FIAT SEICENTO -01 THE NEW MODEL IN BRIEF

Youthful and appealing in shape, the Fiat Seicento exterior is all smooth lines and convex surfaces. Its simple, uncluttered style is influenced by the most modern trends, yet it never falls into the trap of sacrificing content to the vagaries of fashion. Its dimensions bear this out. Although it measures only 332 centimetres long and 151 wide, the Fiat Seicento conveys a sensation of solidity, sturdiness and size. This impression is confirmed by the interior. The cabin is roomy (the car is approved as a 5-seater) and practical with plenty of attention to detail.
The Fiat Seicento’s ease of handling is one of its greatest strong points. Its standard of handling and visibility is one of the best in its category. This car’s dynamic qualities and creature comforts will make longer, more demanding journeys easier for all concerned. The new heater unit with recycle facility, for example, ensures a level of air flow and demisting typical of higher segment cars.
Passenger safety is assured in this new model by the following standard features: front seat-belts with pretensioners, energy absorbing steering wheel and seats designed to prevent their occupants sliding under the seat-belt in the case of impact (anti-submarining). Options include ABS and airbags for driver and passenger.
The Seicento a good-looking, comfortable, pocket-sized charmer that comes in an impressive array of 13 young, lively colours and offers a lavish range of equipment on all versions. A total of six versions represents the most varied range in the category. Versions range from the dynamic and versatile S, to the youthful and gutsy Sporting, from the stylish SX to the sophisticated, comprehensively equipped Suite. These versions are joined by two special versions: one exemplifies a new relationship with the car, the other a new respect for the environment.
The first version is the Fiat Seicento Citymatic. This new, more up-to-date and relaxed car concept, is particularly well-suited to people who drive regularly in town traffic. The car is fitted with an electronically-controlled clutch which automatically controls starting, stopping, low speed manoeuvres and gear changes (which are of course always decided by the driver).
The other is the Fiat Seicento Elettra. This noiseless, environmentally friendly car is ideal for moving people and goods through town centres. Designed using state-of-the-art technological know-how, the Elettra’s range and performance set it at the top of its sector. This car really wins hands down, however, in the ratio between exterior dimensions and interior space. Because some of the batteries (small and highly efficient) are fitted along the tunnel between the seats, four comfortable seats have been obtained inside the cabin plus a roomy luggage compartment.
Two engines are available in the Fiat Seicento, a 900 and an 1100 unit. These power units ensure good performance (the Sporting is a particularly lively performer) and very good fuel returns (especially the Suite, with its long gear ratios). Together they represent an effective solution for town and out-of-town use. In particular, the thrifty, reliable 899 cc power unit delivers a maximum power output of 39 bhp at 5500 rpm and a torque of 6.7 kgm at 3000 rpm. The 1108 cc engine - a member of the Fire family - is youthful and eager. It develops a power output of 54 bhp at 5500 rpm and a torque of 8.8 kgm at 3250 rpm.
The up-to-date reliable engineering on the new model is enhanced by options unusual for a supercompact car. Fiat Seicento customers can choose power steering, ABS with automatic load proportioning valve and an electronically-controlled clutch.
Styling, engineering, equipment and engines; the philosophy behind the new Fiat Seicento range begins to take shape. All the versions differ not only in appearance but also in personality. The six approaches are expressed by different functional content and engineering solutions. This model range may be mass produced, but should still contain the ideal car for each customer. An extra touch of personal taste can always be added by choosing from the long list options and accessories.
But this is not all. The Fiat Seicento is an easy car to drive, to buy, to look after and to experience. Fiat Auto has developed a set of customised services geared to the needs of different user groups. These are able to ensure peace of mind from every viewpoint: financial, service and safety.
All these characteristics make the Fiat Seicento superb value for money. It is sold at a very competitive price and is one of the cheapest cars in the world to run. Yet it also has a high residual value when the time comes to sell. It is streets ahead of other cars in its category in terms of whole life cost (a new evaluation criteria first introduced in Great Britain and now increasingly widely accepted). Whole life cost considers purchase cost together with running costs and individual residual car value.
The Fiat Seicento is built in Tychy, in southern Poland. Organised in accordance with integrated factory principles (like all Fiat plants throughout the world), the plant uses advanced technology to ensure the highest standards of product quality and safety. At the end of the car’s life cycle, moreover, all parts are fully reused. Fiat Seicento Elettra bodyshells are also produced in Poland but then go on to be equipped with electrical parts and assembled in Fiat’s Arese plant in Italy.
The Fiat Seicento is due to go on sale throughout Europe from the end of March.