New Fiat 500 – Starting at R219,000

The Fiat 500 hatchback has been updated with new trim levels, new colours, and a new interior design.

The 500 is now sold in Cult, Connect, Dolcevita, and Sport specifications – and each one is powered by an 875cc engine.

All models can be bought in a hatchback guise, while a convertible 500C body style is available in the Dolcevita and Sport derivatives.

Cult

The new Fiat 500 Cult is the entry-level option in the range, and comes with 14-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, black exterior mirrors, and LED daytime running lights as standard.

Inside, this trim sports blue fabric seats, a body-coloured dash, a 5-inch radio with Bluetooth support, and manual air conditioning.

Safety features are also standardised across the range, and these include ABS, seven airbags, and a speed limiter.

Connect

Stepping up to the Connect trim adds 15-inch alloy wheels, unique side skirts, and specific front and rear bumpers with integrated fog lights.

“Flashy” fabric seats are fitted in the cabin, too, along with a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, two additional speakers, and a 7-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Dolcevita

The Dolcevita then aims to be the most stylish out of the four models, as it is treated to 16-inch alloy wheels, bespoke badging, chrome accents, and a two-tone paintwork.

Interior equipment on this model builds on the cheaper models by including a techno-leather multifunction steering wheel, “Matelassé” fabric seats with techno-leather details, and a 50/50 split rear seat.

Sport

The range-topping Fiat 500 Sport is fitted with 16-inch wheels, and gains Sport-specific badging, exclusive side skirts, aggressive bumpers, and a rear spoiler.

Moving to the interior, this specification offers new “arrow electro” seats and a titanium-coloured dashboard with a red 500 logo.

In addition, it gets a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and automatic air conditioning.

Performance

At the front of every new Fiat 500 lies an 875cc, two-cylinder, turbo-petrol motor that generates 62.5kW at 5,500rpm and 145Nm at 1,900rpm.

The motor connects to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox – depending on the model – and achieves a combined fuel consumption of 4.0l/100km.

It also enables the 500 to accelerate to 100km/h in 11 seconds and reach a top speed of 173km/h.

Luggage capacity for this hatchback then comes in at 185 litres with all the seats up, and 688 litres in two-seater mode.

Price

The South African pricing for the new Fiat 500 is as follows:

• Fiat 500 TwinAir Cult – R219,900
• Fiat 500 TwinAir Connect – R260,900
• Fiat 500 TwinAir Dolcevita – R274,900
• Fiat 500C TwinAir Dolcevita Cabriolet – R324,900
• Fiat 500 TwinAir Sport – R269,900
• Fiat 500C TwinAir Sport Cabriolet – R319,900

All models are sold with a 5-year/100,000km warranty.

Fiat 500