How do you turn a somewhat feminine styled car into a masculine one? In the case of the Fiat 500, you do one of two things: create an insane sports version for crazy hot hatch drivers (the Abarth 500) or get a fashion label to give the car a once over for the Oxford St trend setter types. The latter would be called the Fiat 500 by Diesel. That would be Diesel, the fashion brand, rather than Diesel the rocker.
Does sticking a fashion label make the Fiat 500 anymore desirable? If you enjoy unique colours (in this case Green or Indigo Blue), special badging, 16-inch branded alloy wheels, unique upholstery meant to resemble the fifth pocket of Diesel jeans and special telematics and sat nav systems built in (called Blue&Me), then yes, the Fiat 500 by Diesel is the small car you’ve been dreaming of since all those ideas for a special edition car popped into you head. If you’re nodding slowly but want to know the power output, then the Fiat 500 by Diesel is not for you.
It’s packed with a 1.4 litre 16v engine that produces 74Kw and 131Nm of torque. The speedo won’t get past 182kmh and you’ll notch up 0-100 in a relatively relaxed 10.5 seconds. The fuel consumption, at 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres, is also pretty stock standard stuff. For those who know the standard Fiat 500, yes, they are pretty much the same figures as the original recreation of the iconic model.
So why would you want it? The Indigo Blue looks pretty special and the yellow brake calipers add a pretty damn cool touch. The Diesel branding isn’t overly done and actually does add some style. And if you’re a city dweller, this car is the perfect solution to Australia’s increasing traffic issues. It’s built solid and drives well. But if you’re looking for a power boost or a cheaper version of the Abarth 500, then you’re out of luck. Sorry.
Price: $25,990 drive away
Web: Fiat
Damian Francis has previously edited Australian T3 and F1 Racing magazine and wrote for GQ Australia and Men’s Health. Unlike Nick and Trev, he has no kids, no mortgage and no wife, but lives happily on Sydney’s North Shore with his girlfriend.
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