Who is the girl in the Fiat car commercial?
Unveiling the actress behind Fiat’s unforgettable spot
(By Carmichael Phillip)
The iconic Super Bowl moment
In one of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials, a striking woman in a form-fitting dress interrupts a man on the street, delivering playful Italian lines before vanishing—only to reveal a sleek Fiat 500 Abarth in her place. This dramatic setup ends with the tagline: “You’ll never forget the first time you see one.”
Meet Catrinel Menghia
The captivating woman in the ad is Catrinel Menghia, a Romanian supermodel and actress. Despite the Italian tone of the commercial, Menghia herself is not Italian; she was discovered in Bucharest and rose to fame working with Armani and other high-fashion brands.
Her performance in the Fiat spot injects both sex appeal and subtle humor—especially in lines like “Che cosa guardi?… Mi stai spogliando con gli occhi?” (“What are you looking at?… Are you undressing me with your eyes?”), delivered with a teasing slap and enough attitude to make the commercial unforgettable.
Why the ad worked so well
This commercial resonated because it used bold visual storytelling and cultural innuendo. By leaning into Italian allure—literally and figuratively—it cemented a strong brand impression. Menghia’s performance gave the Fiat 500 Abarth a distinct personality, making it synonymous with style and charisma in the minds of viewers.
Watch the commercial yourself
Catrinel’s career beyond the ad
Beyond the Fiat commercial, Catrinel Menghia—also known as Catrinel Marlon—is a successful model, actress, director, and producer. She has appeared in films like La Gomera and Tales of Tales, and made her directorial debut with short films such as Ossa and Girasole.
What it all means
The “girl in the Fiat commercial” isn’t just a fleeting face—she’s a strategic embodiment of brand personality. Catrinel Menghia helped Fiat stand out using style, intrigue, and performance. Her presence elevated the commercial from auto ad to cultural moment.
Acting Magazine Newsletters
Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.