Fiat 500 Dolcevita, Italian glamour in a small package

Fiat 500 Dolcevita, Italian glamour in a small package

  

Today, the term ‘La Dolce Vita’ might not mean much more than, say, having a cool time, yet when it was released in 1960, La Dolce Vita was hailed as an arthouse classic. 

A complex film in moody black-and-white, it symbolized the hedonistic lifestyle and celebrity nightlife of Rome of that time, when Italy’s capital was one of the coolest around and fashion was king.

Along with the exclusive white exterior colour, there’s a discreet red and white body line that stretches around the car’s centre and stylised ‘Dolcevita’ chrome badge on the boot. Diamond-finished 16-inch alloy wheels also come part of the package.

The Fiat 500 has long been a class act inside. That continues with a nautical themed wooden dashboard and set of plush ivory-coloured leather seats with embroidered 500 badges and red piping.

The Dolcevita follows in the wheel-tracks of two other recent 500 debutants, the Star and Rockstar, and takes Fiat’s range of 500 special editions up past the 30 mark….which might be a record.

Power comes via Fiat’s staple 69ps 1.2-litre engine, paired with either manual or Dualogic transmission. In Italy, there’s also a 85hp Twin Air 900 cc option.

Ordering began in the UK at the end of July, with 500 Dolcevita hatchback prices starting at £17,995. Alongside, the 500 Dolcevita convertible begins at £20,995.

more info at www.drive.co.uk