2012 Fiat 500

The 2012 Fiat 500 is no stranger to the enthusiast. We've been waiting for it for years. But now that it's finally here, is it worth the wait? Mostly, yes. It's a stylish, fun-to-drive, efficient and modern little car--but it leaves a little to be desired as yet. Accordingly, MotorAuthority rates it 6 out of 10.



Don't get us wrong. The 2012 Fiat 500 has a lot going for it, particularly as a much more attractive, entertaining, and, in many ways, refined, alternative to the current American and Asian minicar competition. Where it comes up short is where it matters most to the enthusiast, and that's why we downgrade it a bit.



Performance, first and foremost, is a very mixed bag. In one hand, it's a light, surprisingly nimble, and well-balanced chassis. On the other, the steering is beyond dreadful in its lack of feel. We'd even go so far as to say it is the least-connected car we've driven this year, particularly once you push the pace past six or seven tenths. Approach a full ten-tenths run and you probably won't again. It's not rewarding, it's hard to predict, and it just isn't enjoyable at the limit. The brakes are really quite good, though.



Around town, in easier driving, it's a different story. The Fiat 500 has enough pep to be fun, flowing easily with traffic for the most part, and even handling interstate romps pretty well. It's handy, can be parked almost anywhere, and it's really, very cute. It will get noticed.



You'll notice its efficient little 101-horsepower, 1.4-liter four-cylinder at the pump, too. Rated at 40 mpg, it's not very thirsty even for the modern crop of minicars, and with the economy as uncertain as ever and everyday gas prices over $3 per gallon, that's something you can bank on.



Inside, it's mostly good news, though that rear seat is little more than lip service for the average American. Set your packages back there and resolve yourself to owning a two-seater. The front seats aren't much better, with those of us over six feet likely to feel the tall roof looming near above our heads, thanks to the high seats. The hatch area is likewise very small. But hey, this is a subcompact. Spaces are going to be tight. The materials, on the other hand, are mostly good, and the colorful, clever cabin design is refreshing in a way that doesn't feel like it'll be dated by next spring.



[Source: motorauthority.com]

2012 Fiat Freemont

2011-Geneva Motor Show will host the launch of the new Fiat Freemont, who will go on sale in the second half of 2011. Fiat Freemont built at the back of the Dodge Journey is the first vehicle to leave the Fiat partnership with Chrysler Group. It will be produced in the Toluca plant in Mexico, where 500 is produced for the U.S. market.



The name itself evokes a sense of freedom, the joy of the outdoors, adventure and the ability to handle any situation that arises in daily life with peace of mind.



The Freemont Fiat is actually "handyman vehicle" one designed to meet the diverse needs of families and those seeking a spacious car, comfortable and versatile to meet the frenzy of daily life or leisure weekend.



The vehicle combines the flexibility and convenience has its own distinctive style and original. Dimensions (length 489 cm, width 188 cm and a height of 172 cm) for assurance of the internal volume, aided by the pace of the best in its category (289 cm).



Fiat Freemont for the maximum capacity, comfort and versatility for its seven seats as standard, a real third-row seats wide, which is easily accessible because the doors open to 90 degrees. third-row seats can be folded down with a flick of all disappear under the floor and create a regular pallet. Second-row seats are mounted higher than the front and the third row raised in relation to another, so that all passengers maximum visibility.



The second row can also be equipped with the innovative child booster: Booster seats are used to ensure that children are safe on board, optimizing the geometry of your seatbelt and ensure better protection, functionality and comfort.



On-board comfort is also ensured by a high driving position, spacious new seats and ergonomic, plenty of storage space, a generous luggage area with two bedrooms and a platform flat load for a total capacity of up until 1461 liters.



The interior has an updated design and new soft-touch materials. Features include a panel wrapped with chrome fittings, a new instrument panel, center console's extraordinary beauty and a set of innovative entertainment information and a color touch screen large.



To simplify the selection and purchase of only two teams will be provided that target different types of customers. The level of equipment for both sets is very complete and all elements of core content is consistent with the strategy of "Fiat fair price."



Both series offer 7 seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, cruise control, trip computer, advanced pressure monitoring (TPMS), fog lamps and touch screen radio color display and steering wheel controls. The most metropolitan areas include 17 "alloys, radio touch screen with 8.4 inch screen, SD card and a DVD player, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, folding mirrors, automatic headlights, dark rear windows and roof rails.



The Freemont Fiat will pull ahead with the turbo diesel units (140 hp or 170 hp Multijet 2.0) in combination with a manual transmission. Later, the vehicle will also be available on 4x4 models with 170 HP and 276 HP 2.0 Multijet 3.6 V6 petrol, two automatic transmissions. With the exception of the powerful 3.6-liter household Pentastar Chrysler Group and its automatic transmission, all power units are produced and developed by FPT-Fiat Powertrain.



dynamic performance of the car is also improved thanks to technology that Fiat has developed and introduced a special suspension and steering configuration for greater accuracy and simplicity. Ride comfort is also ensured by the significant improvements to the soundproof cabin.



Security is high, with 7 airbags, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, electronic stability program (ESP) with Hill Holder-roll and electronic compensation (MTC) as standard in all vehicles.



[Source: infocargallery.blogspot.com]