Comments on: MOTORING : THE BELLISSIMO FIAT 500C https://www.mambaonline.com/2011/01/11/motoring-the-bellissimo-fiat-500c/ South Africa's leading LGBTQ news and community platform Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: AFanOfBrent https://www.mambaonline.com/2011/01/11/motoring-the-bellissimo-fiat-500c/#comment-11264 Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.mambaonline.com/2011/01/11/motoring-the-bellissimo-fiat-500c/#comment-11264 Well Said. After a few months (more than I care to admit) and comparing (on Excel – spreadsheet, yes, I am that sad), I came to the conclusion that this vehicle is very competitive compared to some of the more commercial types: Honda Jazz, Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, Citro?n C3 & Hyundai i20 etc. If you have a look at some of the components used under the skin vs a Toyota Yaris for example, this vehicle wins outright in design and market-class. Its a dream to drive, and even-though its not as fast (only 0.5 – 1 seconds slower than any of the above mentioned 1.6’s I may add!!!) you instantly feel as-if you are driving faster than that. It is in the pure and fun nature of this vehicle that it grabs you by the heart strings!! Yes, obviously you won’t buy the vehicle if you have a child or commute with more than two people at the same time (which I doubt not many gay-boys do), but over that, this car is very convenient. The boot is also on the smaller side, but vs the Cooper Mini (go google, youtube video, Fiat 500C vs Mini Cooper Convertible) this car is quite big. For the most part, you will only have your business-suitcase, gym-bag and enough space for the odd shopping strip, so you’ll be just fine!!

Standard service agreements for most of the above are also mostly 3years/60000km, the Fiat 500C has a 5year-90000. And your service intervals are only 30000, not 15000/20000. The ESP (electronic stability control) for vehicles up to R210000, the only one(s) that offered this was the VW 1.6TDi, Citro?n DS3 and now recently the Ford 1.6 Sport. You also get disc brakes all round (only the Honda and Citroen DS3 have this), which added an extra 2-points on the 5-star rating.

And if you think the 5-star EuroNcap rating is a crock, go have a look for yourself. Whats terrible about the Euro ratings is that our South-African spec models are not up to the same tech spec as the euro ones, leaving us to think we’re buying 5-stars when we’re actually getting 4. YES, Ford, I am pointing fingers at you with your (most) model 2-airbags only!! WTF!!

As a close: I say, live a little and enjoy the traffic for once. And if you like being looked at!! This is what you require!!

]]> By: Brent https://www.mambaonline.com/2011/01/11/motoring-the-bellissimo-fiat-500c/#comment-11285 Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.mambaonline.com/2011/01/11/motoring-the-bellissimo-fiat-500c/#comment-11285 In reply to AFanOfBrent.

Re: well said. Right back at you, LOL. Such valid points you brought up there; makes this little toaster seem all the more value for money! I still miss it and can’t wait for the Abarth and TwinAir versions of it, so keep your eyes peeled… *wink*

]]> By: FanofBrent https://www.mambaonline.com/2011/01/11/motoring-the-bellissimo-fiat-500c/#comment-11390 Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.mambaonline.com/2011/01/11/motoring-the-bellissimo-fiat-500c/#comment-11390 In reply to Brent.

reply. Getting my 500C next week! Should be the first Azzure Volare (twin-air blue) in SA. I think.

If they bring the Abarth C my man can have the blue one!

]]> By: Brent https://www.mambaonline.com/2011/01/11/motoring-the-bellissimo-fiat-500c/#comment-11394 Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.mambaonline.com/2011/01/11/motoring-the-bellissimo-fiat-500c/#comment-11394 In reply to FanofBrent.

re: reply. Congratulations!

I am waiting to drive the Twin Air, very interesting concept they have there! Mail me pics and your thoughts once you’ve got it – motoring@mambaonline.com

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