MY16 Fiat 500 in detail
Streamlined Series Four Italian micro-car range gains kit and improves efficiencyFiat's upgraded 500 hatchback and cabriolet go on sale in Australia this week, forming a streamlined model range with higher base prices, increased technology levels and improved efficiency – but not the fuel-saving idle-stop tech we mooted earlier this week.
Instead, the efficiency savings gleaned from the carry-over drivetrains are said to be achieved by lower rolling resistance tyres and aerodynamic work, including a smoother undertray.
The improvements result in the base 51kW/102Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder Pop (available from $18,000 plus on-road costs or $19,000 driveaway at launch; the Cabriolet is $4000 extra) returning 4.9L/100km in base five-speed manual form, with the five-speed automated manual returning 4.8L/100km; an improvement of 0.2L/100km for each over the previous model.
Move up to the Lounge (from $21,000 plus on-roads or $22,000 current driveaway) and its 74kW/131Nm 1.4-litre four-pot, and its consumption reads 6.1L/100km for the six-speed manual or 5.8L/100km in five-speed automated manual form. Curiously, these are the same fuel figures returned by the now-defunct 500 S, which also used this drivetrain.
Beyond the drivetrain, key specification of the entry-level 500 Pop includes a 5.0-inch UConnect touch-screen with six speakers, DAB digital radio and both USB and AUX-IN ports.
There’s Bluetooth phone and audio capability with voice control, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, two-tone cloth upholstery, electric windows, manual climate-control and seven airbags. Cruise control and a reversing camera are notable omissions.
Outside there’s new LED DRLs, poly-elliptic headlights, rear window washer/wiper (hatch only), powered and heated exterior mirrors in body colour, chromed door-handles and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Opt for the top-spec Lounge and you retain the 5.0-inch UConnect audio system but gain satellite-navigation.
Over and above the Pop there’s also a new 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster by Magneti Marelli, height-adjustable driver’s seat, floor mats, a fixed glass sunroof and ‘premium’ faux leather and fabric upholstery.
A different 15-inch wheel design, more extensive chrome applications, and rear parking sensors further differentiate the Lounge.
Thirteen exterior colours, three Cabriolet roof colours and 10 interior trim options are available.
Pop options include the Dualogic automated manual transmission for an additional $1500, pastel or metallic paint finishes for $500 and ‘vanilla ice cream’ tri-colour paint for $1000. The Cabriolet body style is an additional $4000 for either variant.
The Lounge additionally offers a ‘Perfezionare Pack’ for $2500. This includes a choice of leather upholstery, diamond-finish 16-inch alloys with wider 195/45 R16 tyres (standard is 185/55 R15) and xenon headlights.
Stay tuned for our Fiat 500 drive review next week.
2016 Fiat 500 pricing (plus ORCs):
500 Pop Hatchback 1.2 manual -- $18,000
500 Pop Hatchback 1.2 dualogic -- $19,500
500 Pop Convertible 1.2 manual -- $22,000
500 Pop Convertible 1.2 dualogic -- $23,500
500 Lounge Hatchback 1.4 manual -- $21,000
500 Lounge Hatchback 1.4 dualogic -- $22,500
500 Lounge Convertible 1.4 manual -- $25,000
500 Lounge Convertible 1.4 dualogic -- $26,500
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