Ciao Bello

I've always had a thing for tiny cars, the BMW Isetta (a new version is rumored to surface in 2010), the old Mini, the new Mini... the Fiat 500. Oh, and the BMW 2002 tii... all time favorite.

The only time I've ever drove a Fiat was in Rome. The car must have been as old as I am, and barely bigger than me, and the gears were crazy. Following my friend zipping around on her Vespa filled me with a sense of fear I've never felt before.

There seems to be a shortage of Fiats Stateside... I mean, you'll see a couple older ones but they tend to be collectors models... or totally falling apart. Which is why I was pleased to see the new versions when I came over to Germany.

On 9 November, Diesel and Fiat released a limited edition of the Fiat 500... working on the terms small and dark... Here are some of the features:

The 500 by Diesel is touched with details that capture the essence of the cult brand. The most obvious are the 16" alloy hubcaps emblazoned with Diesel's famous 'mohican' logo. In addition the brake callipers (of the 1.4 litre 100 bhp model) are painted bright yellow. Fenders and body trim feature 'rivet' detailing. They're also in chrome, along with the radiator cowling and the distinctive logo on the hood. The Diesel logo can be seen on the rear decal, where the five air intakes of the classic Fiat 500's characteristic cooling system has been reproduced.

If I wasn't so in love with my bike... or with the Prius, I'd totally covet this car... well if this Fiat 500 was a hybrid, I'd certainly love it way more than the Prius.