I spy with my tiny little eyes...

"Klaus Schmoll" (klausschmoll)
08/12/2013 at 18:20 • Filed to: None

...that Fiat is turning the 500 into Mini a.k.a. too many models to even tell which is which. After the 5/7 seaters and their crossover version, meet the "real" 500 SUV, the 500X. I mean, it's not even bad looking or something, it sure as hell looks better than their people carrier, but I still wonder "WHY?". Well, at least I didn't read anything about them marketing it as the "coupe" version of this:

DISCUSSION (7)

HammerheadFistpunch > Klaus Schmoll
08/12/2013 at 18:27

1. They are turning into MINI? good, that means more sales which means the Abarths keep coming and eventually something not based on the panda.

2. Re: MINI/FIAT - Who cares what they make as long as it is well made and sells well enough to keep the brand producing at least 1 quirky model. I mean, you don't have to buy the ugly ones, or even like them to enjoy the quirky ones.

Takuro Spirit > Klaus Schmoll
08/12/2013 at 18:40

I like that a lot better than the 500L abomination. And I agree with Hammerhead, the more crap they sell to soccer moms (if they still exits), the more hot cars like the Abarth, and the upcoming MX-5 based roadster they can sell.

Group B-raaaaaaaaaap! > Klaus Schmoll
08/12/2013 at 18:41

This is one of the FIAT perception related issues I am more than happy to address and lay to rest.

Here's the bottom line: FIAT isn't MINI. MINI has always been operated under the auspices of making nothing but small vehicles. FIAT is actually a full-line manufacturer. In the US they are most well-known for the 500 city car, because they considered it to be the most iconic of their vehicle line up. Think about when VW would have launched (post-war) in America. The Beetle was the most recognizable of the People's car, and was the first one brought over. The same concept applies to FIAT. And just like VW, FIAT manufactures many things, like sedans, convertibles, vans, light trucks, SUVs, and so forth.

That is one of the issues plaguing FIAT as they begin bring more models over under their own banner. People think they only make city cars, and are aghast when they see, well, not city cars. There are already FIAT products in the US, albeit in disguise. Check out the RAM Promaster van. It's a FIAT Ducato. The FIAT Strada light truck is likely on it's way as an entry level RAM sport truck some day.

The whole FIAT/Chrysler deal will probably see FIAT in the US only bring over the most relevant of FIAT's line up, to fill in for spaces where Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge lack representation. So I would expect mostly quirky European-styled cars, like city cars, wagons, and small CUV's (as pictured above). There is some neat stuff I'd like to see on our shores, including the Punto Evo, the 4x4 Panda, and I'd really like to see a modern version of the previous decade's Barchetta.

It should be noted that brands like FIAT (and I suppose MINI) create conundrums for diehards like us Jalops. On one hand, we love some of the cars they make. On the other hand, we have a very one-dimensional view of their brand ( example: Did you know BMW actually makes non-M cars? What kind of horseshit is that?! ) But, we tend to be the automotive 1%: we lust after halo cars and hate things that are made for the sake of moving sales volumes. And like the other 1%, we tend to forget that it's the plebian things they make which grease the wheels of our lavish lifestyles.

Milky > Group B-raaaaaaaaaap!
08/12/2013 at 19:16

You went off on a rant I don't think was needed, he clearly said " ... Fiat is turning the 500 into Mini ....".

You are a 100% right that Fiat is a full line up car brand, but the 500 is not sir. That is where Klaus and myself see issue with them branding cars that are not true to the original 500.

Group B-raaaaaaaaaap! > Milky
08/12/2013 at 19:27

You have a very good point there. I think I get tired of explaining that not every FIAT is a 500. Nor do I think the 500 should be a sub-brand. I do hope there is more thought put into a new FIAT CUV beyond 500X. The Panda probably wouldn't play well in the US, but it needs some kind of proper name. An italian-sounding name. Maybe the Ascensione. That sounds good. I'd drive the FIAT Ascensione.

Milky > Group B-raaaaaaaaaap!
08/12/2013 at 20:13

I probably just butchered that name because I speak Italian 3rd most. But personally I think the Panda could do good in the US. Its cheap and small so the "cute" name fits and besides ....

Group B-raaaaaaaaaap! > Milky
08/12/2013 at 20:22

That is one of my favorite FIAT-related videos of all time.