Automobile News

Fiat is all geared up to launch a special edition model of the Fiat 500 which will be exclusively on sale through the internet. The model in question, the 500byDIESEL is the offshoot of a creative collaboration between Italian car giant and fashion label DIESEL. The model takes inspiration from the 500 Sport version and comes coated in a beautiful metallic, black, or brown finish. The manufacturers claim that the idea behind the joint project was to create an ‘Urban Survival Vehicle’, which will adjust itself perfectly with town traffic, while at the same time maintaining its aesthetic appeal among the hordes of alternative brand lovers.

The 500byDIESEL is a significant venture for the company especially because it represents the company’s first foray into selling vehicles via the web and follows the success of the Abarth 500 on-line deposit offer, which facilitated customers to book 6 months in advance 200 of the performance supermini before they are finally made their appearance in the UK retail market.

The on-line version will be supported by a fully automated process that will enable customers to configure a 500byDIESEL, pay a deposit, order it direct from the factory, and keep tab on the car’s development, before making the final payment. Moreover, you can even coordinate with a geographically appropriate dealer regarding collecting the vehicle. All this will be done on-line.This definitely sets a new precedent, since although consumers have long been able to purchase equipment like car stereos, radios, sat navs or even things like Michelin tyres online, cars are scarcely, if ever, actually purchase solely online. The 500byDIESEL is therefore a sort of internet campaign for Fiat and will pave the way for the company to an entire new world of step into e-commerce and purchasing. Potential customers can now get in touch with the company to access the services via www.fiat.co.uk.

Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat UK described the recent development as a progressive and futuristic one and that reflects the company’s new route to marketing.

The revamped Citroen C4 is coming to car dealers this autumn with new motors and a lightly retuned design. The immediately apparent changes include more chrome on the front, an enlarged company logo on the newly formed cooler grill, and an engine hood with more arch and convexity. The inside has also gotten a makeover as the instrument and armrest design have both been refreshed.

Two petrol engines, developed with cooperation from BMW, are located under the hood. The 88 kW/ 120 HP strong 1.6 litre motor with variable ventilator control replaces the 1.6 litre motor with 80 kW/ 109 HP, offered previously. In combination with the 5 gear standard transmission, the consumption should sink to 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres. A turbo-loaded 1.6 litre motor with 110 kW/ 150 HP is offered instead of the 2.0 litre petrol motor, and it should manage 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres with a manual six gear transmission. Both transmissions should also alternatively be available with four gears.

The prices, however, have remained stabile; the coupe-esque three door is available for around £13,000, while the five door hatchback limousine will cost a minimum of £13,250.

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