At A Glance
The Chrysler Group and Fiat a.P.a. 2009, the latter now the controlling owner of this American car manufacturer. Earlier this year, a Mexican built Fiat 500 was introduced to the North American market, representing the first Fiat sold in the United States in more than 20 years. With a new car, comes many expectation and the 2012 Fiat 500 offers many, but doesn't disappoint. Underneath its hood is a 1.4-liter, 16-valve Multair four cylinder engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or optional automatic. This four passenger vehicle is one of the smallest on the market, delivering 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway with the manual and 27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway with the automatic. The timing of the Fiat 500鈥瞫 introduction comes as fuel prices are at the highest levels in three years and as U.S. Fiat calls the 500 a "mini" model, but it is closer in size to most subcompact cars and thus is included in that category by us. Chief competitors include the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa.
15,500, an amount that is much higher than the Korean models, indeed higher than all other models save for the Volkswagen Golf and MINI Cooper. Fiat, MINI and VW are the only European makes with subcompact cars sold in North America; expect Fiat to offer comparisons more with the Golf and MINI than its other competitors. One thing the Fiat 500 does in spades is to advance Fiat heritage. This particular model was originally sold from 1957 to 1975, returning to the market in 2007 in Europe. The latest version has been received with critical acclaim and is a strong seller. Fiat believes that its four-seat two-door hatchback will be what lures Fiat enthusiasts to embrace this iconic Italian compact. On the interior, color coordinated cloth seats are standard with upgraded cloth, even leather seating available. Special enhancements including three cupholders for the front passengers, front passenger assist handles and seven airbags are standard across the model line. Climate control, power windows and door locks with remote entry, ABS, traction control and stability control are included. A USB port is also included. Sought after options include a power sun roof, a navigation system, a satellite radio system, a Bose sound system, ambient lighting and a vehicle theft tracking system. 20,000. Three trim levels are available - Pop, Sport and Lounge - the latter equipped with a shiftable 6-speed automatic transmission.
This was also a boarding kennel for dogs and cats while owners were on holidays. It was the middle of the summer holiday season and people returned to this devastation. Many pets were farewelled with tears and flowers and a memorial. Many valuable animals had also perished across the highway at the RSPCA shelter. People tried desperately to get them out but the gates were locked as were the cages inside, Some did get free but how many were saved is unknown. The fire came from Weston through Warramanga and the entire green area was burnt out, being Mount Taylor, just behind my house and in front of it. House were burnt down in Weston, Chapman, Chifley, Rivett, Kambah, Wanniassa and Torrens. First there were vain attempts to explain the lack of information given to the residents. The Chief Minister made excuses that he did not get any warning until midday when he was called to fire headquarters.
Knowing the dire situation that was facing us he chose not to inform the public of the danger. Between Duffy and Kambah there are some 10 or more suburbs and a population of many thousands. Where the fires reached was almost to a major CBD area of Woden and houses burned down in areas adjacent to it, Many business were also lost. Had he done so at that time people would have had 3 hours of notice to get animals out of harm's way, to evacuate their houses, take the essential pictures and memorabilia and things and evacuate to safer areas. But instead the fires were allowed to proceed as though it was a normal day. By the time I got a warning it was just about too late for me to go anywhere because already roads were blocked and probably clogged with fleeing families. But that 3 hours would have made a huge difference as I could have become another casualty.
