the new Doblo. The new model will cost from £12,295 and is available to order now.
The latest version of the carmaker’s popular MPV has been completely refreshed. Just three per cent of components are carried over from the outgoing model. The new car promises to be more spacious, more comfortable, even safer, superior to drive and better equipped. With a starting price of £12,295 OTR for the 1.4 16v 95 Active, the new Doblo range offers outstanding value for money. Among the equipment that entry-level cars receive as standard are ESP with Hill Holder; driver, front passenger and side airbags; electric windows, radio/CD player, remote central locking and body-coloured door mirrors with repeater flashers.
Prices rise through three trim levels – Active, Dynamic and Eleganza – to £17,145 OTR for the 2.0 16v MultiJet 135 Eleganza. That price includes as standard, electric rear windows, front foglights, leather steering wheel and gear knob, 16-inch alloy wheels, rigid parcel shelf and Blue&Me, Fiat’s hands-free infotainment system.
A full range of options include automatic climate control with rear distribution, cruise control, rear parking sensors, anti-whiplash front headrests and dark tinted rear windows, while different Option Packs are also available.
These include the Family Pack (seven seats, longitudinal roof bars, opening rear windows), Style Pack (dark tinted rear windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights) and Blue & Sound Pack (audio controls on steering wheel, Blue&Me, leather steering wheel and gear lever, radio with CD and MP3, provision for Blue&Me TomTom satellite navigation).
Fiat Doblo car leasing deals
Fiat Doblo new and nearly new deals
Fiat Doblo road test reports
Available with a choice of three Euro 5-specification engines – a 1.4-litre 16v 95bhp petrol unit and two MultiJet 16v turbo diesels – 1.6 (105bhp), and 2.0 (135bhp) – all cars feature Start&Stop and Gear Shift Indicator as standard. “Following on from a predecessor that has enjoyed nearly a decade of success is no easy task,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland. "However, the new Doblo manages to do just that.
“An almost-total renewal, of chassis, bodywork, suspension, engines and technology, all delivered in a modern, appealing manner, makes new Doblo a serious contender among families or anyone who requires roominess and versatility.”
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Many people buy smaller cars because they use them for short journeys. If you are one of those driver, then Fiat may have just the deal for you.
Offering a special service plans designed to meet the needs of these low mileage drivers, the carmaker’s Feel3 plan is available free of charge on eligible Fiat 500 and Punto Evo until March 31.
Designed especially for drivers who cover less than 10,000 miles a year, the plan affords customers peace of mind, knowing that their car will be regularly serviced by the carmaker’s own trained technicians.
Prices for other cars on the plan vary , but a three-year, 27,000 miles plan can cost around £13 per month.
That includes a service at least every 12 months using genuine Fiat replacement parts, helping to provide vehicle longevity, continued fuel economy and excellent performance. This also allows the car’s service book to be officially stamped.
“Once you have made the decision to buy a new Fiat car, you’ll want it looked after correctly,” says Rob Calver, parts and services director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “We believe we have developed a plan for our customers that does just that.
“And what’s more, it’s free of charge for three years for 500 and Punto Evo drivers, and stays with the car, even if the owner changes. The plans will keep customers’ new Fiats fully serviced and, therefore, safe, economical and operating to their optimum performance. Additionally, a car with a fully stamped service history commands a higher price at the time of resale.”
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Friday, February 12th, 2010
Fiat has revealed the full details and pricing of its new Fiat Doblo Cargo range. Already a popular commercial solution, the new Doblo Cargo starts from an impressively low £11,195 (basic). At the top end of the range is the long wheel base Combi Maxi 2.0 MultiJet 16v diesel at £16,945 (basic), a price which includes as standard twin glazed rear doors, a loading bay cover and split rear seats.
Available with a choice of four low emission, Euro 4 and 5 specification engines, the new commercial Doblo comes in a dizzying seven different forms – Cargo, Cargo Maxi, Cargo SX, Cargo Maxi SX, Combi, Combi Maxi and Platform Cab – to offer real solutions for a wide spectrum of van users.
