At Tyres on the Drive, you can get your new Fiat tyres fitted as early as the next day, and at a time and location that’s convenient for you.
As with the origins of the name of fellow Italian manufacturer, Alfa, FIAT is an acronym made from initials, in its case Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino which roughly translates as the Italian automobile factory of Turin. One of its founders was Gianni Agnelli whose family are now among the most famous industrialists in the world. Fiat’s true skills have always lain in making small cars, with the timeless 500 which put Italy on wheels from the late 1950s being the obvious one, but the earlier Topolino and the 127 from the 1970s are among the significant models in its heritage too.
In the modern market Fiat plays to that strength with a firm focus on smaller superminis and hatchbacks and the current 500 is a testament to how a modern car can pay homage to a classic design of more than 60 years ago and be relevant to today’s buyers. Fiat badged cars are only one part of a bigger motor group stretching from Europe to America and its brands includes Abarth and Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia in its homeland, Chrysler, Dodge and even RAM Trucks in the USA.
The style king of the sector, the 500 is a triumph of retro chic styling, paying homage to the classic little car from the 1950s that put Italy back on its wheels after the destruction of World War Two. The car we see today was an overnight success when first seen in 2007 and in September 2015 Fiat gave it a huge overhaul, making no fewer than 1,800 improvements and changes, but keeping that central characteristic of the cheeky, fun styling. Now the 500 comes in variety of versions from the little supermini (with a hard top or roll top canvas roof), as a small MPV (the 500 MPW) and even a small SUV cross over with the 500X. Since its revamp, the Fiat 500 has more efficient and eco-friendly engines, the latest connectivity and entertainment and much improved safety standards.
The third generation Fiat Panda is a more practical, five-door alternative to the company’s 500 supermini and its more square-edged design allows for more room inside. It sits a little higher off the road so there is easier access to the seats and interior and is also available in a perhaps surprising – but very highly regarded – 4×4 version. The Panda also comes with Fiat’s exceptional and multiple award-winning 875cc TwinAir Turbo engine. It has been Europe’s top selling city car for the past 14 years and is certainly Fiat’s best selling model. Fiat recently updated the Panda to include access to social media provider, Waze, which has around 100 million users who provide real-time traffic alerts and updates to warn other app users of hold-ups and delays and advice on alternative routes.
A modern take on a familiar Fiat nameplate, the latest Tipo is a mid-size family hatchback. Available in either standard or estate (Station Wagon) form, the Tipo is not generally regarded as being the standard setters in the class by independent road testers, it does a competent job.
Jointly developed with Mazda, the 124 Spider is Fiat’s version of the famous MX-5 and is generally a little bit softer and not as razor sharp in its responses as the Japanese two seater. Pretty, comfortable and powered by Fiat’s superb 1.4 litre turbocharged MultiAir engine, the 124 Spider is widely considered to be a little easier to drive quickly than the Mazda and arguably a better day-to-day car because of that.
Fiat’s mini-MPV is not much bigger than a supermini but has room for five adults or becomes like a small van when the back seats are removed. With the fold-flat front passenger seat too, the Qubo can take surprisingly big loads. It is powered by engines found throughout the Fiat range.
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