Fiat updates petrol 500 for Australia

FIAT has updated its 500 city car for the Australian market, the single-variant Dolcevita now available from $27,220 plus on-road costs, an increase of $1420 over the outgoing model – and the model’s second price rise in the past 12 months.

With more standard equipment than before, the Fiat 500 Dolcevita is arguably better value. However, the axing of the entry-grade 500 Lounge means customers will now fork out $4120 to get behind the ‘wheel of Fiat’s compact commuter.

The $1900 Lusso pack – offering 16-inch wheels, tinted glass and a seven-speaker Beats sound system – is no longer available. Neither is the $1500 powered sunroof.

The updated 500 is characterised by monogrammed black cloth upholstery, and tinted rear and side glass.

Those features join a glass roof with sun blind, chrome body garnishing, a body-coloured dashboard, LED daytime running lights, climate control, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, and power adjustable heated wing mirrors.

It may be optioned with a black or ivory steering wheel and interior trim accents and is available in eight paint colours: Gelato White, Bi-colour Black and White, Passione Red, Sicilia Orange, Pompei Grey, Rugiada Green, Blu Ottiano, and Vesuvio Black. Premium and pastel hues attract a $500 surcharge.

The 500 continues to offer dual 7.0-inch instrumentation and infotainment displays, digital radio reception, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and integrated voice control.

Standard safety features include tyre pressure monitoring and rear parking sensors.

Power continues to arrive courtesy of a naturally aspirated petrol engine displacing 1.2 litres and outputting 51kW/102Nm. The front-wheel drive Fiat 500 is equipped with a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) as standard.

Fiat will continue to sell the petrol-powered 500 alongside the all-electric 500e when that model arrives Down Under towards the middle of 2024.

The Fiat 500e La Prima will be offered in a single three-door, four-seat hatch variant priced from $52,500 +ORC.

Designed, engineered, and now manufactured in Fiat’s heartland, Turin, the battery electric model is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 87kW and 220Nm, which can accelerate the model to 100km/h in 9.0 seconds.

The 500e is powered by a 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack to deliver a claimed driving range of 311km. Three driving modes are offered including: Normal, Range and Sherpa.

Fiat says the chassis of the 500e is designed to ensure both driving comfort and controlled dynamics, the wider track (+56mm) and length (+61mm) of the vehicle also providing greater interior space.

The 500e’s flat floor, newly sculptured centre console and reprofiled door trims are said to yield increased cabin storage, the model also claiming a renewed focus on quality of fit and finish – likely to help justify the 500e’s premium pricing.

2023 Fiat 500 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.