Pure-electric 2020 Fiat 500 caught undisguised

The all-new next-generation Fiat 500 has been captured out in the wild completely undisguised ahead of its launch later this year.

The rear shot, captured by Instagram user

Look closer at the image though and you can see there have been some very subtle changes over the current version. Details like the moving of the door mirror to the very corner of the A-pillar while, at the rear, the little 500 gets a pair of larger, blockier D-shaped rear lamps, plus a completely redesigned boot lid that ditches its chrome.

New door handles and smooth lines all round appear to suggest Fiat designers want the all-new small hatch to be instantly recognisable as a 500.

Finally, the 500C pictured also sticks with its vision-impairing retractable folding canvas roof that can be raised or lowered on the move.

Up front, despite no spy images, it's believed the Fiat 500 retains its familiar bug eye lamps and keeps its friendly face.

Despite the evolution in the styling stakes, beneath the skin of the Fiat 500 a mini revolution has occurred with the small hatch switching to an all-new dedicated pure-electric architecture which will rule out any versions powered by petrol or diesels.

Set to be unveiled later this year, when it arrives the Fiat 500 will face new competition from both the new Mini Electric and the Honda e – although the latter has already been ruled out from being imported to the Australian market.