Photo: Fiat UK
In order to keep the little Italian city car fresh, Fiat operated a well-deserved but slightly too subtle update on its iconic Cinquecento. Nevertheless, the big highlights include a new range-topper dubbed 500 Cult and an all-new 0.9-liter TwinAir powerplant.
When it comes to small urban cruisers, the Fiat 500 blends practicality and low running costs with a dash of Italian style and flair. Production for the original model ceased eons ago, in 1975, while the modern Cinquecento was first previewed in March 2007 and features the distinctive retro-look of its predecessor.
As for its biggest rivals, only the BMW-made MINI and Volkswagen's New Beetle can compare to the Italian car. Both the MINI and the Beetle got overhauled recently with all-new generations, while the Fiat is sporting the same look it had 7 years ago. Needless to say, something had to be done in order to keep the 500 competitive.
Already available for order in Great Britain, the refreshed Fiat 500 isn't the major facelift we've been waiting for. Sporting differently styled front and rear bumpers incorporating three-piece grilles and revamped light clusters, the 2014 Fiat 500 lineup starts in the UK from £10,160 (€12,562 at current rates) for the 1.2-liter 69 horsepower petrol engine.
A few others bits and pieces on the inside have been bettered and an all-new seven-inch TFT digital instrument cluster developed by Magneti Marelli is now available as a £250 option on Pop, Colour Theraphy and Lounge models, boasting features such as Gear Shift Indicator, media player information, telephone and sat-nav readouts and real-time traffic updates if connected to a TomTom2 Live sat-nav system.
A highly distinctive range-topping Cult model is also offered for £13,060 (€16,148) and comes with a whole lot of goodies that make life behind the wheel easier and more rewarding. Just to name a few standard equipements, the Cult comes with 16-inch alloys, parking sensors at the rear, fixed glass sunroof, Poltrona Frau leather upholstery and the aforementioned instrument panel. Those who want to enjoy a little sunshine and wind in their 500 Cult can opt for the convertible version, which has an OTR price of £15,560 (€19,239).
However, the most important change on the updated model is represented by the addition of a new TwinAir Turbo mill that churns out 105 horsepower from only 0.9-liter capacity. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the peppy engine is able to do the 0 to 60 mph run in 10 seconds, all while returning 67.3 mpg and emissions of just 99 grammes per kilometer.
Pop, Colour Therapy, Lounge, S and Cult trim levels all include a few standard features including hill hold assist, seven airbags, stop/start system, power windows and side mirrors and daytime running lights (DRL). Further information and pricing on the 2014 Fiat 500 is available in the PDF attachment below.
As for its biggest rivals, only the BMW-made MINI and Volkswagen's New Beetle can compare to the Italian car. Both the MINI and the Beetle got overhauled recently with all-new generations, while the Fiat is sporting the same look it had 7 years ago. Needless to say, something had to be done in order to keep the 500 competitive.
Already available for order in Great Britain, the refreshed Fiat 500 isn't the major facelift we've been waiting for. Sporting differently styled front and rear bumpers incorporating three-piece grilles and revamped light clusters, the 2014 Fiat 500 lineup starts in the UK from £10,160 (€12,562 at current rates) for the 1.2-liter 69 horsepower petrol engine.
A highly distinctive range-topping Cult model is also offered for £13,060 (€16,148) and comes with a whole lot of goodies that make life behind the wheel easier and more rewarding. Just to name a few standard equipements, the Cult comes with 16-inch alloys, parking sensors at the rear, fixed glass sunroof, Poltrona Frau leather upholstery and the aforementioned instrument panel. Those who want to enjoy a little sunshine and wind in their 500 Cult can opt for the convertible version, which has an OTR price of £15,560 (€19,239).
However, the most important change on the updated model is represented by the addition of a new TwinAir Turbo mill that churns out 105 horsepower from only 0.9-liter capacity. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the peppy engine is able to do the 0 to 60 mph run in 10 seconds, all while returning 67.3 mpg and emissions of just 99 grammes per kilometer.
Pop, Colour Therapy, Lounge, S and Cult trim levels all include a few standard features including hill hold assist, seven airbags, stop/start system, power windows and side mirrors and daytime running lights (DRL). Further information and pricing on the 2014 Fiat 500 is available in the PDF attachment below.
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