FIAT chose the much anticipated Geneva Motor Show to formally introduce two important models that will shape Fiat’s activity during 2013 - the Fiat 500L Trekking and the Fiat 500 GQ edition, two models that appeal to a wide and varied group of consumers but who all share the same expectation – a fun but at the same time classy and enduring driving experience.
The Fiat 500L launched last year comes in a new ‘adventure’ version complete with 'Traction+', a traction control system that comes as a standard feature to improve handling on difficult and slippery terrain.
“It is a model purposely intended for sports enthusiasts and outdoor activity fans” says Fiat about the Fiat 500L Trekking, a model which comes available in various engine types namely a 95 HP 1.4 16v, 105 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo and 105 HP 1.6 MultiJet II and 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet II turbodiesel engines (also with Dualogic gearbox). The 105 HP 1.6 MultiJet II turbodiesel reaches a top speed of 181 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 11.3 seconds.
The 500L Trekking also features 'City Brake Control', designed to help negotiate city traffic. Driving at speeds of under 30 km/h, the system detects the presence of obstacles in front of the car and automatically brakes if the driver fails to intervene promptly to avoid collisions. In keeping with the outdoor character, the 500L Trekking features specific bumpers with protective shield, for 'an even more aggressive and dynamic look', whereas on the inside, the 500L Trekking features a new high-tech fabric seat upholstery with eco-leather inserts.
The Fiat 500L Trekking comes in 6 different body colours - white, dark metallic grey, black, sand, burgundy, dark metallic green and the new exclusive Sole yellow - teamed with a black or white roof and will be available for purchase across Europe from next June.
With the Fiat 500 GQ edition, Fiat confirms the versatility of the Fiat 500 brand as a brand that can be adapted for the most discerning drivers. The 500 GQ edition—as in Gentlemen’s Quarterly is unabashedly geared towards men, sort of like the 500 Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati or 695 Competizione as opposed to the more female oriented 500 and topless 500C Gucci editions. But unlike the overtly sporty and Europe-market-only models, this 500 isn’t for the enthusiast but for the “metropolitan man of the third millenium.”
So if you’re wondering what today’s metropolitan man looks like, Fiat and GQ describe him as stylish, connected (as in internet terms and not a mob affiliate), and receptive to the social aspects of the modern city. Basically, think of GQ‘s target audience, and you’re pretty much there. To us, this would seem to describe the exact sort of guy who wouldn’t buy a Fiat 500— but now he will!