Our passenger is just about 6'2". Please note, the front seat is pushed pretty far forward in this shot.
People up to 6'6" tall (Jeremy Clarkson) have been comfortable in the front seat of the Fiat 500. Now here are a couple of shots of 6 foot tall passengers sitting in the back seat of one. It can be done! The European Fiat 500 was designed to accommodate at the same time, a 6'1" driver and a 5'9" passenger. Most peoples first impressions of the interior of the Fiat 500 are; how roomy (and nice) the interior is.
Another 6 foot tall individual. The front seat is farther back and at a more natural position than the picture above. If the driver and passenger are willing to share some of their ample space, a surprising amount of rear seat room can be had.
Here is a video of someone who is 6'3" sitting in the back seat of a Fiat 500. He is having some fun for the camera, but also seems genuinely surprised with the amount of room inside the car!
Here are the first interior shots posted of the new North American Fiat 500. There are some subtle differences between the NA 500 and its European cousin, like the locking glove box, shape of the window switches and the stowage compartment on the side of the console.
Big news here is the transmission. It looks like the European Dualogic has been replaced by a more conventional automatic. I had reported earlier on this blog that there were rumors the Dualogic would be replaced with an AISIN sourced 6 speed automatic. Judging by these pictures, that looks to be the case. We'll find out later in the day...
Interior with what looks similar to European Pop/Lounge seats. Note the armrest. Seats also appear to be wider.
These seats are heavily bolstered and remind one of the European Sport seats.
Again, thanks to Matt at Midwest Bayless for providing these photos.
The Fiat 500 is sold in some 80-plus countries. Standard equipment varies from country to country, but typically the 500 Lounge and cars with leather upholstery have split folding rear seats as standard. POP and Sport models offer the split seats as an option.
While we don't know what equipment will be optional or standard on the North American Fiat 500, we can assume there will be split folding rear seats offered. Here are some pictures of the seats:
The European Fiat 500 is available with an optional fixed glass roof or power sliding panoramic roof called a Skydome. With either version, the sheet metal in front of the roof is glossy black and blends in with the roof to make for a smooth appearance.
The fixed glass roof is about 5 mm thick with a light transmission of 16% and energy transmission below 19%.
The sliding roof has a thickness of 4 � 0.2 mm, light transmission of 19 � 2 % and an energy transmission of less than 19 %. The roof has an opening/closing time of 5 � 2 secs.
A sunshade is provided to adjust the light intensity inside the car. It is manually operated on cars with fixed glass roofs or opened and closed electrically on cars equipped with the sliding roof.
In cases of emergency or maintenance, it is possible to open/close the glass panel manually by removing an access plug and using a provided crank.
Additional safety and technical specifications
Fiat designed the sun roof to meet a very stringent criteria, guaranteeing that it can handle even the most demanding operating conditions. Here are some interesting facts:
The raising of the front panel (due to the aerodynamic effect while moving) towards the outside at a top speed of 113mph (180 Km/h) is less than or equal to 2 mm.
The stresses on the roof panel measured/calculated while driving over cobbled streets does not produce vibrations or noise that adversely affect driving comfort. If the sun roof has to be closed manually using the emergency key, the force required (tightening torque) is less than or equal to 8 Nm.
The black panel in front of the sunroof blends with the roof and makes for a smooth appearance. A nice design touch.
The bonding of the rear glass section is technologically treated like a windshield, not allowing water penetration into the passenger compartment under any circumstances.
Automatic climate control is optional on the European Fiat 500. It is a sophisticated unit that is usually reserved for premium cars, but is perfectly in keeping with the 500's high end style.
While we don't know what equipment will be offered on the North American 500, it's probably safe to assume it will offer a similar option. With that in mind, let's take a look at how the system works...
The system on 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.
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; to make sure that the air issuing 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 an adjustment of 28�F/16�C.
Manual settings always have priority over automatic settings. They cause the �Auto� LED to go out, and the setting is memorized until the control is annulled. Every time the system is turned on, it will return to the status memorized when it was turned off, except for the �MAX DEF� function, which is canceled.
It is also possible to turn the system off manually, de-activating the climate system completely.
The Fiat 500 can accommodate, at the same time, a driver of the 90 percentile (about 6'1") and a rear passenger of the 70 percentile (about 5'9") comfortably, within a space of only 139 inches (3.5 meters). Drivers of up to 6'6" have reported being comfortable in the 500. Fiat achieved this by drawing upon its 70 years of advanced small car design.
The drivers seat of the Fiat 500 has 38.8 inches (985mm) of headroom and 40.7 inches (1035mm) of legroom.
The rear seat of the Fiat 500 has 35.6 inches (904mm) of headroom and 32.2 inches (818mm) of legroom.
