Fiat Seicento 600

At launch, the Seicento was available with three trim levels; a basic 'S' with black bumpers and spartan equipment and initially the 899 cc engine; an 'SX' model, a slight upgrade over the 'S' with colour coded bumpers, electric windows, central locking and a sunroof - which was also available as a 'Citymatic' with a clutchless manual gearchange - and a 'Sporting' with the larger FIRE 1.108 cc engine, 20 mm (0.8 in) lower suspension and anti-roll bars added. Cosmetically, this version gained 13" alloy wheels, sports seats.



An Abarth styling kit was also available with a body kit with optional Abarth 14" wheels a close-ratio gearbox, sill kick plates, embroidered headrests, leather gear stick and steering wheel, blue highlighted trim in the bumpers, side skirts and a spoiler also available. Both the sporting and the Abarths were available with ABS, air-conditioning and Power steering but due to cost not very many owners took up the options.
In 1999, the FIRE engine was used in the special 'Suite' version, which came with air-conditioning. A special edition 'Soleil' model was available in some markets, which was based on the 'SX' model but came with a full-length electrically-folding fabric roof.
After the 2001 update, all cars were given clear indicator lenses, with the Sporting model getting a restyled bodykit. Cars built from this period also come with Power steering as standard. A 'Michael Schumacher' edition of the Sporting, with ABS and the Abarth styling kit, was also launched at this time to celebrate the Ferrari driver's Formula One success, This model was almost identical to the Abarth kit with the exception of chrome gear stick surrounds and Michaels signature on the boot lid and side skirt. A limited edition plate and number was also on the passenger door.
In 2004 the model was withdrawn from the UK market and production of right hand drive models ceased, following the launch of the arrival of the new and more practical Panda. The left hand drive model was facelifted gaining a new shape of wheel rims and the introduction of the new Fiat logo in the rear.

Engine

0.9L straight-4 OHV 40 PS (29 kW; 39 hp)
1.1L straight-4 Fire 54 PS (40 kW; 53 hp)
Electric engine 41 PS (30 kW; 40 hp)


In 2005 the name Seicento was replaced by 600 (in occasion of the 50 anniversary of the first edition, in 1955) together with some changes in the front and in versions dotations: now the name Fiat is written on the seats. The new versions now are named "Class" and "50 anniversary", thus reminding the strict relationship between this model and the previous one.

The Seicento is available with two engines: the old 899 cc OHV (29 kW / 40 hp) engine used in early base S and SX models (which was removed from West European markets due to emissions regulations), and the 1108 cc FIRE (40 kW / 54 hp and used in the Sporting version since launch), was fitted universally with multi-point fuel injection from 2001, replacing the old pushrod units. There was also a version with an electric engine (30 kW / 41 hp).

Until 2005 Fiat also produced a battery-electric version of the Seicento called the Seicento Elettra. Originally produced in serial quantities in Italy from 1996 to 1998, production moved to Poland for the remaining years where it was built on order. The Seicento Elettra featured a 30 kW three-phase asynchronous electric motor powered by 18 12V lead-acid batteries in the engine bay and beneath the rear seats. The Seicento Elettra's top speed was 100 km/h (62 mph) and its range was 90 kilometres (56 mi).