Fiat has unveiled the New Fiat 500 at the old Lingotto factory in Turin.
Although the bodywork remains largely the same, there are subtle revisions to the front including new lamps, grilles, chrome brightwork and LED daytime running lights, while at the rear, new 'empty' light clusters distinguish the new model from its predecessor.
Under the skin, there are also enhanced power units for improved efficiency and upgraded interiors with fully integrated infotainment systems.
Available, as before, in hatchback and convertible body styles, the New Fiat 500 will come in a choice of three trim levels: Pop, Pop Star and Lounge.
All models come with LED daytime running lights, seven airbags and a Uconnect infotainment system with six speakers, AUX-IN/USB ports and steering wheel remote controls as standard equipment. The Pop Star version adds air conditioning, body-colour mirror caps with defrosting function and 15-inch alloy wheels, while the Lounge version adds a panoramic glass sunroof, rear parking sensors, a chrome front grille, front fog lights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a Uconnect LIVE touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration and numerous built-in apps.
New 15- and 16-inch alloy wheel designs are available in a variety of finishes and the colour palette now totals 13 hues (seven pastel, one solid and five metallic) including two new colours: Glam Coral and Avantgarde Bordeaux. Two black-yellow and black-red variants are also available as part of the new 'Second Skin' customisation initiative, enabling owners to tailor their cars to their precise requirements.
There are two types of second skins, the first features a fashionable, geometric pattern along the belt line only, while the larger skin options cover the pillars and roof - and in some cases the bonnet and tailgate as well. Five patterns are offered: Ethnic (geometric pattern); Lord (classic tartan); Comics (pop decoration) in combination with the new two-colour body paintwork; Navy (nautical patterns) and Camouflage (fashionably military).
The engine line-up at launch includes a 0.9-litre TwinAir engine (85hp or 105hp) and a 1.2-litre 69hp unit. The two-cylinder engines emit 90g/km and 99g/km of CO2 respectively, while a new 'Eco' configuration of the 1.2 litre 69hp (available after the launch) will reduce emissions to 99 grams of CO2 per kilometre, but UK availability of both engines is yet to be confirmed.
A full range of Mopar accessories will be available from launch, including vintage-style wheel trims; a variety of alloy wheel designs, colours and finishes; mirror caps either in chrome-effect or painted in a variety of colours; distinctive side badges; chrome roof mouldings; a rear spoiler and a range of decals for sides and the roof. A tailgate rack is also available with two systems for transporting winter sports equipment, like skis and snowboards.
New customisation kits with original roof wraps and mirror caps will also be available. Five colours are available: microcarbon black, matt silver, matt titanium, military green and jeans. The microcarbon black and military green variants also extend to the dashboard to pick up the special exterior inside the car.
The new Fiat 500 will go on sale in the UK in early September with prices starting at £10,890 on-the-road.
