2023 Fiat 500 to continue with petrol power

The all-new 2023 Fiat 500e may have just landed Down Under, but the iconic urban runabout isn’t quite done with its internal combustion heritage just yet, as evidenced by the release of the 2023 Fiat 500 Dolcevita.

The sole remaining petrol variant of the venerable Fiat 500, following the axing of the cheaper Lounge grade, is now priced from an unchanged $27,220 plus on-road costs in MY23 guise, marking a $4120 base price increase for the Italian micro-car first released 15 years ago.

However, for a lot less than the battery-electric Fiat 500e ($52,500 plus ORCs), it comes loaded with high-end equipment like a fixed glass roof, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and 7.0-inch infotainment system with smartphone mirroring, voice control and climate control.

Other standout features include heated wing mirrors, newly designed seats, tyre pressure monitoring, alloy wheels, cruise control, tinted windows, chrome exterior trim and LED running lights.

Some of the headline gear was once included as part of the old Lusso option pack, but is now fitted as standard in the name of value and purchasing simplicity.

Customers have eight exterior colourways to choose from – Gelato White, Bi Colour White and Black, Passione Red, Sicilla Orange, Pompei Grey, Rugiada Green, Blu Ottanio and Vesuvio Black – as well as two different finishes for the steering wheel and surrounding surfaces: black or ivory.

Hiding under the bonnet is the familiar 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine buzzing out 51kW/102Nm and driving the front wheels via five-speed automatic transmission.

It’s predictably down on power and torque compared to the electric 500e (87kW/200Nm), but the trade-off is no range anxiety and an asking price not far off half that of the new-generation EV.

How much does the 2023 Fiat 500 cost?
500 Dolcevita – $27,220
500e La Prima – $52,500

* Prices exclude on-road costs

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