The engine line-up comprises a 1.4-litre 16v 95bhp petrol unit and three MultiJet 16v diesels – 1.3 (90bhp), 1.6 (105bhp), and 2.0 (135bhp).
Standard equipment across the entire range includes ABS anti-lock brakes, height adjustable steering wheel, power steering, electric front windows, adjustable headlights, passenger seat undertray, high performance speakers, side rubbing strips and central door locking.
“This has been an eagerly-awaited newcomer to the commercial vehicle market,” says Gerry Clarke, director, Fiat Professional UK. “With its class leading capabilities and qualities, we are confident these excellent prices will keep Doblo Cargo highly competitive and desirable for both the single trader and the fleet market.”
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Monday, January 25th, 2010
Fiat has launched the next evolution of the popular Punto model, the Punto Evo.
Set to sit alongside the Grande Punto, the Evo has been designed to meet the requirement for smaller, more environmentally friendly cars that are easier to park and more affordable to run, yet still stylish, safe, comfortable and fun to drive.
The Punto Evo has a bold new look inside and out, cloaking a stronger structure that makes it safer, better to drive and more welcoming for passengers. And it incorporates many advanced safety features to further enhance the ownership experience, including knee airbags, double seatbelt pre-tensioners and ESP with hill holder. Fiat’s latest generation Blue&Me TomTom technology is available too, any Evo, except the Active, can be specified with it.
The Punto Evo heralds the launch of two all-new engine ranges, the petrol MultiAir, and MultiJet II diesel models. On top of this, all versions feature Start&Stop where the engine shuts down instead of idling when the car is at a standstill, but bursts back into life when you need to get underway again.
The range starter is the 1.4-litre eight valve 77bhp engine which, like every other engine in the 22-strong range, now complies with Euro 5 exhaust emissions legislation. The other petrol units feature Fiat Powertrain Technologies’ unique and ground-breaking MultiAir expertise – a technological leap forward that is to be rolled out across the company’s entire fleet of models.
MultiAir optimises engine intake air over the entire RPM range, with an ensuing reduction in fuel consumption by an average 10 per cent, thanks to the dramatic reduction of pumping losses and the exact grading of the parameters which perfect combustion.
MultiAir also provides for an average 10 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions; 10 per cent power increase; and 15 per cent torque improvement.
At the same time, toxic emissions are dramatically reduced, (40 per cent of HC/CO and 60 per cent of NOX), in the engine warm-up phase thanks to the perfecting of strategic valve control during the engine inlet phase, and internal exhaust recycling obtained by reopening the inlet valve during the exhaust phase.
Fiat Punto Evo car leasing prices
Fiat Punto Evo road tests
Fiat Punto Evo new and nearly new cars
The range starts with the 1.4 Active 3 door available for £10,995.00 OTR, rising to £15,595.00 for the Eleganza 1.3 MultiJet (95 hp) Dualogic 5 door.
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
Fiat’s new Punto Evo goes on sale in January and it proud parent has just announced pricing and specifications ahead of its imminent launch.
This facelifted model, based on the Grande Punto has a starting price of £10,995 OTR rising to £15,295 for the highly specified Sporting 1.4 MultiAir version costs– an OTR price that includes sports seats, cruise control, side skirts, air conditioning, sports suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Available with a choice of five low emissions, Euro 5 engines, all fitted with Start&Stop as standard, the new Punto Evo comes in five different trim levels – Active, Dynamic, GP, Eleganza and Sporting.
Among the advanced engine line-up are two power units featuring Fiat’s new MultiAir technology. The full list includes: 1.4 8-valve petrol, 1.4 16-valve MultiAir petrol (105bhp and 135bhp) and 1.3 16-valve MultiJet diesel (75bhp and 95bhp).
Standard equipment in the entry-level Active model includes ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, driver, passenger and knee airbags, radio/CD/MP3 player, power steering, electric mirrors and Blue&Me infotainment.
Dynamic trim level adds such equipment as side and window airbags, leather steering wheel and air conditioning, while Eleganza models get alloy wheels, cruise control and rear parking sensors as standard. The GP specification includes rear spoiler, dark tinted headlights and foglights.
