New Fiat 500 Named in Top 10 Back-to-School Cars List by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

August 8, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  Carrying a 4.0 GPA when it comes to making the grade as safe, affordable, versatile and fuel efficient, the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com have named the 2011 Fiat 500 as one of the top five new-car choices for a 2011 Back-to-School Car.

“In just a few short months, the Fiat 500 already is becoming a favorite with young buyers who recognize all that the new Fiat has to offer,” said Laura Soave, Head of the FIAT Brand for North America. “The new Fiat 500 is affordable transportation that is safe, practical and with a 38 mpg highway rating, easy on the wallet for high school and college students on a budget. It also has great looks and performance."

Each year, editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, a leading provider of new and used car information, select the Top 10 Back-to-School Cars. This year, five new cars and five used cars were selected based on safety, affordability, versatility, reliability, cost-of-ownership and fuel efficiency. The kbb.com editors, mindful of what’s cool in school, also rate vehicles subjectively including ‘fun-to-drive’ and ‘good looking’ factors.

With a starting price of $15,995, the new Fiat 500 is priced considerably less than the $18,000 threshold for new cars on the Back-to-School list. Prices for used cars on the list were capped at $12,000.

“Each year we have more great choices to consider for our back-to-school rides list, because auto manufacturers continue to outdo themselves with features and amenities they offer on vehicles that are optimal for students,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

Kbb.com editors described the Fiat 500 as a “smart and surprisingly comfortable little commuter car,” also saying that it is “affordable, adorable and easy on the gas.”

Designed with Italian style inside and out, the Fiat 500 is an ideal choice for the tight confines of college parking spaces on campus while still offering comfort for four students inside. The instrument panel has been designed with simplicity in mind to help reduce driver distractions behind the wheel. In the center of the instrument panel stack, a central display tied to a TomTom navigation and Blue&Me hands-free communication system is available. The glove box offers ample storage and a USB port for instant integration of mobile devices including an iPod that can be operated out of sight and safely.

The standard power plant for the new Fiat 500 includes a 1.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that is equipped with FIAT’s exclusive MultiAir fuel delivery system. The patented system helps increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and provide plenty of power. Transmission choices include a standard five-speed manual and an available six-speed automatic.

Introduced earlier this year as part of FIAT’s return to North America, Fiat 500 models also include a cabrio version for those who enjoy the open-air driving experience.

Earlier this year, the editors at kbb.com named the Fiat 500 No. 1 in its Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list.
For more information on the Fiat 500, visit http://www.fiatusa.com.

Information about the Top 10 Back-to-School Cars for 2011 from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, is available at http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/top-10-back_to_school-cars-2011/.