Fiat launches new car

Mumbai, Jul 19 (UNI) Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd (FIAPL) has launched a new car, '500', here.

Fifty years after its launch in Italy and then in other European countries, the car has not taken too long to drive to India. The 500 was originally designed by Dante Giocosa.

On the sidelines of launch last night, FIAPL CEO Rajeev Kapoor told UNI that ''The launch of Fiat 500 fits perfectly in the Indian context as the company is going through the process of transformation. The new vehicle has 75 bhp, state-of-the-art 1.3 litre 16 valve muli-jet turbo diesel engine. Not only is the power plant Euro 4 compliant, but it has been designed to meet even the stricter Euro five emission norms due to come into force in Europe in 2009.'' He said ''There will be two versions of the new 500, which is priced at Rs 14.82 lakh ex-showroom on the road. It will have all types of facilities including remote central locking and electric power steering.'' Fiat 500 will be available through the imported completely built unit (CBU) route and the company will facilitate the import of the car to the customer. It is the best in its class on safety parameters with five star Euro NCAP safety rating, he added.

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