Fiat 500: Chic and cheerful - Introduction

It may be a myth, but this is how the story goes: back in 1969, Fiat's cute 500 city car was all set to star in The Italian Job movie when some bright spark had the idea to use Minis instead. True or false, the film helped turn the Mini into a blockbuster, while the 500 slipped into the role of beatnik cool B-lister.

Thirty-eight years since Michael Caine was left hanging over a precipice, Fiat is back with a new 500 – and they've got an old score to settle. Although prices and trim details are yet to be announced – the 500 won't go on sale in the UK until spring 2008 – the word
is that the new model will go head to head with its old foe.

Stealing another leaf from its arch-rival's book, the 500 won't be limited to one bodystyle. There'll eventually be a soft-top cabriolet and a stretched estate version.