Wow, are they nice!

[Mike S]

Went to the blogspot this morning only to find out Fiat was in my own back yard with some 500's at an art show in Miami. Today was the last day.

It was a nice day too. I had planned to take the boat out to feed some fish (they steal my bait) but I really, really wanted to see and touch the new 500. So I did.

The quality is excellent. Fit and finish superb. Honest.

Now this was an art exhibit and not an auto show so I really didn't expect to find anybody that could answer questions. I did however want answers. We all have lots of questions and continue to wait, and wait, and wait. Of course Fiat did not just display the cars, they had local artists painting some individual parts as well as one of the cars. Baristas (all women) prepared expresso and cappuccino and could even answer some questions about the cars as we milled about.

I knew there had to be somebody from Fiat there with more answers. So, I found Giovanni. As I looked and asked questions, he had the answers. I hope the new sales people can do the job he did because Fiat will not be able to keep up with demand. The standard Chrysler salesperson is not up to the task and I hope they get it right.

I do see a problem in trying to describe how much you can customize these cars right from the factory. I could only get inside two of the three cars. One had a sunroof and the other a fixed glass roof. Seats with fabric panels and leather or vinyl bolsters looked very durable yet had style.

There are many variations for the seats using leather, vinyl and fabric. The dash also has variations with colored inserts and I believe dash colors. Using a light color for the inserts can brighten up the interior.

I'm happy and the fish are finding their own food today.

[sjmst]

What questions did you ask and what did he say?  

[Gavin]

And what did you think of the sunroof vs the fixed glass?

Fixed glass let in more light? Did it make the inside feel larger?

Sunroof take up any extra headroom?

Fit and finish of each?

Thanks

Gavin

[ciddyguy]

Gavin,

As for the sunroof, it slides up and over the back of the roof, rather than down and between the roof  and headliner like so many did/still do so there will be more headroom inside, now much more, I don't know than a typical sunroof but my thinking is little headroom lost due to some of the mechanism that's needed to operate it but definitely not as much as a typical sunroof tho.

That much I do know.

[Mike S]

I'll try to answer as much as I can but I had a busy day and my brain is not in gear.

Gavin - The sunroof was open the whole time so I don't know how dark the glass is when closed. There is also a shade that can be closed or left open which is like a perforated screen letting some light and air through. The fixed glass did give some light and perhaps a bit more than the sunroof. I think a light colored interior and a light colored dash might do more.

The room was somewhat dark to display art. I thought the fit and finish was wonderful. I think the headroom is about the same either way.

Yes on the tow hitch to also support bike and other racks.

Spare tire is an option on at least the cheapest model and is stored under the car accessed from the outside.

There will be a dealer meeting on Monday which to me shows some movement in the right direction. I get the impression they want to try to deliver some cars in January but it is still a moving target.

[Fiat500USA]

Mike S wrote

Went to the blogspot this morning only to find out Fiat was in my own back yard with some 500's at an art show in Miami. Today was the last day.

It was a nice day too. I had planned to take the boat out to feed some fish (they steal my bait) but I really, really wanted to see and touch the new 500. So I did.

The quality is excellent. Fit and finish superb. Honest....

Mike S

I'm glad you had the chance to check it out!

 I saw a message about this late on Friday and had to work all day Saturday, so by the time I was able to post this, it was Saturday night.