Using virtual reality in the design phase of the 500 helped Fiat solve many problems that could have added months to development time. An example is in the rear seat area. Fiat wanted to lower the hip point (H point) of the rear passenger to boost headroom, but there were problems. First was the risk that the foam of the seat cushion would be too thin, and second, that the passenger would be uncomfortably aware of the metal structure of the floor on every bump.
Two types of calculation demonstrated that a solution to the problem did exist. On one hand, an increase in the �bearing capacity� of the cushion foam was assessed, so as to absorb the vertical acceleration in less space, and on the other, a calculation of the structural rigidity of the body shell showed that the size of the rear crossbeam could be reduced, together with a �millimetric refinement� of the tailgate hinges and the space necessary for the tailgate to open, and still guarantee a reasonable amount of headroom
Previously, solving a problem such as this would have required prototype work adding time to the development process. Using virtual reality design is one of the reasons Fiat is able to bring completed car designs to market in about 18 months time. This is exactly what is going on at Chrysler today.
The legroom versus wheelbase point to the exceptional use of space within the Fiat 500
The relationship between the wheel center and the gas pedal, as depicted here, illustrates the space utilization within the Fiat 500. More space within the wheel base is devoted to actual passenger use.
The Fiat 128
The roominess of the Fiat 500 is the result of the evolution of Fiat's small car design philosophy. This philosophy began in 1936, when famed Fiat designer, Dante Giacosa, pioneered modern small car design with the Fiat Topolino. Giacosa created the concept of designing the car from the inside out. Starting with allocating passenger and luggage space, then room for the mechanical components. Before then, small cars were just big cars scaled down. You can read more about Giacosa here.
Fiat 128 ad clip from 1973. Space utilization is a Fiat expertise.
This concept was carried to the extreme, in 1969, with Giacosa's Fiat 128. This car set the standard (and pattern) for all modern front wheel drive cars. A full 80 percent of the car's space was devoted to the passengers and luggage. This car was advertised as being shorter than a VW Beetle but having more legroom than a Cadillac Eldorado.
Lancia Megagamma
Fiat's small car design philosophy underwent further advancement, with the help of legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design. During the 70's, Giugiaro was the first to introduce the concept of a more compact and taller vehicle. He concluded that to fit passengers and luggage within a given four meters length, the height of the vehicle would have to be increased. Sitting more upright allows the passengers to sit at a more comfortable angle and not have the legs bent which can result in pressure points on the body, leading to fatigue and discomfort. The above 1978 Lancia Megagamma concept car was the first car to use this concept and has influenced small car design since.
This evolving design philosophy has been applied to the 500 and helps it achieve its excellent space utilization and comfort. In particular, the taller driver is rewarded with a very roomy cabin as is illustrated below.
Taller drivers have special needs that were looked after as can be determined in this view. Stooping and bending over makes for uncomfortable entry and exit of a vehicle. Notice how this driver, in the 95 percentile (approx 6'2.5"), remains upright, his back being relatively straight as he enters the car. Once in, the door handle is easily reached.
Our 95 percentile driver is comfortably seated and is able to sit without his head touching the roof.
Our tall driver, again, notice how his arm is at a relaxed angle. He is not cramped, has a commanding view, and all controls are within reach but not on top of him. It's one of the reasons 6'6" Jeremy Clarkson enjoys the Fiat 500.
The reach to the controls have been carefully figured, The arm is outstretched, but at a natural angle. In the insert notice how one can see the A) speedo/tach, B) stereo, C) dash switches, all in that one view, the heater panel is visible by moving ones eyes down and doesn't require head movement.
The tall driver has an easy reach to his or hers controls. This is the sunroof...
power mirror switch...
The Fiat 500 offers good driver visibility. The more upright seating position helps drivers see what is in front of them closer, which comes in handy in urban environments and also helps the psychological feeling of being in control.
Right turn visibility was also looked after and is good.
Drivers visibility making a left turn.
Luggage room with the seats upright is roomy considering the size of the Fiat 500. It is deep and wide, with every inch available.
The luggage floor length is longer than its competitors, even though the 500 is shorter.
A practical illustration of the luggage capacity. The suitcases can be stowed flat.
Again, with the seats folded, the luggage floor length is longer than its competitors.
The cargo space when the rear seats are folded down is outstanding, as illustrated here.
You can view the video these slides were taken from here.
With help from Fiat Group Press Photos courtesy Fiat Group Press, Ital Design References: Ital Design
The Fiat 500 interior is a well thought out place to be. Although the 500 is smaller outside than the Mini, inside it is roomier. This is due to some very careful design and engineering.
