Fiat Freemont and 500 earn their stripes

FIAT Australia evidently feels that its 500 hatch and Freemont people-mover have earned their stripes, with the company launching special edition ‘Tricolore’ versions this week.

Never shy to promote its heritage, Fiat’s no-cost options package adds a pair of racing stripes in the red, white and green hues of the Italian flag, as well as themed carpet mats, chromed mirrors and a special key or key-chain.

Fiat claims this extras pack is worth more than $1500, but the company will throw it in with the vehicle purchase free of charge.

The Tricolor option is available only on the flagship 63kW/145Nm 0.9-litre two-cylinder turbo TwinAir 500 Lounge hatchback ($20,300 plus on-road costs) and the Fiat Freemont Urban ($28,330 for the 125kW/220Nm petrol and $32,600 for the 125kW/350Nm diesel).

Fiat Australia says these editions celebrate its “iconic Italian brand”, although it is worth pointing out that the Freemont is a re-badged North American Dodge Journey.

The company’s local arm might also be launching the Tricolore editions to celebrate the fact that its local sales are up 427.7 per cent on 2013 so far this year.

In the past 12 months the company has re-launched the Punto, launched the Panda for the first time and slashed the price of the 500 range. The Freemont, meantime, arrived here last April.