With more than 1.5-million units sold globally since its launch 8 years ago, the reimagined Fiat 500 has been a success, even if it took a while to catch on in South Africa. It has nowundergone anotherfacelift; herewith specand pricing details.

It’s easy to understand why this little model has kept sales ticking over for Fiat SA, which, admittedly, does not have a comprehensive product offering. The 500 is reasonably priced, comes with agood level of specification and those cute looks undoubtedly addto its appeal. For 2016, there’s a facelifted version thatis not too dissimilar to the outgoing model.

The looks have changed very subtly. The front headlights now feature LED daytime running lights, there are new taillight clusters, a whole host of new colours (bringingthe total of exterior finish options to 13), plus a new-look dashboard with new materials. There are also newly designed alloy wheels in either 15-inch or 16-inch configurations. From launch, there’ll be two versions; a hard top and a convertible with three trim levels (Pop, Popstar and Lounge).

The good news is that you’ll still be able to customise your 500. Given the array of decals and paint combinations available, you could specify your Fiat to heart's content and it's unlikely that anyone in South Africa will have one just like yours…

Pop features:

LED daytime running lights

14-inch steel wheel covers

Chrome-plated exterior door handles

Height-adjustable steering wheel

Radio with USB and auxiliary input

Multifunction steering wheel

Electrically adjustable door mirrors

Electric front windows

Pop Star features:

(In addition to Fiat 500 Pop)

Air Conditioning

Electrically adjustable painted door mirrors with defrosting & external temperature sensor

15-inch alloy wheels

50/50 split folding rear seat with height adjustable head restraints

Lounge features:

(In addition to Fiat 500 Pop Star)

LED daytime running lights

16-inch alloy rims

Chromeplated exterior door handles

Height-adjustable steering wheel

Powerplants

The Fiat 500 engine lineup has been replaced by all-new TwinAir motors. These 2-cylinder motors are 0.9 litres in capacity, yes that’s 0.9-litres, and come in two states of tune. There’s a 65 kW option as well as a 77 kW. Both derivatives produce 145 Nm of torque.

They’re claimed to be quite frugal too, with emissions rated at 90 g/km for the 65 kW engine, 99 g/km for the 77 kW. Consumption is claimed at 3.8 L/100 km and 4.2 L/100 km respectively. In terms of gearboxes, you can choose either a five or six-speed mechanical ‘box or a Dualogic robotised transmission.

Safety

Being a small, affordable car, one’dexpect safety features would be basic, but the opposite is true. There are seven airbags (two front, two window bags, two side bags and one for knee protection) as standard. Furthermore, ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), anti-slip regulation (ASR), a hill hold function and hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) are fitted.

New Fiat 500 Price in South Africa

500 TwinAir Pop Base R179900

500 TwinAir Pop Auto R189800

500 TwinAir Pop Star R198900

500 TwinAir Pop Star Auto R208800

500 TwinAir Lounge R224900

500 TwinAir Lounge Auto R235 400

500 TwinAir Pop Star Cabriolet R231900

500 TwinAir Lounge Cab R257900

500 TwinAir Lounge Cab Auto R268 400

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