Two iconic Italian brands unite to create the Fiat 500 Riva
This is the new Fiat 500 Riva. Whether you view this as clever brand cohesion or a retro mash up too far is subjective but the 500 Riva is here and joins a litany of cross-branding exercises for the 500 including Diesel and another Italian powerhouse, Gucci.
Available as a hatchback or convertible underneath there is a bog standard Fiat 500 but it’s the garnish that sets it apart.
The Riva connection doesn’t stretch to amphibious abilities or a thumping great petrol V8 but you do get a bespoke “Sera Blue” paint finish, unique 16-inch, 20-spoke alloy wheels in a blue finish plus a hand-painted mahogany dashboard with maple inlay work.
A little twee, maybe, but it has to be said that the Riva logo lighting up the instrument bezel on a miserable Monday morning could supply you with a much need tingle.
The gear knob and door sills also get the mahogany treatment and the seats are trimmed in an exclusive ivory leather created by Poltrona Frau.
Despite the glamorous finish, performance promises to be a little more sedate when the 500 Riva hits UK roads in August thanks to engine options all based on a 1.2-litre block, pumping out a mere 69hp, 85hp an 105hp respectively.
