Difference between revisions of "Fiat Seicento"

From WOI Encyclopedia Italia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
m
 
(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
:''"Seicento" can also refer to the earlier [[Fiat 600]]''
+
{{X}}
 
+
{| border=1 cellspacing=3 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#505050; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
{| border=1 align="right" cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 width=250  style="margin-left:3em; margin-bottom: 2em;"
+
|- style="text-align:center; background:#505050;"
|colspan=2|[[Image:Fiat Seicento.jpg|250px|Fiat Seicento]]
+
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#333333; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |[[Image:Fiat Seicento.jpg|280px|Fiat Seicento]]
|-
+
|- style="color:#fff; background:darkred; font-size:larger;"
!colspan=2 style="color: white; background: darkred;"|Fiat Seicento
+
! colspan=2 |'''Fiat Seicento'''
 
|-
 
|-
 
|width="40%"|Manufacturer:||[[Fiat]]
 
|width="40%"|Manufacturer:||[[Fiat]]
Line 17: Line 17:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Competitors:||[[Ford Ka]]
 
|Competitors:||[[Ford Ka]]
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=2|
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#333333; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |<videoflash>v4yIcnpVS4A|280|200</videoflash>
 
|}
 
|}
  
The '''Fiat Seicento''' is a small [[city car]] produced by the [[Italy|Italian]] company [[Fiat]] since [[1999]].  
+
:''"Seicento" can also refer to the earlier [[Fiat 600]]''
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The '''Fiat Seicento''' is a [[city car]] produced by the [[Italy|Italian]] company [[Fiat]], introduced in late 1997 as a replacement for the [[Fiat Cinquecento]]. The Seicento did not differ much from its predecessor, retaining the same engines, chassis and general dimensions, although it did gain a minor 9&nbsp;cm in length (total length of 3.34 m). The design was similar too, in which the Seicento kept the same 3-door hatchback body, instead of the 5-door [[mini MPV]] look seen on many [[Korea]]n city cars. Like its predecessors, the Cinquecento and [[Fiat 126|Polski Fiat 126]], the Seicento is built in Fiat's factory in [[Bielsko-Biala]], [[Poland]]. From 1998 to April 2004, 1.1 million examples of the Seicento had been produced.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The Seicento name comes from the Italian word for 600, the Seicento is the spiritual successor to the  [[Fiat 600]]. The car was rebadged as 600 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original model.  
  
The Seicento was introduced in 1999 as a replacement to the [[Fiat Cinquecento]], but didn't differ much from its predecessor, retaining the same chassis and general dimensions, with the Seicento gaining a minor 9&nbsp;cm in length.  The design was similar too, in which the Seicento kept the same three-door [[hatchback]] body, instead of the 5-door mini-[[multi-purpose vehicle|MPV]] look that other vehicles in the same segment were starting to use. The Seicento name was intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Fiat 600, ''Seicento'' being the Italian word for this number)
 
  
The Seicento is available in two engines, the old 900&nbsp;cc [[OHV]], which is no longer produced and exported to Western Europe because it no longer complies with emissions regulations, and the 1.1&nbsp;L [[Fully Integrated Robotised Engine|FIRE]]. This engine is also available with "luxury" SX and "sporty" Sporting versions.
+
==EuroNCAP performance==
 +
In [[EuroNCAP]] crash tests, the Fiat Seicento was only awarded a 1.5 star rating, and fractionally beat the worst contenders in the history of EuroNCAP, namely the [[Rover Metro|Rover 100]] and the original [[Chrysler Voyager]] MPV. This is not so surprising, as the car has an extremely short front-end and keeps many components from its predecessor, originally conceived in 1991.
  
Like its predecessors the Cinquecento and [[Fiat 126|126 Polski]], the Seicento is built in Fiat's factory in [[Bielsko-Biala]], [[Poland]]. Fiat has still not confirmed if and when the Seicento will be replaced, as the new 5-door [[Fiat Panda (2003)|Panda]] fits into the niche of urban compact cars and has caused a reduction in Seicento sales in [[Western Europe]] since its introduction. The Seicento remains popular in Eastern Europe however, and Fiat may still see an additional market for a small 3-door car below the Panda in the model range.  It has been rumored the 2004 concept car [[Fiat Trepiùno|Trepiùno]] might serve as a replacement for the Seicento.
+
In comparison, another small car, the [[Smart Fortwo]] (which has a shorter front end), earned three stars in the crash test.
  
