There is an impressive raft of improvements for the new Fiat 500 which include much improved cabin comfort, a new infotainment system and a revised exterior styling.
In addition, Fiat have boosted the engine range so it’s eco-friendly and economical.
The Fiat 500 has been an incredible bestseller for the carmaker with more than 1.5 million cars sold since it was launched.
The new 500 remains about the same size but it looks likely mature with lots more technology.
Indeed, Fiat have made more than 1,800 changes to the new car and while the 500 retains its ‘face’ most of the styling changes have been made here.
New allow wheel designs for the Fiat 500
There’s also new alloy wheel designs and some new colours for the body, including five metallic colours and a very nice tri-coat finish too.
Fiat have also used the opportunity to redesign the dashboard and include its Uconnect infotainment system which has improved functionality and connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls.
The new system enables Internet radio to be used as well as DAB and it will also stream music and offer Reuters, Twitter and Facebook news feeds.
Economy is boosted by a new system to help drivers improve their economy by as much as 16% and will offer driving tips in real time.
The car will even tell the owner when it needs servicing, offer real time warnings and has an interactive owner’s handbook to manage its maintenance.
Standard equipment for the Fiat 500
Standard kit also includes an impressive satnav system, which is an option on the lower trims with real-time route updating.
There are also new ergonomic shaped front seats and interior upholstery and also been improved with a range of new colours.
However, it under the bonnet where some of the biggest changes come. The new Euro6 compliant engines include a 69HP 1.2 litre unit as well as a TwinAir 105 HP and 85 HP.
Of the engine line-up, the TwinAir 0.9 which produces 85HP, should return around 74mpg on the combined cycle with emissions of 90g/km.
All of the engines offer decent performance and the Fiat 500 is one of the safest cars in its class.
Indeed, there’s a range of standard kit including electronic brake distribution, and advanced electronic stability control to help keep the driver in charge.
Standard equipment is quite impressive and the top models include alloy wheels, body coloured mirror caps, panoramic glass sunroof and rear parking sensors.
For anyone interested in the new Fiat 500 it goes on sale in September at £10,890 with three trim levels in both hatchback convertible versions.