The size remains the same but small car fans can expect a much more mature Fiat when the new generation 500 hits the streets in September.
That means advanced technologies, improved efficiency, more customisation ideas and a style studio design upgrade for the newcomer.
It’s exactly eight years – and more than 1.5 million units – since the 500 arrived on the 50th anniversary of the original car’s launch.
Now it’s time for a fresher, brighter Fiat and as our pictures show, it has sharp looks and real presence on the road.
Fiat says that a whopping 1,800 changes have been made to produce the new car and all are aimed at enhancing the ownership experience.
Up front, the 500 retains the face of its predecessors with circular headlights, improved for better night vision while the car’s nose gets more pronounced ribbing and chrome brightwork.
And the interior sees a new dashboard design which now integrates the advanced Uconnect infotainment across the range.
The unit is not only easier to read and more intuitive to use, it also improves connectivity with steering wheel-mounted audio controls and USB / Aux-in ports on all models.
New alloy wheel designs also join the party with Pop Star and Lounge models sporting 15-inch rims as standard with 16-inchers available as a £370 option on Pop models and a £180 upgrade option on Pop Star and Lounge variants.
What’s also likely to prove popular with Fiat drivers are the two Second Skin options.
One features a geometric pattern along the belt line, costs £140 and is available on both Fiat 500 and the 500C convertibles, while the larger skin options cover the upper half of hardtop models and cost £780 on Pop and Pop Star versions and £460 on the Lounge.
Five patterns are up for grabs and called Ethnic in a geometric pattern; Lord in classic tartan and Comics with its pop decoration in combination with the new two-colour body paintworks – Navy in nautical patterns and Camouflage with a military style.
The engine line-up available at launch includes the 1.2 litre 69bhp petrol unit and the TwinAir 85bhp and the TwinAir 105bhp powerplant.
Prices are from £10,890 and standard kit across the range includes seven airbags, remote central locking, electric front windows and mirrors, Uconnect radio with six speakers, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Start & Stop and LED daytime running lights.
The colour palette now totals 13 including standard Bossa Nova white and two fresh hues in Glam Coral pastel and Avantgarde Bordeaux metallic.
