GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Fiat 500 returns to its roots

Fiat has whipped covers off an even more retro-looking version of its diminutive 500 city-car dubbed the Vintage '57, which is odds-on for release in Australia.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia says the classic-look Fiat 500 is "a good chance" for local introduction following its world debut at next week's Geneva motor show.

Conversely, Fiat's other Geneva show car, the Panda K-Way special-edition, will not be sold here. That's because Europe's K-Way outdoor chain store is unknown here, where Panda sales have almost trickled to a halt with only six sold last month and 300 last year, following its release in 2013.

FCA says it's committed to the Panda in Australia, where it remains on sale priced from $16,500, but motoring.com.au understands no fresh vehicles will be imported until dealers clear stocks of unsold 2013-build models, which number more than 100.

In contrast, the Fiat 500 is selling up a storm, with almost 3000 sold last year – up more than 22 per cent on 2013 – when a rejuvenated model range with a $16,000 starting price arrived.

The Fiat 500 '57 is designed to pay tribute to the original 500 and wears a pastel blue exterior with a white roof, plus 16-inch wheels reminiscent of those seen on the 1957 Fiat 500.

Inside there's a more upmarket interior featuring a white dashboard and ivory/tobacco-coloured leather seat trim, plus unique badging throughout and a range of familiar engine options.

Later this year Fiat's Australian range will receive an even bigger boost when the 500X – the Italian brand's first compact SUV – arrives around October.