NF500 / tweeters

The new Fiat 500 is not just about style and design, the team at Fiat have attempted to make the new 500 as comfortable and entertaining to be in as possible in such a small vehicle. The following article breaks down some of the key components of the new 500 interior features designed to make the new 500 a pleasant place to be for both driver and passengers alike.

The radio and the ‘Interscope Sound System’ Hi-Fi system

The Fiat 500 offers a radio complete with audio CD and MP3 file player, and a choice of two Hi-Fi systems. The radio is part of the design of the dashboard, in an ergonomic position in the upper part of the facia, where it can easily be reached by the driver and front seat passenger. The device can easily be connected to the Blue&Me system so that, thanks to the hands-free function with Bluetooth® interface, the driver can use a Bluetooth® cell phone even if it is in a jacket or bag, without taking his hands off the wheel. Because the Blue&Me incorporates an advanced voice recognition function, interaction is immediate and the voice does not have to be ‘learned’; the system can also interpret and read aloud incoming text messages.

The original sound system has six speakers: two 30 Watt tweeters and four full-range (two 40 Watt and two 35 Watt), however the second system, available as an optional extra is referred to as the ‘Interscope Sound System’. Fiat claim this system is absolutely unique in this market segment, characterised by refined technology, ideal for the motorist who wants a particularly sophisticated Hi-Fi system. The Interscope Sound System was designed and calibrated specifically for the Fiat 500 passenger compartment.

The new Interscope Sound System comprises six speakers (two tweeters, two woofers and two full-range, all 40 W), one 100 W subwoofer and a 30 W amplifier. What makes the sound experience on board the car really unique is the fact that the Interscope Sound System uses three different methods of processing the signal and the related acoustic effects simultaneously: the first (TruBass) extends the perceived frequency field towards the bass without needing a subwoofer so that the listener has the sensation of listening to a system that produces extended, very deep basses.

The second method (Focus) raises the apparent position of the sources of sound to ear level. This gives the sensation of listening to speakers positioned higher than they actually are, and simultaneously the response in perceived frequency goes back to being ‘natural’, because the ‘colouring’ caused by the filtering of the head has been removed.

Finally, the third method (3D) spatially equalises stereo reproduction, correcting any errors due to the position of the speakers and improving spatial perception. The result is a more embracing sound, which recreates a correct stereophonic effect even for listeners who are positioned further away from the symmetrical axis of the speakers (as in the case of the car).

The Sky Dome fixed or opening panoramic roof

The quality of life on board the new Fiat 500 may also be enhanced by two types of roof that accentuate the luminosity of the interior and enhance the exterior line. The glass roof is available in both a fixed version and with an electrical opening mechanism.

The large sunroof on the Fiat 500 is of the Sky Dome type, comprising a mobile panel of glass and a fixed front panel of shiny black sheet metal that creates a continuous stylistic effect with the windscreen.

The sunroof is intended to create a new relationship between the occupants and the surrounding environment, so they may all enjoy the feeling of freedom that the large glazed surface can provide. If you want to have light, but no breeze, the glazed part can be closed and the blind underneath opened. If, however, you would rather travel ‘in the open air’, it only takes seven seconds for the entire front glazed panel and the blind to open, providing a true ‘window on the sky’.

Climate system

The climate inside the car is a major factor of comfort on the road, Fiat also suggest it to be important for preventive safety, because the temperature, humidity and ventilation affect the driver’s well-being and therefore his attention level. The Fiat 500 offers a choice between a conventional heating system, manual climate control and a sophisticated climate system that features automatic control of the temperature, air flow, air distribution, compressor engagement and recirculation.

The system in the Fiat 500 implements an ‘equivalent temperature’ climate control strategy. A number of sensors register the indoor and outdoor temperature and evaluate the feeling of thermal well-being perceived by the passenger, i.e. the energy exchange between the human body and the passenger compartment, which is affected by the humidity, the temperature and the flow of treated air. Sounds impressive.

All these parameters are measured constantly and used to adjust the distribution, ventilation and mixture constantly. This regulates the air flow to the air vents and the fan speed, so that passengers in the car enjoy the sense of thermal well-being they requested when setting the temperature. The result is a constant climate, even if the outdoor conditions change. And to make sure that the air flowing into the car reaches all corners of the passenger compartment, the system can be adjusted to one of five combinations. The customer can also modify the temperature gradually, by half a degree at a time, until it is comfortable for him. The knob allows a total adjustment of 16°C.

Manual settings always have priority over automatic settings. They cause the ‘Auto’ LED to go out, and the setting is memorised until the control is annulled. Every time the system is turned on, it will return to the status memorised when it was turned off, except for the ‘MAX DEF’ function, which is cancelled. It is also possible to turn the system off manually, de-activating the climate system completely.