Click above to view Castagna's Fiat 500 wagon in hi-res
Unrelenting. That's the only way we could describe the Fiat group's assault on the MINI with more models than a Victoria's Secret photoshoot. While its sister brands Alfa Romeo and Lancia prepare their new retro-hatches to out-flank their Anglo-Saxon opponent, the Fiat division itself is branching out the 500 like a willow. Following the original hatch came the Abarth sport model, which will be followed by the cabrio, and then, as sources indicate, a longer wagon variant. The latter will target the new MINI Clubman, but without all the weird doors.
We got our first look at a Fiat 500 wagon in the ramp-up to this year's Geneva Motor Show, where carrozzeria Castagna showed off its wood-sided Cinquocente estate. Like its MINI wagons, which the coachbuilder crafted ahead of the factory's Clubman, Castagna's woodie wagon previewed the vehicle that may revive the classic Giardiniera nameplate used on the original 500 estate. Rather than stretching the wheelbase, the overhang will simply be extended, reducing costs and retaining the same front end as its more compact counterpart. Aluminum roof-rails are also tipped to join the more utile package, which could hit the market as early as 2010.
[Source: Auto Express]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Matt Nelson @ Apr 2nd 2008 1:34PM
It looks like it is half-way there to a "woody" version.
Level @ Apr 2nd 2008 1:41PM
I want one
Colin Smith @ Apr 2nd 2008 2:03PM
Too much speculation. I want facts now because this 'news' is history.
Red @ Apr 2nd 2008 2:20PM
I think despite the extra associated costs, not extending the wheelbase is a mistake. They're not really competing with the Clubman, then. They're creating a mini crossover type wagon vehicle as an alternative.
psarhjinian @ Apr 2nd 2008 2:27PM
Why is Fiat releasing the same vehicle class under three different brands? It's a strategy that's not helping at GM and at VW and I have real doubts that it'll help Fiat.
joe @ Apr 2nd 2008 3:01PM
What would be nice is if instead of working on new variants they just start selling an Abarth with turbo here in the states already. Move your resources FIAT, we want it! Oh, and give us more horsepower, because us americans care more about that than another variant that looks like a woody.
Colin Smith @ Apr 2nd 2008 6:33PM
Take a look...not bad at all sans wood.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au.../fiat500.html
Rick @ Apr 2nd 2008 7:24PM
I like this car, nice design and details.
Anyone know what the rear roof rails falling off the back gate are?
RockStoneSteel @ Apr 3rd 2008 11:56PM
Very cool. Why can't we have this in the US?