Presented in Milan — as an alternative to a canceled Geneva Motor Show —, the new Fiat 500 is the first all-electric FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) model.
An all-new 500 that will cohabit for years to come with the current-generation Fiat 500 — which was introduced in 2007 —, recently updated with the introduction of a new gasoline engine, but also mild-hybrid.
13 years after the launch of the second generation, which redefined the urban segment by showing that it was possible to reconcile design, sophistication and premium perception in a segment that was once dominated by low-cost proposals, the objective is now another one according to the Italian brand: inspire the electrification of the city car.
Perhaps that's why Fiat decided to team up with Leonardo DiCaprio, actor and well-known climate change activist, to present the new Fiat 500. The world superstar, who has been personally involved in protecting the Earth for more than twenty years, offered his endorsement for the vision of the new electric city car. Let's meet him?
Bigger and more spacious
Is it similar to the current Fiat 500? No doubt. But when designing the new 500, Italian engineers started from scratch: the platform is completely new.
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Faced with the generation of the 500 with a combustion engine, the friendly Italian city dweller grew. It is now 6 cm longer (3.63 m), 6 cm wider (1.69 m) and 1 cm shorter (1.48 m).
The wheelbase is also 2 cm longer (2.32 m) and, according to Fiat, this growth will have an impact on the habitability of the rear seats. The luggage compartment capacity remained: 185 liters capacity, the same as the previous model.
Autonomy and loading speed
As far as energy storage is concerned, we have a battery pack made up of lithium-ion modules, with a total capacity of 42 kWh, which gives the new FIAT 500 range of up to 320 km on a combined WLTP cycle — the brand announces 400 km when measured on an urban cycle.
To speed up charging time, the New Fiat 500 is equipped with an 85 kW system. Thanks to this system — the fastest in its segment — the new 500 can charge up to 80% of its batteries in just 35 minutes.
From the very first launch phase, the new 500 will include an Easy Wallbox™ home charging system, which can be plugged into a standard household outlet. In this scenario the Fiat 500 charges at a maximum power of up to 7.4 kW, allowing a full charge in just 6 hours.
Dispatched in city
The electric motor of the new Fiat 500 debits 118 hp of power (87 kW), providing a top speed of 150 km/h (electronically limited) and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 9.0s and from 0-50 km/h in just 3.1s.
To manage this power, the new 500 has three driving modes: Normal, Range and… Sherpa, which can be selected to match the driving style.
The “Normal” mode is as close as possible to driving a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, while the “Range” mode activates the “one-pedal-drive” function. By activating this mode, it is practically possible to drive the New Fiat 500 using just the accelerator pedal.
The Sherpa driving mode — in reference to the Sherpas of the Himalayas — is the one that most promotes autonomy, by acting on various components to reduce energy consumption to a minimum, limiting maximum speed, throttle response, and deactivating the system of air conditioning and heating of the seats.
Level 2 autonomous driving
The new Fiat 500 is the first A-segment model to offer Level 2 autonomous driving. A front camera with monitoring technology monitors all areas of the vehicle, both longitudinally and laterally. Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (iACC) brakes or accelerates for everything: vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians. Lane Maintenance Assistance keeps the vehicle on track whenever road markings are correctly identified.
Intelligent Speed Assistance reads speed limits and recommends their application via graphical messages in the quadrant, while the Urban Blind Spot Monitoring system uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor blind spots and alert for the presence of obstacles with a light warning sign on the exterior mirror.
The Fatigue Detection Sensor, in turn, displays alerts on the display, recommending a stop to rest when the driver is fatigued. Finally, 360° sensors provide a drone-like view to avoid obstacles when parking or performing more difficult maneuvers.
Enhanced onboard technology
The third generation of the 500 is the first FCA model equipped with the new UConnect 5 infotainment system. This system works with an Android platform and already allows connection with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems without using wires. All this via a 10.25” high definition touchscreen.
In addition, this new system allows you to monitor the battery charge from a distance, serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and inform the owner of the vehicle's location in real time.
The launch version also uses the Natural Language interface system, with advanced voice recognition, so you can control the air conditioning, the GPS or choose your favorite songs through vocal commands.
Now available for ordering
In this first phase, the new Fiat 500 will only be available in the “la Prima” Cabrio version — whose first 500 units are numbered — and which comprises three body colors:
- Mineral Gray (metallic), evocative of the earth;
- Verde Ocean (pearlish), representing the sea;
- Celestial Blue (three-layer), an homage to the sky.
The “la Prima” launch version features Full LED headlamps, eco-leather upholstery, 17” diamond-cut wheels and chrome inlays on the windows and side panels. The order period in Portugal has already opened and you can pre-book the new 500 for 500 euros (refundable).
The price of the New 500 “la Prima” Cabrio, including Easy WallboxTM, is €37,900 (not including tax benefits).