NF500 / beetle

There’s an interesting article, more of an opinion piece, on the new Fiat 500 and the “retro car craze” (if indeed there really is such a thing) of the MINI, Beetle, and now the new Fiat 500. Written by author Giles Smith the report includes some articulate observations about the new 500, as well as the draw of cars taking inspiration from the past in general.

The Fiat 500 is European Car of the Year 2008, and little wonder. It is smart, sassy and, for what is basically a small, soft blob of metal, enormously covetable. But it is also, essentially, half a century old.

Worth a read we think, and available online at the Guardian website.

With all the talk of the “retro battle” between the Fiat 500 and the new MINI, or at least of how Fiat can benefit from the success of the MINI and learn from BMWs approach, the Ford Ka has been a little overlooked.  Until this week, when Car Magazine’s online publication posted more (rumoured) details of the upcoming budget Ford, which has sparked a fair bit of interest (and indeed, this very article).

The article itself doesn’t offer very much by way of new information, but does tie together some previous reports and rumours in a neat, easily digestible package.

The reason this could be of interest to Fiat 500 fans is the fact that the new Ford Ka is based on the Fiat 500 platform, and Car claim it will also mimic the baby Fiat in almost every other way.  Same engines, different tuning packages, a convertible, a larger “SUV” variant.  Basically everything the 500 will do, the Ford Ka will do.  But cheaper.

And here’s the reason we feel the Ka, not the MINI, Beetle, or any other cool car is the one to watch with regards to the success of the 500.

Very few dispute the Fiat 500’s looks, charms, and unique appeal.  But Ford have also been raising their game in terms of quality and style recently, winning over many with their latest Mondeo as the best vehicle Ford have made in a long time.  If the Ka can carry on that trend of quality and style then it could grab sales from Fiat as the sensible, budget equivalent of the 500.

True, the Fiat is retro and chic, while the Ford Ka will without doubt go for a modern, even futuristic style.  But in the same way some knocked the Beetle for being a “Golf in a skirt”, the 500 may be seen as Ka in a pretty frock.   And if you do want to continue the MINI - 500 references, the unique platform of the MINI was a strong selling point for BMW.

I guess the question is, “for what price style?” and Fiat will have to be careful to continue to get the balance right when the Ford hits the scene in 2008.