Mark Tucker
The Sport, starting at $17,500, has the sporty styling of 16-inch Aluminum alloy wheels, sport seats, a unique rear and front fascia, red brake calipers, rear spoiler, and also sport suspension.
Mark Tucker
The Fiat 500 has 14 exterior colors and an ivory or black interior choice. The dash incorporates the exterior color throughout.
Mark Tucker
The vehicle is a model of efficiency, with space utilized to the max.
Mark Tucker
Additional trunk space is available with fold down seats.
Jim Benson is bringing the Fiat to Greer in a new Fiat Studio that will be adjacent to Benson Chrysler Dodge Jeep on Wade Hampton Blvd. It is set to open in two weeks, and the final touches are being put onto what promises to be a fitting showcase for the fashionable car. The studio will be a mirror of one in Charlotte, complete with espresso bar and interactive technology that allows prospective buyers to experience the Fiat experience in many different ways.
When you go to the Benson Fiat Studio, find John Montgomery. He’s not only the studio manager, but also President of the Fiat Lancia Unlimited Car Club, and writes for “Ricambi” magazine. Montgomery has been a Fiat enthusiast for over 30 years, purchasing his first Fiat, a dark blue 1974 Spider convertible, in 1975. He knows just about everything there is to know about Fiats, and the Fiat 500 in particular.
Let’s talk a little more about the car itself. Everything about the Fiat 500 is incredibly thought-through. It comes standard with more amenities than some luxury cars, from Bluetooth capability to USB port. It’s a model of efficiency, with space utilized to the max. Even though it’s such a small car, it doesn’t feel cramped.
Mileage is 27 miles per gallon in town, 38 on the highway with the manual transmission, and 27/34 with the automatic. It also has some smart safety features, such as it’s 7 airbags, high tencile steel frame, breakaway foot pedals, and electronic stability control. And then there’s the engine. It won engine of the year in 2010 for its Multiair technology, which allows optimum intake valve opening schedules.
The styling is what impressed me the most. Montgomery summed it up well when he said, “That’s the thing about the Italian manufacturer. It’s got that style. It’s hard to pin down exactly what it is, but it’s so appealing.” It comes in 14 exterior colors, and an ivory or black interior choice. The dash is just beautiful, and also incorporates the exterior color throughout. It has a customized feel that allows the buyer to create a car that’s completely his or her own.
The Fiat 500 comes in three different versions. The Pop starts at $15,500. The Sport (my favorite), starting at $17,500, has the sporty styling of 16-inch Aluminum alloy wheels, sport seats, a unique rear and front fascia, red brake calipers, rear spoiler, and also sport suspension. The Lounge is the luxury version, starting at $19,000. It comes with extra chrome, a fixed glass roof, premium seats, and automatic temperature control The Fiat 500C is the convertible, featuring clean lines and cage structure for safety and styling.
“Minier than mini, smarter than smart,” is how Montgomery said the Fiat Car Club describes it. It’s an accurate summary.