Question:
We saw a photo of the Fiat that will be sold in the U.S. soon and we’re giving serious thought to buying one. We owned a Fiat long ago and loved it. We’re not having any luck finding a Fiat dealership, though. Can you help?
Answer:
The Fiat 500, an appealing mini-mobile with terrific fuel efficiency, is Fiat’s return to the U.S. after more than a quarter-century absence. The very European looking subcompact 500 will begin its rollout this month and will be sold mostly in big cities. So think the predictable Chicago, L.A. and New York, but also such places as Denver, Omaha and Jacksonville. There will be a total of about 130 Chrysler LLC dealerships.
The Fiat 500 will start at about $15,500, slightly less than the Mini Cooper, its chief competition.
Color choices are many – 14. Some are eye-popping, like “azzurro,” an intense blue; “giallo,” a bright yellow; and “rame,” an earthy orange. And then there are some soothing Tuscan countryside colors like the very serene “mocha latte” and “verde olivia,” a most calming green.
Interest in the car has been strong. According to early reports it will take nearly two months to get one if you want a custom job.
Check out this new car (and pre-order if you’re so inclined) at the still-a-work-in-progress website, fiatusa.com. The company promises a directory of Fiat dealerships, any time now.
Question:
We have a Toyota RAV and love it. We recently heard that there will be an electric version. True? Please say yes and also that it will be available in a couple of years, when we’re ready to trade in.
Answer:
It may be true. An all-electric RAV has already reached the prototype phase (it was unveiled at the big LA auto show a few weeks ago).
If all goes well, the electric RAV, a collaboration between Toyota and Tesla Motors, an electric vehicle start-up company, may reach the marketplace by 2012.
Some prototypes never do get that far, and there’s talk that this one could be delayed by differing philosophies between the two parties. Only time will tell.
