Fiat South Africa Has Added The 500 MTA & 500 Convertible To The Range

New Cars, South Africa | Dean | March 24, 2010 at 18:50

Fiat has added a couple more 500’s to their range. The first model already on the market is the economical 1.2-litre 500 with a R135 500 price tag, this is followed by a 1.4-litre pop. The brand has now added a 1.4-litre Cabriolet and the new 1.4-litre MTA.

The two new models for the South African market is in fact the 500C and the 500 MTA. The Fiat 500C was revealed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show with a fabric roof, and it boasts a new design for the windscreen which allows a better rear-seat view as well as a stronger body when the roof is down. A new boot is also available on the 500C and this will open upwards, meaning that it will not protrude from the shape of the vehicle. The capacity for the boot is 182-litres and this is only 3-litres less than the standard fixed-top model.

Fiat’s fabric roof can come in three colours, ivory, red and black. The interior will feature top quality material followed by sporty seats in a high-quality fabric.

The 500 MTA and 500C will boast the same 1.4-litre engine with 73kW and 131Nm of torque. This engine will allow for a 0-100km/h time of 10.5-seconds, a top speed of 182km/h and a fuel rating of 5.8-litres per 100km for the MTA model.

In case you’re confused, the MTA badge stands for Manual Transmission Automated. Therefore the 500 MTA will have a sequential robotised automatic transmission which automates the clutch and gear engagement through electro-hydraulic actuators.

In English this means that there is a clutchless manual box.

Features on the two models include ESP, ASR/MSR, Hill Holder, a full chrome kit with chrome parts, 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, body coloured panels, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, a leather gearknob and finally Blue&Me and USB connectivity.

The MTA will be a sport model and this means that there will be even more chrome, as well as sports seats, a rear spoiler and new door sills.

Pricing starts at R197, 600.00 for both models.

Fiat 500 MTA