FIAT

In 1991, the replacement of the emblematic Fiat 500 ‘Topolino’ was conceived, the Fiat Cinquecento

Launched at the end of 1991, the Fiat Cinquecento was a model that intended to evoke the absolute success of the emblematic Fiat 500 'Topolino', but due to the differences in terms of design and mechanics, the Italian manufacturer preferred to keep the distances and did not name the car with the denomination in numbers, as was customary at that time.

The Fiat Cinquecento project was conceived to replace the Fiat 126, as a more urban proposal more in keeping with the times, which offered more space, safety and ease of use, but with very reduced dimensions. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, we briefly review its story.

At 3.23 meters long and 1.49 meters wide, the Fiat Cinquecento was 12 centimeters longer and wider than the Fiat 126, and also 10 centimeters shorter. Furthermore, the switch to front-engine and front-wheel drive allowed Fiat to compete in better conditions against its French and Japanese rivals.

Its launch took place in mid-December 1991, but it went on sale the following year, 1992, so it became part of the shortlist for the 1993 'Car of the Year' award, although it had to settle for a second place behind the Nissan Micra.

At the time of its launch, Fiat offered two different engines. The most basic, the ED version, concealed a 704 cm3 twin-cylinder engine, which was an evolution of the 126's block, with 30 hp and very low consumption. The most powerful version mounted a 4-cylinder engine with 903 cm3 and 41 hp. Both were mated to a 4-speed manual transmission.

The model was well-received commercially and was in production for seven years, between 1992 and 1998, at the Polish factory in Tichy, where the Fiat 126 and, from 2007, the new Fiat 500 were also produced. , the Cinquecento debuted two minor restylings, one in 1993 and one in 1995.

Some of the most interesting novelties of these restylings had to do with the engine line, as a more efficient version was added, which was equipped with electronic injection, although its displacement and power were slightly reduced: 899 cm3 and 39 hp.

The manufacturer even experimented with electrification, presenting the so-called Fiat Cinquecento Elettra, a 100% electric version, within the Elettra family of experimental models, which promised 100 kilometers of autonomy and was even used in a car-sharing program at the city ​​of Rome.

Perhaps the best-known Cinquecento was the Sporting, a sporty version that had a more flashy exterior design, with specific bumpers, alloy wheels and anti-fog lights, in addition to a neater cabin, with a sporty steering wheel and instrumentation.

Introduced in 1994, it equipped a 54 hp 1.1-liter Fire engine, coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission, and was the basis for several derivatives used later in the world of competition.

Finally, in 1998, the Fiat Cinquecento's trajectory came to an end, after seven years of life and 1,160,000 copies manufactured, with its replacement taking the lead, the Fiat Seicento, which was an evolution of the model and shared a platform and mechanics.

Autonews