The Fiat 500 is not just a car - it's a legend, a cult. Car of the Year 2008.
Since 1957, the 500 helped Italy change its fortunes as the country strove to go industrial.
1957 was a very important year all over the world. It was the year the Sputnik conquered space, Juan Manuel Fangio won his fifth and last world F1 championship, and the European Union was born. The Fiat 500 left its historical mark that year by personifying a new type of mobility - the new 'city car'.
Nothing but an extraordinary launch would do for the 500's Malta debut. The occasion presented itself: the match between Italian giants Juventus and one of Malta's best loved clubs, Valletta. It was the perfect setting.
First, a line-up of pristine classic 500s put up an impressive parade in the national grounds at Ta' Qali just before kick-off.
The entire Fiat line-up was there for support: Panda, Grande Punto, Bravo, Sedici, Croma and Doblo.
There was music from the Fifties too. Music included tracks from all eras from the 1950s, till very recent hits as the 500 made its way into the spotlight. The event was 'hosted' by Juventus' own DJ, Marco Nana (known as DJ Nana), who also presented the 500 at the Italian launch.
Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon was the other star of this part of the show that evening at the National Stadium. Buffon was the special passenger in the 500 show car. He was driven around the pitch as he acknowledged the fans' warmth while fireworks were let off in the background.
The 500 has been awarded five- star Euro CAP rating, a first in this class. It will come to Malta in three trim levels: Pop, Lounge and Sport. There will be a choice of two petrol engines 1.2 69bhp and 1.4 100bhp, and a diesel, the 1.3 75bhp Multijet.
The 500 Pop comes with colour-coded bumpers, chromed exterior door handles, electric wing mirrors, immobiliser, athermic windows, adjustable steering wheel, power steering, electric windows and central lock, 'follow me home' headlamps, air-conditioning, CD/MP3 player, and airbags as standard. Price starts at Lm6, 750.
Additional features such as chrome kits, Blue&Me media player, leather seats and steering wheel, and sports kit (including sport seats, rear spoiler, specific interior colours and fabrics, chrome exhaust pipes, and chrome insert on door sills) available on order.
For more information, call at the Fiat showroom in Psaila Street Birkirkara, visit www.fiat.com.mt, or call 2382 3100.
Since 1957, the 500 helped Italy change its fortunes as the country strove to go industrial.
1957 was a very important year all over the world. It was the year the Sputnik conquered space, Juan Manuel Fangio won his fifth and last world F1 championship, and the European Union was born. The Fiat 500 left its historical mark that year by personifying a new type of mobility - the new 'city car'.
Nothing but an extraordinary launch would do for the 500's Malta debut. The occasion presented itself: the match between Italian giants Juventus and one of Malta's best loved clubs, Valletta. It was the perfect setting.
First, a line-up of pristine classic 500s put up an impressive parade in the national grounds at Ta' Qali just before kick-off.
The entire Fiat line-up was there for support: Panda, Grande Punto, Bravo, Sedici, Croma and Doblo.
There was music from the Fifties too. Music included tracks from all eras from the 1950s, till very recent hits as the 500 made its way into the spotlight. The event was 'hosted' by Juventus' own DJ, Marco Nana (known as DJ Nana), who also presented the 500 at the Italian launch.
Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon was the other star of this part of the show that evening at the National Stadium. Buffon was the special passenger in the 500 show car. He was driven around the pitch as he acknowledged the fans' warmth while fireworks were let off in the background.
The 500 has been awarded five- star Euro CAP rating, a first in this class. It will come to Malta in three trim levels: Pop, Lounge and Sport. There will be a choice of two petrol engines 1.2 69bhp and 1.4 100bhp, and a diesel, the 1.3 75bhp Multijet.
The 500 Pop comes with colour-coded bumpers, chromed exterior door handles, electric wing mirrors, immobiliser, athermic windows, adjustable steering wheel, power steering, electric windows and central lock, 'follow me home' headlamps, air-conditioning, CD/MP3 player, and airbags as standard. Price starts at Lm6, 750.
Additional features such as chrome kits, Blue&Me media player, leather seats and steering wheel, and sports kit (including sport seats, rear spoiler, specific interior colours and fabrics, chrome exhaust pipes, and chrome insert on door sills) available on order.
For more information, call at the Fiat showroom in Psaila Street Birkirkara, visit www.fiat.com.mt, or call 2382 3100.