The Fiat stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, with its sweeping, rounded forms, features a colour-scheme based on the Italian flag: the green and red areas are dedicated to Fiat’s environmental credentials and sportiness respectively, while the white area is entirely dedicated to the 500 as a concrete symbol of Fiat’s new spirit and new image.

This is the setting for the new 500’s very first appearance at an international motor show. The little car made its world debut during a special - and highly glamorous - ceremony in Turin on 4th July - exactly 50 years after its predecessor was introduced - and has been on sale ever since. The order book ,after two months, for the Polish-built model 3-door, 4-seater model now stands at around 70,000 units. It is also now one of the hot favourites to scoop the very prestigious 'Car of the Year' award when the results are announced in November.

The 500 has been presented in Frankfurt this week in a highly original manner, with a scale model of the car, a massive five times larger than its real dimensions, dominating the entire stand, towering over proceedings. It is quite simply huge, and undeniably attention grabbing. “This is the biggest car ever built for a motor show,” said Fiat brand CEO Luca De Meo proudly.

But there is much more to this giant 500 model, as it incorporates a track on which a number of 500s are busy bustling around. Visitors are able to follow a winding and climbing path throughout this construction.
 

On this path they are surrounded by sounds, lights and clips of films explaining the development of the new car as well as delving into the famous history of the original model, all by simply travelling in any ones of the five Fiat 500s which are constantly on the move. The range is well covered as two Sport versions with the 1.4 16v 100 bhp engine, two Lounge versions with the 1.3 Multijet and 1.4 16v engines, and a Pop version with a 1.3 Multijet engine make up the quintet.

The overall execution is excellent, an idea that has been well thought out and really serves to set the Fiat stand apart from all the others at the show. The whole construction combines to create a unique, thrilling carousel setting, where visitors can join in by getting into any of the five cars, all of which are brightly painted in different colours and with different customisation decals to reflect the vibrant spirit of the new model. As they pass a webcam they are photographed and placed on a website. Where motor show stands normally reek of convention and a bland air, Fiat have really pushed the boat in Frankfurt out to create a distinct and enjoyable experience for visitors, who are able to immerse themselves first hand into what the new 500 has to offer, taking a pleasant 'test ride', all without leaving the confines of the Messe's halls.