Refreshed Fiat 500 range arrives in South Africa

The flagship Style Cabriolet is priced at R379,900.
The flagship Style Cabriolet is priced at R379,900.
Image: Supplied

The local Fiat 500 range has been given an overhaul with new model grades and a revised powertrain.

Gone is the 62kW/145Nm 0.9l two-cylinder turbocharged TwinAir motor and in steps the carmaker's comparatively prehistoric 1.2l four-cylinder FIRE engine making 51kW and 102Nm. Good move. You see, as much as the TwinAir impressed us on test we always worried about its long-term reliability and running costs. The well-proven and arguable under-stressed 1.2l FIRE, on the other hand, will keep turning reliably into the next decade with minimal issues so long as you honour the stipulated service intervals. 

While you could still specify a five-speed manual gearbox in three of the four outgoing Fiat 500 models (Cult, Connect and Sport — not Dolcevita), the new Base, Style and Style Cabriolet derivatives are available exclusively with a five-speed MTA transmission — an automated manual that in our experience has always been a bit of a clunky cog-swapper.

Performance-wise, all of the three new variants will zip their way from 0-100km/h in a claimed 12.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 160km/h. Fiat claims a combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.8l/100km, while CO2 emissions weigh in as low as 118g/100km. 

The 7” Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 7” Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Image: Supplied

Riding on 15” alloy wheels the entry-level Base model comes standard with an adjustable steering wheel, multifunction steering wheel, 12V power socket, manual air-conditioning, electric windows and a 7” touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring. 

The flagship Style ups the features ante with 16” alloy wheels, automatic climate control, driver's footrest and a 50:50 split folding rear seat. Other neat upgrades come in the form of painted mirror caps, and exterior chrome kit, chromed exhaust tailpipe and fixed glass roof. The Style Cabriolet adds a dual-layer, three-position power-retractable cloth roof. 

Despite its age the Fiat 500 still offers a decent amount of safety equipment with all models equipped as standard with seven airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, dynamic stability control, automatic locking doors, seat belt reminder and tyre pressure monitoring. The Style models gain rear park sensors, front fog lights, cruise control and a speed limiter.

Pricing for the updated Fiat 500 range as follows:

  • 500 Base: R308,900
  • 500 Style: R349,900
  • 500 Style Cabriolet: R379,900

Pricing includes a five-year/100,000km warranty.


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