The Fiat 500 is a phenomenon of longevity. Eight years after its presentation, Fiat carries out another face wash, which will extend its already long career a few more years until the arrival of a real new model.
On the 4th of July the Fiat 500 will celebrate its 8th anniversary. Eight years of car age is a respectable number. Even more when the small 500 defies all rules and conventions by continuing to lead, without contestation, the segment in which it operates, since it was practically launched. A real phenomenon!
After 8 years, a real successor would be expected, with renewed arguments, but not yet. Fiat, despite announcing it as a new 500, accounting for 1800 alterations, is nothing more than an update, with new elements of style and equipment.
On the outside, the retro style remains unmistakable, and, despite 8 years of exposure, perfectly up-to-date. The extremes of the bodywork identify the renewed 500, where new bumpers and optics are found. On the front, the daytime running lights are now LED, and assume the same font style used in the model identification, where the numbers 500 are divided into two parts. Also the interior of the front optics was changed, similar to the 500X. A redesigned and enlarged lower air intake integrates the fog lights and is adorned with chrome elements.
At the rear, the optics are also new and in LED and gain three-dimensionality and structure, with a contour similar to what we already knew. By assuming themselves as a rim, or frame, they generate an empty space inside, coated with the same color as the bodywork. The fog and reversing lights have also been repositioned on the underside of the new bumper, integrated into a strip that can be chrome or black.
New 15- and 16-inch wheels complete the visual changes, as well as new colors and customization possibilities, with the so-called Second Skin (second skin), which allows for a bicolor Fiat 500. The visual differences are not extensive, and in no way detract from the aesthetics of the small 500, one of its greatest assets and triumphs.
Inside we find the main innovations, with the Fiat 500 following in the footsteps of the 500L and 500X, integrating the Uconnect infotainment system with a 5-inch screen. This integration forced the redesign of the upper area of the center console, verifiable by the ventilation outlets that take on new shapes, flanking the screen. In terms of Lounge equipment, the screen is of the touch type, and will come with the Uconnect Live service, allowing connectivity with Android or iOS smartphones, allowing the visualization of applications on the 500's screen.
Still inside, the steering wheel is new, and in top versions, the instrument panel is replaced by a 7-inch TFT screen, which will provide all sorts of information regarding driving the 500. There are new color combinations, and the Fiat advertises superior levels of comfort, thanks to better soundproofing and remodeled seats. New is the closed glove box, like the American Fiat 500.
On the motor and dynamic plane, there are no absolute novelties, only updates aimed at reducing emissions and improving the level of comfort and behavior. Gasoline, the 4-cylinder 1.2 liters with 69hp and the twin-cylinder 0.9 liters with 85 and 105hp are maintained. The only diesel engine remains the 4-cylinder 1.3-litre Multijet with 95hp. Transmissions are 5 and 6 speed manual and a Dualogic robotic gearbox. Emissions are slightly lower on all versions, with the 500 1.3 Multijet charging just 87g of CO2/km, 6g less than the current one.
With sales scheduled for late summer or early autumn, the renovated Fiat 500 and 500C will arrive in 3 equipment levels: Pop, Pop Star and Lounge. For those who can't wait to see it, the renovated Fiat 500 has already been seen in downtown Alfacinha, where recordings for promotional material or advertisements are probably carried out.
