2016 FIAT 500 Revealed
The modern day FIAT 500 has been back on the market for eight years now. For 2016, FIAT has announced a facelift to the car that doesn’t dramatically change what worked with the diminutive and stylish Italian car, but is more evolutionary.
While the changes might seem small at first glance, FIAT says that over 1,800 design elements were modified from the prior model year. Of particular note are the more slanted headlights with LED daytime running lights, and new ring-shaped rear light clusters which are decidedly cleaner and better looking than the outgoing model.
The 2016 model will offer either a 0.9-liter TwinAir engine that produces 85 or 105hp, or a 1.2-liter engine with just 69hp. In addition, there will be a 1.3-liter, 95hp turbo-diesel variant. It’s not clear if these are the engines destined for the U.S., or just the more fuel-conscious European markets. Current U.S. models come with a 1.4-liter MultiAir engine in either 101hp naturally-aspirated or 135hp turbo variants (and 160hp in the Abarth). I’d imagine these engines will return stateside for 2016.
FIAT will offer the car in both hatchback and convertible versions, each in three flavors: Pop, Pop Star and Lounge. The Lounge model getting such niceties as a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, a chrome grille, fog lights, and Uconnect LIVE. The inside of the FIAT 500 has seen substantial revisions with an integrated Uconnect infotainment system, improved ergonomics and seat comfort, and an available 7-inch TFT information screen on the Lounge model. The Uconnect system offers optional voice-activated sat nav from TomTom, including live traffic and weather data.
The new FIAT 500 will be available this September in the UK and Europe. I’d assume it will land in the U.S. not long after.
