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REPORT: Fiat plans Smart, Toyota iQ competitor
Fiat is rumored to be working on an all-new brand to launch small, inexpensive cars into the Western Europe, with two of the three proposed models being based on vehicles from emerging markets. The third is much more interesting. The new supermini, which could revive the Topolino moniker, is expected to get a new twin cylinder engine that could offer as much as 65 mpg when mated to a dual-clutch gearbox. Naturally, Fiat is targeting the smart fortwo, Toyota iQ and the upcoming up! minicar from Volkswagen, but the automaker is said to be working on a pricing model that more closely matches Renault's low-cost Logan subsidiary. In other words, Europeans may get an efficient, stylish Italian city car that's priced to compete with upper-end motorcycles as basic transportation. Electric versions are also a distinct possibility. Unfortunately, as is often the case, Americans are likely to miss out on this one. [Source: Autocar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TyWright 7:13PM (12/23/2008)
Fiat don't name it something to do with the brain. Smart, Think, and IQ are taken.
Get creative - don't be like the 'X' tagged on to every SUV in 2003.
Sweet
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G-Meister 7:20PM (12/23/2008)
Perhaps GM can get a micro from Fiat then. The market will be there.
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Anti-believer 7:41PM (12/23/2008)
Looks like Ford Ka
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Mobius_1 8:03PM (12/23/2008)
So a Fiat 500 but smaller and cheaper? I hope they can make it look cool then.
Really though, I might prefer a motorcycle or a second hand car if my budget was limited.
P.S. Logan is the name of a model by Dacia which is Renault's subsidiary, made famous by Top Gear and their news about the Dacia Sandero. Right, moving on...
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robin 8:25PM (12/23/2008)
Forget it, we just want the Supercute 500.
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Ken Stamper 8:26PM (12/23/2008)
I am confused- Isn't the Fiat brand name associated with inexpensive city cars anyway?
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Enok 8:35PM (12/23/2008)
Four syllables? A micro car is supposed to have a micro name.
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dani 8:49PM (12/23/2008)
Topolino was the name of the first version of 500 (500A)in the 50s, it means "little mouse" and it's the translation for Mickey Mouse in italian too :-D
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_500#La_500_.22Topolino.22
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Rick 11:48PM (12/23/2008)
Technically, when someone refers to a Topolino, they are talking about the model that started production pre-WWII and continued on into the 50's. Many of these became the basis for the early hot rodders. Back in 1982, my father's shop restored one, which was later featured in Hot Rod magazine. Later, the 'original' 500 was also referred to as a topolino.
Ben 1:01AM (12/24/2008)
". . . Unfortunately, as is often the case, Americans are likely to miss out on this one. "
So who decides why the rest of the world gets these fun, clean and efficient cars? . . . and us Americans are stuck with the same dull crap? Be it diesel or electric, there is always moron marketing executive (paid under the table by the gas companies, I'm guessing) who decides that this or that electric or diesel model isn't going to be sold here.
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Metar 2:58AM (12/24/2008)
Perhaps because a company without any dealers in the US and a slightly-tarnished reputation will think twice before selling their cars in the US? It involves a huge investment in dealer-networks, spares, shipping, marketing (especially important for a "new" brand), all in this bad financial situation (Fiat hasn't escaped it harmless either) and of course hoping the public will buy them, with gas-prices returning to their old prices?
Especially when a MINI still counts as a "small" car there: It's a regular-sized hatchback here.
mk3 11:18AM (12/24/2008)
Rick I think that is only an excuse. Sure to achieve something like that a company must make a huge investment but I think there is something else underneath. And I think is something with USA that don't "accept" small engines and small cars. Maybe fiat can't do it but GM or a european manufacture like VW can.
I really do not understand and maybe someone from the states can explain why there are no small engines in america. I mean in Europe we can have a 1.4 or 1.6 Golf but in the US you start from a 2.5L. And this are excellent engines for city use and long trips. The same happens with BMW. We have 730d but in the US you start only from a 750i.
Don't know the reason but I think that the introduction of small engines and cars would be the solution for american car market!!!
Mike!!ekiM 11:35AM (12/24/2008)
Something is fishy in the US.
Even Subaru lots of "horsepower" models, but Nothing on Efficiency. It's as if there's some kind of Kick-Back program in place.
Since the government is spying on everyone over here, maybe the Dem's can plant some bugs on the oil-auto industry CEO's and send someone to Jail.
Avinash machado 6:24AM (12/24/2008)
Was there not some talk about Fiat selling a version of the Tata Nano?
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jimmy 8:08AM (12/24/2008)
Ford and GM is secretly working on nothing....
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Frank 9:56PM (12/24/2008)
America will get the more expensive BMW version of the Topolino. BMW is reviving the Isetta name, which will actually be produced by Fiat. The platform is a modification of the 500.
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