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May I have the attention of Gucci Fans at FastMotoring.com?

In the year that sees the celebrations of 150 years of Italian unification and on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Gucci, Fiat and the Florence-based label present the 500 by Gucci, an important partnership between two brands that have always expressed Italian branding and creativity across the world.

The Fiat 500 by Gucci is the result of intensive creative collaboration between Fiat and Gucci, a co-design project where the work by the Italian designer label is devised to enhance the distinguishing traits of the iconic Fiat 500. Consequently, 500 by Gucci represents the perfect blend of two stylistic approaches which, each in its respective field, have made Italian style so famous and influential all over the world, focusing as ever on attention to detail, the ongoing pursuit of quality materials, in the spirit of a simple yet refined elegance.

The new car features exteriors in two colours, Black or White, both enhanced by the exclusive paint with glass beads which make it shine like a gem. The same colour combination can be found on the key cover, which gives customers their first distinguishing sign of the 500 by Gucci.

The Gucci identity is even more evident with some of the refined details such as the hubcaps marked GG in the same colour as the bodywork and Gucci written in italics on the tailgate and on the door pillars. In addition, in line with the Gucci colours, the version equipped with the 100hp 1.4 engine comes with brake callipers painted green. The exterior is further customised with rims mounted on 195/45 R16 tyres.

Inside, the Fiat 500 by Gucci offers an elegant and functional space, where attention has been lavished on the tiniest details, brimming with fashion references and embellished by exclusive materials, such as the glossy or satin chrome elements, the dashboard painted with a sophisticated velvet-effect treatment, the two-tone seats covered in Frau leather featuring the unmistakable Guccissima graphics.

Photo Gallery: Fiat 500 by Gucci

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DO YOU KNOW, what is the lowest price entry point into roofless car? Of course, the Fiat 500C, and it is so cool. Fiat has produced its half millionth Fiat 500 within 21 months and making the award winning Fiat 500 as one of the Italian car maker’s most successful cars of all time. Since the Fiat 500′s is one of the kind and most charming retro cars out there right now, FastMotoring’s crew made an effort to Melbourne for a test drive on the Cabriolet.

Usually, retro-look cars attract the lady owner like the Beetle and Mini. I won’t see the 500 as exceptional case. The Fiat 500 is a car with more than 50 years of history behind it, offering the best in terms of technology, comfort and environmental friendly. Fiat offers the car in hatchback (500) or convertible (500C) in Australia.

This Fiat 500C is powered by natural-aspirated 1.4-litre 4-Cylinders 16V Gasoline Engine with max output of 74kW @ 6,000rpm and a peak torque of 131Nm @ 4,250rpm. It’s not a lot power but because the 500C is light enough, hence there’s plenty of performance without sacrificing fuel economy. Expect 6.3-litres/ 100km economy from the naturally aspirated twin-cam engine coupled with low CO2 emissions. The car accelerates 0-100km/h in 10.7secs and a top speed of 182km/h.

The transmission is a 6-speed manual or 5-speed robotised manual (auto). There’s a ‘sport’ button to sharpen its responses. However, the 500C feels sluggish due in part to a dulled throttle action. The six-speeder is nice to use as it offers a slick gear shift and small increments between each ratio to keep the engine on the boil. In the other hand for the robotised manual, honestly it is awful. The shifting is not as smooth and synchronise. (FYI, we seriously took a break after the drive as we felt unwell)

The Fiat 500C fitted with sporty 16-inch alloy wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres. This car has a fairly generic strut/torsion beam suspension that ties down the topless tiddler quite well. It has a sporty feel and you can throw corners with confidence. Thanks to the sporty setup and short wheelbase.

Moreover, the Fiat 500C well equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, audio control on steering wheel, climate control and tele-matic voice control. The rear seats offers 50/50 split folding. The roof of this cute little Italian job can be deployed at speeds up to 60km/h. So, you need to slow down to 60km/h or below to open or close it.

In terms of safety, it is well covered with ABS, EBD, 7 Airbags, Stability Control and Traction Control contributing to the Fiat 500C with a 5 Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating. The braking system comes with all wheels discs brake (Ventilated on the front and Solid for the rear).

The Fiat 500C priced from an affordable AUD 28,990 (manual) + On-Road Cost.

Photo Gallery: Fiat 500C

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari was unveiled almost a year ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show.  This special edition of 500 comes with 180-horsepower 1.4-liter 16-valve turbocharged engine, stiffer suspension, 17″ Corsa Greyz wheels, Xenon headlights, 5 airbags, ESP, TTC, Sport button, ‘Record Monza’ dual-mode exhaust, Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats, Brembo calipers. Furthermore, this exclusive car is painted similar as Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

According to our source, there will be 152 units of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari in right hand drive form in Britain and priced at £29,600. Moreover, the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is available to special order only in UK.

Photo Gallery: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari