Fiat preparing 500 Giardiniera softroader?

With all this talk of mergers and acquisitions, it'd be easy to forget that Fiat has its own model lines to update and supplement. So while Sergio Marchionne flies back and forth between Detroit and Turin, a report has emerged suggesting Fiat could be preparing a crossover version of its popular 500 retro-hatch.

Fiat was already set to revive the Giardiniera nameplate used on the original Cinquecento with a longer wagon variant to take on the Mini Clubman, but sources now suggest that the wagon could take a more rugged approach, complete with four-wheel drive. The traction switch would be easy enough considering that the 500 borrows its platform from the Panda, which we already know is offered in lifted all-wheel drive guise. Add to that some contrasting body-cladding, roof rails and presto! You've got a 500 crossover. Roof-rails and a canvas roof like that on the 500C are also tipped to be part of the formula, although the jury's still out on the addition of an extra door or two.

[Source: 4Car]

Share This Photo X