FIAT's 500 bambino has been taking the micro car segment by storm since the Italian car-maker re-launched its jelly-mould hatchback for a bargain $14,000 driveaway a year ago.

Since the entry-level Pop arrived, the 500 range prices have slowly crept upwards, but so has the level of standard equipment and the latest refresh has brought new customisation options and a rich TFT screen.

Driveaway pricing has returned for the base Pop, which is now $17,000, but all-inclusive prices now apply to the whole range with only the hyper Abarth range remit of on-road costs.

The boosted specification should appeal to drivers looking for a little more cheeky chic, but the price increase is in danger of turning away shoppers with a tight budget.

We jumped in the 500 and Abarth range to see if it still has what it takes to keep the competition at bay.

Click here for the full review...