“There has been much speculation about the price of the new Punto Evo since we first announced the car earlier this year, and we’re delighted now to be able to reveal details,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK.
Fiat Punto car leasing deals
Fiat Punto road tests
Fiat Punto used car deals
“Punto Evo is in an important and highly competitive sector of the market but we are confident that we have a beautifully-equipped car at value-for-money prices that will keep it competitive and desirable.”
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Friday, November 6th, 2009
With the phenomenal news yesterday that new car registrations hit an all year high with a 31.6 per cent growth on the same month of the previous year, it is interesting to see some of the winners of this boom in car sales have their day in the sun.
One such winner is the Fiat 500, which for the first time broke into the Top 10 best sellers for the month since its launch in January 2008.
The 2,989 Fiat 500 sold last month – well up on the 993 sold in October last year – according to official figures, just supplied by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). That makes it the 10th best-seller here last month.
And it’s not just the Fiat 500 hitting the big time in terms of UK sales. Fiat’s 6,570 sales result for October was 117.5 per cent up on the 3,020 figure for the same period last year, in a market up by 31 per cent – a result which follows a particularly strong September performance, in which Fiat sales were up 19.3 per cent in a market that was up by just 11.4 per cent.
Fiat’s year-to-date market share (to October) has risen from 2.58 per cent to 2.90 per cent.
“This is an incredible result for the Fiat 500 which we are, of course, delighted with,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd. “Interest in this car has been sky high ever since we launched it here less than two years ago.
“The popularity of this superb vehicle speaks for itself and, with the launch this summer of the fantastic 500C, and the option of Start&Stop bringing further environmental benefits to the range, we’re sure we will see the Fiat 500 making even greater inroads into the UK small car market.”
Used Fiat 500 deals
Fiat 500 car leasing deals
Fiat 500 road tests
With a starting price of just £8,700 on-the-road, the Fiat 500 is priced for these times and has some serious eco-credentials to serve with it. With combined mileage up to 67.3mpg and emissions from just 110g/km, it is a frugal little number, the like of which is already proving popular with scrappage scheme customers.
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Monday, November 2nd, 2009
I have fond and yet shameful memories of our old Fiat Panda 4×4. It was bought to teach my mother to drive when I was about 12 back in 1995. While 1995 may only be 14 years ago, it was an old enough model to still have a manual choke. I don’t know what year it rolled off the line as I can’t remember its registration plate, but even in 1995, it was old.
Our little Fiat Panda came in a hideous shade of grey, it was as tall as it was long, and it was far from ample in either dimension. It was hot and suffocating being shoehorned into the back where the windows opened only a crack by virtue of a lever. I often worried that with its primitive choke system it would fail to rise over the small hill just beyond our house, but with a quick pull it would make it over. For all I criticised it and -as pre-teen- was stupendously ashamed of it, to its credit it never had a single problem in the four years in which we owned it. By then it was probably one hundred and four years old. OK I exaggerate. But I should be far too young to remember manual choke systems, yet I do.
So why do I have found memories of it? Probably because my mother is an awful driver. Combine her unskilled steering with the amble body roll of the Fiat Panda and you actually have a very entertaining ride. I was like being on Safari, riding across open and un-sculpted dunes. Still that is no real reason to love it; I think you have to be a child to enjoy being thrown around like that. By now I would probably be moaning about mild concussion as my head repeatedly hit the passenger window. But with my Dad behind the wheel, the small and mighty Panda could do anything. As I loaned a horse at the time, forages around the countryside were commonplace enough. My Dad would take me to the farm where my horse lived and come rain, ice, snow, the fearless Panda would mount the steep and rugged incline to the yard and hold fast on a sheer ice slope on which we parked it. It would start on the coldest mornings no matter how early and somehow could lug huge bags of horse food from the merchant yard across hills and back to the stables. It was in many ways, perfectly suited to our devil-may-care attitude to motoring. Yet I cannot forgive our three door Panda for the time I struggled out of the backseat and caught my foot in the front passenger seatbelt, falling flat on my face on the pavement. By then I was a proper teenager and the embarrassment is something I have never forgotten. It should never be that difficult to exit a car without either becoming entangled or requiring you to fold in half.