 +
 +
==Versions==
 +
===Trims/Equipment===
 +
[[Image:SeicentoSporting.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Fiat Seicento Sporting with optional full length electric canvas hood.]]
 +
[[Image:Fiat Seicento 01.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Fiat 600 2005]]
 +
At launch, the Seicento was available with three trim levels; a basic 'S' with black bumpers and spartan equipment and initially the 899 cc engine; an 'SX' model, a slight upgrade over the 'S' with colour coded bumpers, electric windows, central locking and a sunroof - which was also available as a 'Citymatic' with a clutchless manual gearchange - and a 'Sporting' with the larger FIRE engine mated to a close-ratio gearbox, and anti-roll bars added. Cosmetically, this version gained 14" alloy wheels, sports seats and bodykit with optional Abarth 14" wheels and side skirts also available.
 +
 +
In 1999, the FIRE engine was used in the special 'Suite' version, which came with air-conditioning. A special edition 'Soleil' model was available in some markets, which was based on the 'SX' model but came with a full-length electrically-folding fabric roof.
 +
 +
After the 2001 update, all cars were given clear indicator lenses, with the Sporting model getting a restyled bodykit. Cars built from this period also come with an [[anti-lock braking system]]. A '[[Michael Schumacher]]' edition of the Sporting, with the Abarth styling kit, was also launched at this time to celebrate the [[Ferrari]] driver's [[Formula One]] success.
 +
 +
In 2004 the model was withdrawn from the UK market and production of right hand drive models ceased. The left hand drive model was facelifted gaining a new shape of wheel rims and the introduction of the new [[Fiat]] logo in the rear.
 +
 +
 +
===Fiat 600===
 +
 +
In 2005 the name Seicento was replaced by 600 (in occasion of the 50 anniversary  of the first edition, in 1955) together with some  changes in the front and in versions dotations: now the name [[Fiat]] is written on the seats. The new versions now are named "Class" and "50 anniversary", thus reminding the strict relationship between this model and the previous one.
 +
 +
 +
===Engines===
 +
The Seicento is available with two engines: the old 899&nbsp;cc [[Overhead valve|OHV]] (29&nbsp;kW / 40&nbsp;hp) engine used in early base S and SX models (which was removed from West European markets due to emissions regulations), and the 1108&nbsp;cc  [[Fully Integrated Robotised Engine|FIRE]] (40&nbsp;kW / 54&nbsp;hp and used in the Sporting version since launch), was fitted universally with multi-point fuel injection from 2001, replacing the old pushrod units. There was also a version with an electric engine (30&nbsp;kW / 41&nbsp;hp).
 +
 +
 +
===Tuning===
 +
German [[engine tuning|tuner]] Novitec created a special edition of the Fiat Seicento, adding a turbocharger and six-speed gearbox to the little car. The German tuner is able to extract 101&nbsp;hp (74&nbsp;kW) from the 1108&nbsp;cc FIRE engine.
 +
 +
 +
==Future replacement==
 +
No official replacement plans are known at the moment. The Seicento will continue to be produced alongside the [[Fiat Nuova 500]], which was officially presented to the press in July 2007.
 +
For the model 600 (Seicento) in 2005, also the safety was adjusted, the car got better doorbeams and the damagezone was adjusted. The airflow in the car was optimised.
 +
 +
==See also==
 +
 +
*[[Fiat 500]]
 +
*[[Fiat 600]]
 +
*[[Fiat Cinquecento]]
  
  
 
{{Modern European Fiat vehicles}}
 
{{Modern European Fiat vehicles}}
 
{{Fiat SPA}}
 
{{Fiat SPA}}
 +
 +
 +
[[Category:Fiat vehicles|Seicento]]
 +
[[Category:City cars]]
 +
[[Category:Euro NCAP superminis]]
 +
[[Category:1990s automobiles]]
 +
[[Category:2000s automobiles]]
 +
[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1997]]
 +
[[Category:Production electric vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 22:20, 31 October 2009

Fiat Seicento
Fiat Seicento
Manufacturer: Fiat
Production: 1999–present
Body Styles: FF 3-door supermini/city car
Predecessors: Fiat Cinquecento
Successors: Still in production
Competitors: Ford Ka
"Seicento" can also refer to the earlier Fiat 600


The Fiat Seicento is a city car produced by the Italian company Fiat, introduced in late 1997 as a replacement for the Fiat Cinquecento. The Seicento did not differ much from its predecessor, retaining the same engines, chassis and general dimensions, although it did gain a minor 9 cm in length (total length of 3.34 m). The design was similar too, in which the Seicento kept the same 3-door hatchback body, instead of the 5-door mini MPV look seen on many Korean city cars. Like its predecessors, the Cinquecento and Polski Fiat 126, the Seicento is built in Fiat's factory in Bielsko-Biala, Poland. From 1998 to April 2004, 1.1 million examples of the Seicento had been produced.


The Seicento name comes from the Italian word for 600, the Seicento is the spiritual successor to the Fiat 600. The car was rebadged as 600 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original model.


EuroNCAP performance

In EuroNCAP crash tests, the Fiat Seicento was only awarded a 1.5 star rating, and fractionally beat the worst contenders in the history of EuroNCAP, namely the Rover 100 and the original Chrysler Voyager MPV. This is not so surprising, as the car has an extremely short front-end and keeps many components from its predecessor, originally conceived in 1991.

In comparison, another small car, the Smart Fortwo (which has a shorter front end), earned three stars in the crash test.


