Fiat Australia has updated the Fiat 500 range with the launch of the Fiat 500 Series 3. The mid-life refresh has simplified the range and reintroduced drive away pricing across the line-up.
The retro styled icon still remains loyal to its heritage but has been given a modern overhaul with fresh new interior and exterior colours. The level of standard features have also slightly improved across the line-up.
2014 Fiat 500 driveaway pricing
Pop $17,000
Pop (a) $18,500
Pop convertible (a) $21,000
S $20,000
S (a) $21,500
S convertible (a) $24,000
Lounge (a) $23,000
Lounge convertible (a) $25,500
Entry to the range is via the Fiat 500 Pop and Pop Convertible, powered by the existing 1.2-litre petrol engine it can be matched to either a 5-speed manual or Dualogic transmission. The 1.2-litre engine produces 51kW and 102Nm of torque @ 3,000RPM, sipping just 5.0-litres per 100kms when matched to the Dualogic and only 5.1-litres when paired to the manual transmission.
Standard level of Equipment of the Pop and Pop C include Daytime running lights, Bluetooth, seven airbags, remote central locking, leather steering wheel and air-conditioning.
Stepping in the Fiat S and S Convertible you get a larger 1.4-litre petrol engine the produces an extra 23 kW and 29Nm. Fuel consumption increases to 5.8-litres per 100kms when matched to the Dualogic and 6.1-litres when paired to the manual transmission.
The standard features on the Fiat S and S convertible Sports Body Kit and spoiler, sports seats, sports mode, 15 inch alloy wheels, bluetooth, 7” TFT cluster display which shows revs, speed, eco meter when sport mode is selected the screen displays - revs, speed throttle position, g-force meter. The multi function flat bottom steering wheel also has red stitching to help continue the sporty theme.
Rounding our the range is the Fiat Lounge and Lounge convertible which is powered by Fiat’d award winning start/stop 0.9-litre TwinAir Turbo engine. Producing 63kW and 145Nm the engine is paired only to the Dualogic transmission. According to Fiat and the GreenVecichleGuide the Twin Air engine is the most fuel efficient engine in Australia using only 3.9-litres per 100kms.
More subtle in appearance than the Fiat 500 S the Lounge also gets the 7” TFT instrument cluster, air-conditioning, body coloured mirrors, chrome number accents, a “Eco” mode to help save even more fuel and leather multi function steering wheel with paddle shifters.
Across the range the Fiat range are standard features that young buyers come to expect these days like, parking sensors, cruise control and sat-nav.
The Fiat 500 offers a charm that some of its competitors lack, the ability for buyers to customise their Fiat 500 is amazing. Buyers can choose from 16 interior trim combos, 14 exterior paint colours and 3 roof colours. Buyers can also customise the Fiat 500 with 14 different sticker combinations, 8 body decal styles and 12 different key styles.
Yes, the Fiat 500 range may have increased ever so slightly in price but the simpler three model line-up delivers European style, retro flare and great value for money.
