Fiat 500 New Pricing Revised
2015-07-27 16:56:32
In an attempt to keep the popularity of its 500 alive and well, and to attract a raft of new customers, Fiat has finally decided that now is the time to release an updated version of its popular 500 city car. The cost of upgrading or swapping to a new one will be £10,890.
The Fiat 500 is a critical car for the Italian company, having sold more than 1.5-million units since it was first re-introduced eight years ago. As a result, Fiat have been careful not to meddle with the formula thus far – and for understandable reasons since the 500 is without doubt one of the most successful reinterpretations of a retro design in recent automotive history.
Only those who are 500 aficionados will be able to spot the re-profiled light clusters. When you compare it like-for-like, it is hard to recognise the more than 1,800 changes Fiat has said it has made to its mainstay.
Three trim levels will be available: Pop, Pop Star and Lounge. Two body styles will also be available – the traditional three-door hatchback or a two-door convertible version, labelled 500C. There are also three engine options to choose from.
The entry-level engine is a 69hp 1.2-litre petrol unit, whilst at the other end is a 0.9-litre twin-turbocharged petrol TwinAir model in two power outputs: 85hp or 105hp. All the engines are Euro6-compliant and come mated to either a five- or six-speed manual gearbox.
The most powerful version is able to haul the 500 to 62mph from a standing start in 10.0 seconds and on to a 117mph top speed. Until the Abarth versions arrive sometime later this year, it will be the most powerful engine available.
All models feature seven airbags, remote control central locking, electric front windows, electric mirrors, and LED daytime running lights. In addition, all 500C versions get a full length canvas roof which retracts at a press of a button and which contains a heated glass rear screen.
Mid-range Pop Star models feature air conditioning, body-coloured door mirror caps with a defrosting function, a split-fold 50/50 rear seat with adjustable rear head restraints, and sit on 15-inch alloy wheels. If they want, buyers can upgrade to larger 16-inch items for an extra £180. They can also select a £750 Dualogic robotised manual gearbox (with paddle-shifters for another £110), and a wind stop on the cabrio version (for £160).
Lounge models feature a panoramic fixed-glass sunroof, rear parking sensors, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, front fog lights which are complemented by a chrome styling kit, and a touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system.
A voice-activated TomTom satellite navigation system is available for £600 on the Pop and Pop Star variants, or for £350 on Lounge models. Alternatively, for just £250, owners of the Lounge model will be able to retain the analogue circular instrument cluster with a seven-inch TFT display.
Elsewhere on the options list is a choice of six special pastel shades, five metallic paint colours and one tri-coat Urban White finish. Inside, there are up to 10 different colour combinations with Frau leather upholstery also available. The centre console has been revised with new-style cup holders, a relocated USB/AUX-in ports and a 12V power socket. In a bid to improve refinement and comfort, Fiat has added more soundproofing.
If the regular options list is not exhaustive enough for you to personalise your car exactly the way you want it, then you might need to call on Fiat’s ‘Second Skin’ programme. This basically allows owners to customise the appearance of their 500. For example, you can choose two black-yellow and black-red variants. A geometric pattern along the belt-line is also available, whilst a larger ‘skin’ option covers the upper half of the body on hardtop models.
If you are still gagging for personalisation options having exhausted the regular options list and the ‘Second Skin’ programme, then you will be delighted to know that Mopar has already began to release a full range of personalisation accessories, ranging from vintage-style wheels, through various decals and even chrome roof mouldings.
The first UK deliveries of the revised model will arrive in September.
This article was prepared by our car news team First4Auto
Reported By
Andrew Merritt-Morling
Chief Editor
Associate Member of the Guild of Motoring Writers