I've had the chance to check out a Chrysler evaluation vehicle, and let me tell you, the interior was fantastic. The Frau leather interior was supple and fragrant, the aroma being intoxicating! Poltrona Frau leather is ultra-high end leather, used to upholster luxury furniture and only the most exclusive cars. The 500 has the charisma to carry this off and, as I've mentioned before, some Ferrari dealers actually use the 500 as a courtesy car for their client�le.
The inside of the 500 has clever features such as hidden storage compartments in the side of the center counsel and under the passenger front seat. There's also lots of room for odds and ends with map pockets behind the seats, trays under the dash, storage bins in the doors and a concealed glove box.
There's plenty of room in the front to stretch out and a six footer can be comfortable in the back. The trunk is, all things considered, roomy.
The overall impression is the 500 is a very neat car. It's cozy, without being cramped, and very well finished, with lots of features and equipment to keep one busy. It feels solid and substantial, the kind of car you can drive to work everyday and, later, take it out for a night on the town without feeling the need to "change up."
Below, with the help of Fiat Press, is a detailed look at the interior of the Fiat 500:
The designers paid the utmost attention to detail, while focusing on simplicity, which is the leitmotif of the new model. Simple does not mean �bare�, but embraces a particular stylistic and constructive interpretation that strives for �simplified enjoyment.�
The passenger compartment is airy and roomy, an environment where you can enjoy the time you spend in the car comfortably and at ease. It is also an embracing, protective environment thanks to the large ring that circles the entire space inside.
The structure of the Fiat 500 cabin sums up the comprehensiveness of the modern, ergonomic outfit, in a design inspired by the historical 500. Starting with the steering column, which is made up of steering wheel and instruments, grouped in a single panel which contains the speedometer, rev counter and trip computer, all concentric and perceptible immediately and simultaneously.
These elements, together with the central console and the radio-air vent unit, can be ordered in ivory or ...
...black, a choice that influences the character of the car, making it more �vintage� or sporty.
The instrument panel on the Fiat 500 is an ideal blend of retro styling and modern technology which adapts perfectly to the interior of the car. Built by Magneti Marelli, it comes in two versions: �Comfort� and �Matrix�, and the latter features a dot matrix monitor at the center of the panel which displays the pictograms for the satellite navigation system incorporated in the Blue&Me� Nav device.
If the upper part of the facia is designed to convey a sense of refinement and elegance, the lower part conveys functionality with capacious, open storage shelves, and small and medium sized drawers for more valuable items that you want to conceal.
The gear lever, which is positioned on the facia, looks like a refined mechanical component, with chromed parts and a simple but efficient black knob that is shiny or chrome-plated depending on the version. The set of most frequently used buttons was inspired by the telltales and small levers of the old 500, and is very quick and easy to use.
Fiat 500 Pop Interior
The seats deserve a separate mention; the various versions copy those of the 500 F of the 1960s with the same �split� effect: solid tone fabric at the bottom and the upper lunette and a head-restraint that match the color of the steering wheel.
Fiat 500 Lounge Interior
The most lavish version of the new 500 also offers elegant Cordura fabric upholstery, finished with a tubular border over the stitching,
Fiat 500 Sport Interior
...while the seats and facia on the sporty outfit show the influence of the racing world, with leather colored or black elements, a chrome-plated gear lever knob and a more encircling shape for the front seats.
Fiat 500 with Frau Leather
Fiat 500 customers can also order prestigious Frau leather upholstery, choosing from a traditional Black, a Hide color that recalls the earlier 500 and an ultra-sporty Red.
The door panels feature a contrast between the part upholstered to match the seats and the plastic structure that incorporates a large oddment pocket and the speakers.
The door handle has a chromed �hook� shape that recalls one of the best remembered features on the door of the historical 500.
What is more, in spite of its small size, the new model is amazingly roomy, thanks to careful analysis of the distribution of the storage units, such as the two compartments on the facia for the driver...
and passenger,
the hidden compartment on the passenger side,
those in the door panels,
another in the gearbox support and
one above the passenger seat.
And the luggage compartment is also quite capacious (185 liters, or a maximum of 550 liters right up to the ceiling),
and the loading threshold is low to make loading easier;
the rear seat squab can also be folded down.
The rear seat is very comfortable for 2 people, and on all versions it reiterates the same attention to detail that is evident in the front seats. To highlight the fact that the car really is roomy, the upper outline of the squabs is raised to support and clasp passengers� backs better.
And finally, a console positioned between the seats near the tunnel acts as a �docking station�, it can hold the usual small items (glasses and cans), and ...
...houses the 12V socket and USB port to connect a range of functional accessories, and telematic devices such as an iPod or PDA, or...
...even a fragrance dispenser which offers the customer a choice of fragrances.