But the Panda of today is a different affair, and while I appreciate that it is still not the top of everyone’s choice list, what I can’t understand is why it is so overlooked compared to the runaway success of its Fiat stable mate, the new 500. Both are ridiculously small, in fact although the 500 offers a little more width and length, in the height stakes, the Panda gives a generous 52mm more. And while the 500 range starts with a 1.2 engine over the Panda’s 1.1 petrol engine, the difference in performance is little, while the Panda eeks out 56.4mpg on a combined cycle over the 500’s 55.4mpg. For this you can pay an extra £1,350 for the 500. OK so the 500 has a more power, and the Panda entry model’s 0-62mph time of 15 seconds is shameful by anyone’s standards, not that 12.9 seconds is startlingly different. Besides the Panda actually has a little bit of more of the low down torque, needed in urban driving conditions. Up grade to the 1.2 8v Dynamic ECO and you still undercut the entry level 1.2 Pop 500 by £450, plus the Panda then generates 75 lb of torque at 2500 rpm while the 500 needs 3000 rpm to match it.
OK so it is not as cool looking as the 500 for all you young things out there and you may have to compromise on a bit of kit, but let’s face it, if you are looking at either of these cars you haven’t much cash. Personally my advice is not to follow the masses and consider holding onto that extra grand, neither these cars will make you happy. If you going to buy a soupcan, it may as well be an ugly soupcan you can embarass the kids with.
Last month the 500 made it into top ten best selling cars list for the first time. With cars sales being supported by the Scrappage Scheme, I can’t help thinking that the Panda is equally equipped to meet the needs of the mass of downsizers that seem to make up the car buying public today. Besides, unlike the 500, the Panda is still available as a 4×4 for those of you who miss the Chelsea Tractors of the pre-recession days. For just £12,850, you too can give your kids the mini Safari experience and that is why the Panda is this month’s Car Star.
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Friday, October 9th, 2009
Fiat’s mid-range Bravo models have been provided to the Energy Saving Trust as training cars for the eco-friendly advice organisation’s Smarter Driving courses.
Smarter Driving is a fuel-saving, environmentally-friendly style of motoring that is being introduced to companies throughout England by the impartial advice group’s instructors. By following the Energy Saving Trust’s advice, delivered through the DriveSense fleet trainer network, company drivers can save an average of 15 per cent on their annual fuel consumption – equivalent to an average £250 per person.
The Energy Saving Trust has recently taken delivery of two Fiat Bravo 1.6 Eco MultiJet and one 1.9 Sport models – an ideal choice as the Eco is already one of the most economical in its class, returning 62.7mpg on the combined cycle and listing a CO2 figure of just 119g/km. The Sport’s figures are 50.4mpg and 149g/km.
Bravo’s lively performance, simple controls and ease of driving will also be useful for the hundreds of delegates taking part in the training – the Energy Saving Trust course lasts just 50 minutes and some companies have up to 500 employees ready to enrol.
“We are delighted to be involved in this environment-conscious and fuel-saving exercise,” says James McMenamin, national sales manager, Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd. “The Fiat Bravo is the perfect car for this initiative and I am sure the delegates undergoing training will enjoy their experience behind the wheel – as well as learning how to drive smarter.”
“Smarter driving offers many benefits including lower fuel costs, a cleaner environment and a reduction in the likelihood of accidents,” says Bob Saynor, programme manager, Energy Saving Trust Smarter Driving. “The Fiat Bravos will help us greatly as we demonstrate our techniques to hundreds of company employees around the UK.”
Fiat Bravo road tests
Fiat Bravo car leasing
Fiat Bravo new and nearly cars
“DriveSense is passionate about supporting businesses wishing to reduce their fuel consumption,” says Dominic Marder, Managing Director, DriveSense Ltd. “Through our comprehensive network of Smarter Driving trained instructors, we can achieve some really impressive results.”
The Fiat Bravo range starts at £13,255 for the 1.4 Active and rises to £17,650 for the 2.0 16V MultiJet 165 Sport.
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