Unlike the new Mini or VW Beetle, the Fiat Style Centre developed this thoroughly modern ultra-compact 3-door with very few retro styling cues. The only acknowledgement of its heritage is its distinctive front end and name--Nuova Cinquecento.

Fiat hopes this car will appeal to the increasingly fuel-economy and emissions minded European market. Measuring 11.5 ft. long, 5.5 ft. wide, and just under 5 ft tall, with a 7.5 ft. wheelbase, the car comes equipped with a choice of three engines: a 75 hp 1.3 liter turbodiesel and two gasoline engines, the 69 hp 1.2 liter and the 100 hp 1.4 liter. All three are available with five or six speed transmissions.

When the original Nuova 500 was first introduced in 1957, it was the signal that years of Post War reconstruction by Italy had finally paid off. There was an economic resurgence and the Italian populace was ready to shake off the devastation of WWII. Between the end of the War and the mid-fifties the most popular forms of transportation in Italy were two-wheeled: Vespa and Lambretta scooters. They may have lacked in comfort but they were inexpensive to own and operate and they were better than walking.

As conditions improved, everyone began to look for slightly more luxurious forms of transportation. Fiat's 600, introduced in 1955, was Italy's first popular family car, but the company wanted something that would provide the comfort of a car while maintaining the convenience and economy of a scooter.

The man considered the Father of the Nuova 500, Dante Giacosa, wrote, "I had put people back to work on a minimalist car, even smaller and more economical. The Italians wanted cars, and they were willing to make do with even less space, provided it was on four wheels. No matter how small, a car would still be more comfortable than a scooter, particularly in winter and in the rain. I had people sketch models of unconventional small cars that had to compete with the Vespa in particular."

The results were exactly what Giacosa had hoped for.