As promised earlier this year, Fiat Auto South Africa has repositioned its 500 model, cutting prices and removing some features. Also watch out for two exciting new models that will debut soon.
| Price last month | Price now | |
| Fiat 500 1,2 | R157 800 | R135 500 |
| Fiat 500 1,4 Pop | R197 600 (lounge) | R157 800 |
FASA quote "a more favourable exchange rate coupled with economies of scale has played a major role (in these price reductions)."
The "new" 1,2-model comes without features such as colour-coded mirrors, remote central unlocking and a service plan.
The new 1,4 Pop essentially replaces the previous Lounge and Sport models and does without some of these models' features (15-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim inserts, stability/traction control, leather steering wheel with audio controls, Blue&Me, glass roof and roof spoiler).
Standard items on both models include a height-adjustable steering wheel, dual-drive power steering with City function, power windows, "follow-me-home" headlights, trip computer, air-conditioning, height-adjustable driver's seat, split rear seat with head restraints, adjustable headlamps, radio/CD/MP3, ABS with EBD, 7 airbags, Isofix child seat anchors and daytime running lights.
The two petrol units, the 51 kW 1,2 fitted and the 75 kW 1,4 installed in the two 500s are both Euro 4-compliant. More interestingly the 1,2 models CO2 emissions are just 119 g/km, which means that it will be exempt from the proposed CO2 taxation on new cars.
A 3-years/100 000 km warranty and 5-years/90 000 km is offered as standard on the 1,4 Pop model and optional on the 1,2. Two exciting new models will be added the 500 line-up in due course... watch this space!
Just bought a 1.2 (at the reduced price, thank heavens) and very happy with it so far. Can't imagine that one can do better at the price, if you don't need four doors. Just hacks me off that the Fiat dealerships are all advertising the R20,000 price reduction as a special, when it is in fact the new recommended price. 
