The 2004 Fiat Trepiùno concept, from which the 500 derives, was introduced at the 74th Geneva Motorshow — designed at Centro Stile Fiat by Roberto Giolito in a style strongly reminiscent of the original Fiat 500. The Mk2 Ford KA also uses the 500 platform. Ford couldn’t work out how Fiat were making such an impressive car for the money so they commissioned Fiat to build the Mk2 KA.
Although in modern times Fiat haven’t suffered from corrosion problems (I’ve got a 2003 Fiat with no corrosion to the structure) , the rear beam axle on most FWD cars, regardless of manufacturer, is a weak point. Most people never treat the underbody of their cars. The car we worked on had lived its life by the sea and the rear axle had caused it to fail the MOT.
The eagle eyed amongst you might have spotted on the new bar the integral rear anti-roll bar – this was fitted to all Abarth models and later 500 models. The increased rear roll stiffness will improve the drive on this older model and provide a new lease of life.
If you need to get your Fiat 500 (or Ford KA) rear axle replaced please get in touch. If your car has any MOT advisory notes about corrosion then book in for a Lanoguard treatment and stop corrosion in its tracks.
Hi my spring pan on the left side has eroded, it looks like it is going to snap. How much would this cost to get replaced?
HI Molly, thanks for your comment, I will send you a quote via email, cheers, Julian