Fiat updates 500 range with extra equipment

FIAT Australia has given its iconic little 500 city car a refresh for 2020, streamlining the line-up and adding extra equipment as standard, though prices have crept up to $19,250 plus on-road costs for the new entry-level Lounge.

The Lounge replaces the discontinued Pop variant as the cheapest option in the range and sits below the new range-topping Club variant, priced from $23,250 plus on-roads, meaning the new 500 is now a two-pronged range.

Both models share the familiar 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine still good for 51kW of power and 102Nm of torque and both are available as either hard tops or convertibles.

With the departure of the Pop, the 500’s entry price has crept up by $1260 while things at the top of the range have risen by $1760 for both the flagship hard top and convertible.

As before, two transmissions are available – five-speed manual or a five-speed ‘Dualogic’ automatic – though that choice is reserved only for the hardtop Lounge; the convertible and both Club variants only come with the automatic.

While most of the big updates for 2020 have been saved for the top-spec Club, the Lounge is still a decently equipped proposition, sporting a Uconnect 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, 7.0-inch TFT Instrument cluster display, integrated voice control, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, power adjustable heated exterior mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring system, split folding rear seat, speed limiter, rear parking sensors, cruise control and chrome exterior window details.

Stepping up to the Club adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fixed glass sunroof with sunblind, DAB+ digital radio, premium seat upholstery, chrome front grille surround, chrome rear bumper insert, chrome sill plates, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers and automatic climate control.

Fiat brand and product strategy director Guillaume Drelon said the new features added a new level of sophistication to the 500 range.

“The Fiat 500 is truly a fun expression of its owner and with new technology and aesthetic refinements, it’s never looked better,” he said.

Last year Fiat sold 673 500s (including Abarth) which accounted for 10.3 per cent of the micro segment ahead of the Mitsubishi Mirage (592) but way off the segment-leading Kia Picanto on 5,237 sales (80.5 per cent market share).

2020 Fiat 500 range pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs