Fiat 500 – the experience of desire

ROAD TEST

You may wonder how a new car can feature 1,800 changes from its predecessor – and still look pretty much the same.

But that’s the case with the latest Fiat 500 city car, which has scooped a string of top industry awards in the few months since its launch.

While the majority of those changes are out of eyeshot they nonetheless combine to make the popular Fiat, and the experience of owning it, more desirable.

And while the size remains the same the latest 500 is much more mature with its extra style, advanced technologies, improved efficiency and more customisation ideas.

On the design front, the 500 has retained its familiar face with circular headlights – improved for better night vision – and the car’s nose now has more pronounced ribbing and chrome around the bumper.

There’s definitely more style, a sharper stance and a bit more aggression about the 500 while the bright, freshness of the interior makes the cabin even more attractive.

Especially neat is 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.

Trim grades comprise S, Pop, Cult, Pop Star and Lounge, the latter two levels sporting alloy wheels with 15-inch rims as standard.
Already proving 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.

Beneath the bonnet are a trio of tried and trusted engines in the shape of TwinAir 85bhp and 105bhp petrol units, Fiat’s 1.3-litre Multijet diesel and a 1.2-litre petrol powerplant.

The tested 1.2-litre engine may only boast 69bhp but it’s nonetheless a quite spirited unit, giving the 500 ample power for urban driving – even if it does lack instant punch on faster roads.

Prices are from £10,690 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.

Models like the tested Lounge add stuff like a panoramic glass sunroof, rear parking sensors, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, front fog lights, chrome front grille and a touchscreen Uconnect set-up with Bluetooth.

The colour palette now totals 13 including standard Bossa Nova white and two fresh hues in Glam Coral pastel and Avantgarde Bordeaux metallic.