Fiat offer puts instructors in the driving seat

The stylish Fiat 500 looks set to become an even more popular choice with driving schools and image-conscious pupils, thanks to the offer of free-of-charge He-Man dual controls on the car.

Already a leader in terms of safety, the 5-star Euro NCAP-rated Fiat 500 is ideal for learners and new drivers, with its compact dimensions, prompt responses, light controls and excellent all-round visibility. In addition, affordable insurance and running costs, plus low emissions and impressive fuel consumption, mean the city car also appeals to instructors.

“This offer means instructors can field a desirable car that’s easy for pupils to drive, while benefiting from low costs and impressive residual values,” says James McMenamin, National Corporate Sales Manager for Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

Priced from £8,300, petrol examples of the Fiat 500 include a 1.2-litre version that can be taxed for just £35 a year, thanks to low CO2 emissions of just 119g/km. The 1.3 MultiJet diesel version also slots into VED Band B and returns 67.3mpg fuel economy on the combined cycle.

Standard equipment on all models includes seven airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), power steering and a height adjustable driver’s seat, plus electric windows/mirrors and a CD/radio.

Lounge and Sport models also get alloy wheels, air conditioning and Fiat’s Blue&Me hands-free entertainment and communications system.