Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Monday, 28 April 2008 09:59
Opinion and Analysis
Page 1 of 2
The Fiat 500, said to be ‘car of the year’ in the UK, is as cute as a
button – just like it was back in 1957, when it first appeared. But
where’s the electric version that would make this car glide, instead of
sputter?
Such a small car, so perfect for city life, deserves much better than to be lumbered with decades old engine technology, but that’s the era we still live in: the era of oil.
There can be no doubt that such a small car would be perfect were it but electric. No-one but the brave would want to drive the Fiat 500 to Melbourne from Sydney, but for everyday driving, from home to work or just around town, the Fiat 500 is oh-so cute.
According to an
article in The Australian, the Bambino starts at AUD $23,000 with a 1.2-litre four cylinder engine – but that’s just where the price starts, with options aplenty to drain your bank balance of money as quickly as rising petrol prices have been doing recently.
Want “paint, leather and chrome” as The Australian says is available? Then prepare to pony up the cash – you’ve just passed AUD $30,000. There’s even an electric sun roof option if you really want to splurge.
Or try the “sporty” model, the 1.4-litre “Sport” edition, and your starting price on the grid will set you back a mere AUD $27,000. Hey, I’ll take two!
The Australian notes the sparse interior – you don’t even get a glove box, not that many people seem to drive with gloves on anymore – and, unsurprisingly, says the 1.4 litre model is the gruntier one. Petrol heads rejoice, although you’ll probably prefer your V8s for that.
So, is this the car of the year? Or just another small petrol-powered car? Please read onto page 2.