Versions

Trims/Equipment

Fiat Seicento Sporting with optional full length electric canvas hood.
Fiat 600 2005

At launch, the Seicento was available with three trim levels; a basic 'S' with black bumpers and spartan equipment and initially the 899 cc engine; an 'SX' model, a slight upgrade over the 'S' with colour coded bumpers, electric windows, central locking and a sunroof - which was also available as a 'Citymatic' with a clutchless manual gearchange - and a 'Sporting' with the larger FIRE engine mated to a close-ratio gearbox, and anti-roll bars added. Cosmetically, this version gained 14" alloy wheels, sports seats and bodykit with optional Abarth 14" wheels and side skirts also available.

In 1999, the FIRE engine was used in the special 'Suite' version, which came with air-conditioning. A special edition 'Soleil' model was available in some markets, which was based on the 'SX' model but came with a full-length electrically-folding fabric roof.

After the 2001 update, all cars were given clear indicator lenses, with the Sporting model getting a restyled bodykit. Cars built from this period also come with an anti-lock braking system. A 'Michael Schumacher' edition of the Sporting, with the Abarth styling kit, was also launched at this time to celebrate the Ferrari driver's Formula One success.

In 2004 the model was withdrawn from the UK market and production of right hand drive models ceased. The left hand drive model was facelifted gaining a new shape of wheel rims and the introduction of the new Fiat logo in the rear.


Fiat 600

In 2005 the name Seicento was replaced by 600 (in occasion of the 50 anniversary of the first edition, in 1955) together with some changes in the front and in versions dotations: now the name Fiat is written on the seats. The new versions now are named "Class" and "50 anniversary", thus reminding the strict relationship between this model and the previous one.


Engines

The Seicento is available with two engines: the old 899 cc OHV (29 kW / 40 hp) engine used in early base S and SX models (which was removed from West European markets due to emissions regulations), and the 1108 cc FIRE (40 kW / 54 hp and used in the Sporting version since launch), was fitted universally with multi-point fuel injection from 2001, replacing the old pushrod units. There was also a version with an electric engine (30 kW / 41 hp).


Tuning

German tuner Novitec created a special edition of the Fiat Seicento, adding a turbocharger and six-speed gearbox to the little car. The German tuner is able to extract 101 hp (74 kW) from the 1108 cc FIRE engine.


Future replacement

No official replacement plans are known at the moment. The Seicento will continue to be produced alongside the Fiat Nuova 500, which was officially presented to the press in July 2007. For the model 600 (Seicento) in 2005, also the safety was adjusted, the car got better doorbeams and the damagezone was adjusted. The airflow in the car was optimised.

See also


<- Older Models Fiat car timeline, European market, 1980s - present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5
City cars 126 Cinquecento Seicento (1998-2005) / 600 (2005-2010)
500
Panda I Panda II
Supermini 127 Uno Punto I Punto II
Grande Punto Punto Evo
Small
family car
Ritmo Tipo Bravo / Brava Stilo Bravo II
131 Regata Tempra Marea Linea
Albea
Large family car 132 Argenta Croma I Croma II
Coupé Coupé
Roadster 124 Spider Barchetta Barchetta
Sports car X1/9
Panel van/Leisure activity vehicle Fiorino I Fiorino II Fiorino III
Doblò
Mini SUV Sedici
Mini MPV Idea
Compact MPV Multipla
Large MPV Ulysse I Ulysse II
Van Daily* Scudo I Scudo II
Ducato I Ducato II Ducato III
Mini Pickup Strada
Off-road Campagnola (1107)
*Rebadged Iveco model
Fiat S.P.A.
Current models Albea | Barchetta | Croma | Doblò | Ducato | Fiorino | Grande Punto | Idea | Linea | Marea | Multipla | Nuova 500 | Nuova Panda | Palio/Palio Weekend | Punto | Scudo | Sedici | Seicento | Siena | Strada | Stilo | Ulysse
Historic models 1 | 1T | 2 | 3.5 CV | 4 HP | 8V | 10 HP | 12 HP | Fiat 16-20 HP | 124 | 125 | 126 | 127 | 128 | 130 | 131 | 132/Argenta | 133 | 147/Spazio | 2B | 24 HP | 242 | 500 | 502 HP | 503 HP | 508 | 508C | 509 | 510S | 514 | 518 | 519 | 520 | 524 | 574 Corsa | 60 HP | 600 | 750 | 850 | 1100 | 1200 | 1400 | 1300/1500 | 1800/2100 | 2300 | 2800 | Albea | Balilla | Bianchina | Bravo/Brava | Campagnola | Cinquecento | Croma | Coupé | Dino | Duna/Prêmio | Elba | Mod 5 | Oggi | Panorama | Panda | Regata | Ritmo/Strada | Siena | Tempra | Tipo | Topolino | Turbina | Uno | X1/9 | Zero
Fiat Group brands Abarth | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari | Fiat | Iveco | Lancia | Maserati
Major interests

CNH Global (90%): Case IH · Kobelco · New Holland · Steyr · Case · New Holland Construction
Chrysler Group, LLC (20%): Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, GEM

Commercial brands

Iveco: · Irisbus · Astra · Iveco Magirus

Defunct marques

Autobianchi · Innocenti · Zastava · Seddon Atkinson · Pegaso of Spain

Fiat Group Corporate Website | Fiat Auto Website