[camchennai]

After a 27 year absence, Fiat has officially returned to the United States as the company has delivered the first batch of 500 Prima Ediziones to eager customers.

According to Laura Soave, Head of Fiat North America, "We are delighted to begin delivering the highly-anticipated Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione models to our cherished Fiat fans." She added, "The Prima Edizione marks the exciting and long-awaited return of the Fiat brand and true Italian automotive design to North America."

As we have previously reported, the 500 Prima Edizione (First Edition) features exclusive badging, an individually-numbered plaque, and unique interior trim. Power is provided by a 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine that develops 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) and 98 lb-ft (133 Nm) of torque. It is connected exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission, but a six-speed automatic is offered in non special edition models.

[arvi86]

Good going Fiat. I think the acquisition of Chrysler by Fiat has given both the manufacturers new markets for their vehicles. I hope the Fiat 500 changes the perception that small cars don't succeed in the US market.

[sridhar_setty]

Its a very nice premium compact car. I hope that Fiat would assemble this in India at some point of time.

[hillram]

Good to see Fiat enter US markets after such a long time.With Chrysler they can reach out better to US customers.

[chevelle]

Originally Posted by arvi86

Good going Fiat. I think the acquisition of Chrysler by Fiat has given both the manufacturers new markets for their vehicles. I hope the Fiat 500 changes the perception that small cars don't succeed in the US market.

Small cars are already a success in US market. Examples - Beetle, Mini Cooper, Jazz a.k.a Fit, Hyundai Verna hatchback.

The specs of 500 are not too good. Won't be good enough for freeways. Need an abarth version soon.

[anupam00]

I have seen a Fiat Red Colour 500 on Road Today only.

Good going Fiat - Keep it up.

[arvi86]

Originally Posted by chevelle

Small cars are already a success in US market. Examples - Beetle, Mini Cooper, Jazz a.k.a Fit, Hyundai Verna hatchback.

The specs of 500 are not too good. Won't be good enough for freeways. Need an abarth version soon.

I was basically referring to the Smart and the excuse that many manufacturers make when asked about the possibility of launching the smallest car in their line-up in USA. For example, I remember reading the statements from Hyundai and Suzuki when questioned about the possibility of launching the i10/i20 and Swift in USA.

Ya, a friend of mine in US was also telling the Fiat 500 specs are not suited for the freeways of USA. Apart from modest power output, I guess it's fuel-efficiency is also not much of an improvement either, compared to conventional cars.

[GTO]

Perfect timing, I say! For one, the American market has only just warmed up to premium small cars. Two, access to Chrysler's network gives them ready distribution. Three, it's cheaper than the Mini and definitely has the same style appeal. Lastly, introducing such a product will greatly help the brand. The North American car market is so crowded that differentiation is everything. The 500 differentiates, and how!

If Fiat manages the marketing, sales & service procedures well, the States has a lot of potential for them in the longer term.

[chevelle]

Originally Posted by arvi86

I was basically referring to the Smart and the excuse that many manufacturers make when asked about the possibility of launching the smallest car in their line-up in USA. For example, I remember reading the statements from Hyundai and Suzuki when questioned about the possibility of launching the i10/i20 and Swift in USA.

Ya, a friend of mine in US was also telling the Fiat 500 specs are not suited for the freeways of USA. Apart from modest power output, I guess it's fuel-efficiency is also not much of an improvement either, compared to conventional cars.

Smart for two is a sales disaster because of higher price and being underpowered. It is still good for city runs and is quite fuel efficient. Suzuki was to bring swift in USA but they shelved the plans since recently they closed many of its dealership and are cutting cost for survival. Hyundai don't think will come with i20, they gonna offer i30 instead. They already have accent hatchback instead of i20 which is surprisingly doing good. Ford also recently launched hatchback called focus which i think is fiesta in disguise which is doing pretty well too and giving good competition to jazz.

As the gas price approaches $4/gallon more and more people would convert to hatchbacks rather than trucks/suv guzzlers.

[arvi86]

Originally Posted by chevelle

Ford also recently launched hatchback called focus which i think is fiesta in disguise which is doing pretty well too and giving good competition to jazz.

As the gas price approaches $4/gallon more and more people would convert to hatchbacks rather than trucks/suv guzzlers.

If I am not wrong, Focus is a bigger car and belong to a higher segment than the Fiesta. I think both the Fiesta and Focus are available as separate models in US market.

Coming back to the 500, I think it has come at exactly the right time as you said. With skyrocketing fuel prices, its time that more and more small cars are launched in USA.