The Fiat 500 has debuted in Brazil to national press, before sales start this month. The car will also be launched in Colombia, Barbados and Panama, and in Jamaica before the end of the year. South America is no stranger to the Fiat 500 as it’s already available in Argentina, Chile, Mexico Peru’ and others.

The Brasilian version of the Fiat 500 will be equipped with the 1.4-litre 16V engine with 100 hp and has the option of either an automatic six-speed transmision, or a five-speed Dualogic sequential gearbox. New technologies have been built for the local market, including a new calibration system for the 22 percent ethanol to be found in the petrol in Brazil. More flexible suspension has been developed for Brasilian roads. The Fiat 500 Brazil edition has seven airbags, ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), anti-slip and hill holder technology and hydraulic brake assistance for emergency braking. It will be interesting to follow the Fiat 500’s fortunes in that part of the world.

So far it has been a huge success in Europe, selling more than 390,000 units, and has become an icon of Italian style and revival trends. It is now earmarked for US distribution by Chrysler in what could prove to be its toughest market yet. If it’s successful, it could be the entrance Fiat was hoping for in the US for the rest of the Fiat group brands, especially Alfa Romeo. If it’s less successful, it may cause a reconsideration for the Fiat-Chrysler deal among Italian ranks, but so far all remains to be seen.

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