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The Fiat 500 was first introduced in 1957, lasting through until 1975 and the name didn't reappear until 2007 when the brand released this small hatchback.
Similar to the Mini Cooper, the new Fiat 500 - priced from $28,900 to $28,900 - draws inspiration from the original but is bigger and better equipped. Trim levels for the Fiat 500 range from the base 500 Dolcevita, to the top of the range 500 Dolcevita.
Two seems to be a popular number with the 500 as there are two engines, bodystyles and transmissions available for purchase.
The Fiat 500 Bluetooth system incorporated a Windows-based technology called Blue & Me. The idea was to give full hands-free control of the phone’s functions, but how to connect Bluetooth to Fiat 500 hardware is similar to any other system.
Bluetooth Fiat 500 pairing starts with enabling Bluetooth on your phone and switching the setting to Discoverable. From there, you use the car’s info-screen menus to find Settings, then select User Pairing. Then tap the Blue & Me prompt on the screen and type the PIN into your phone.
That should ensure the connection and reinstate it whenever the car detects that phone.
The catch is that Fiat 500 Bluetooth wasn’t available on every model. Early (2008 and 2009) base model (Pop) Fiat 500s sold in Australia didn’t have Bluetooth connectivity. If you bought the Sport or Lounge model, you got this feature, but only Pops built in 2010 or later had Bluetooth.
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The Fiat Ritmo is a pretty rare car here, having been on sale for only about two years and failing to inspire much interest from Australian car buyers.
As far as the clutch goes (and the Ritmo was only sold here in manual form) I believe it uses a hydraulic actuation. On conventional hydraulic systems, there should be an adjuster somewhere down near the slave-cylinder which varies where it acts on the clutch fork. By altering this setting, you effectively change the distance the fork travels and, therefore, introduce more or less movement into the clutch itself. But the Ritmo uses a concentric slave cylinder which lives inside the bell-housing and is not adjustable nor serviceable without removing the car’s gearbox.
That would make the Ritmo’s clutch self-adjusting. Either way, when the system has run out of adjustment, that usually signals that it’s time for a new clutch assembly as the clutch itself is worn beyond the point of serviceability.
But, before you worry about any of that, check that the clutch master cylinder contains the correct level of clutch fluid. If there’s a leak in the system, the clutch will not disengage properly. If your problem is one of the clutch slipping, then it’s more likely you have an actual worn out clutch.
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Generally the cost will depend on the variant and year. You can get more information on quick and cheap key replacments from dealers or automotive locksmiths here.
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The interior evokes 500s of old with a familiar elongated central panel across the dash, a two-spoke steering wheel and a circular instrument binnacle. The single trim option is ‘Ice Beige’ synthetic leather on the seats and door panel, with a super-cool ‘FIAT’ monogram pattern, throwing back to the brand’s typography from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Overall, the cabin design is neat and ultra-clean with a high-quality attention to detail.
Standard features include a 10.25-inch multimedia display (running ‘UConnect 5’ software), a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, climate control air, wireless Apple Carplay & Android Auto, a panoramic fixed glass sunroof, synthetic leather seat trim, a wireless charging pad, heated front seats and six-speaker audio with digital radio. There’s also 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, tail-lights and daytime running lights, plus keyless entry and start.
Power is provided by a traction electric motor sending 87kW/220Nm to the front wheels via a single-speed reduction gear automatic transmission.
The boot is only 185 litres (VDA) with four seats up, although the rear seat split-folds 50/50 to open up 550L of volume.
The Fiat 500e is a four-seater.
The 500e is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.0sec and quoted top speed is 150km/h.
The Fiat 500e’s range is quoted at 311km (WLTP).