Cinquecento

The Fiat 500 was very much the Italian Beetle. It was rear-engined and air-cooled, just like it's Volkswagen inspiration. It was also only three metres long but still managed to make room for four adults! First produced in 1957, the run lasted until the mid-seventies by which time Fiat had made nearly 4 million of them.

Six years ago, someone at Fiat came up with the idea that they should remake the Cinquecento, but to modern standards. It is bigger than the original by about half a metre, even the smallest engine available for it is 50% bigger than the originals 500cc. With such a small car, as you could expect, it's fuel consumption is rather good with the diesel version offering over 70 miles to the gallon. I like that in a car.

There is an electric version built in Mexico for the US market, but Chrylser, who make it there reckon they are losing $10,000 on each car sold, even though each one costs 3 times as much as it's petrol equivalent.

Oh, the other reason for picking a Cinquecento is this is my 500th blip! Thanks to everyone who has commented on my previous 499 blips and a big hello to all the new and wonderful friends I have made on Blip. Cheers!