Fiat 500 facelift revealed at 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show
Fiat has shown the updated 500 at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, with subtle exterior tweaks, new interior technology and Euro 6-compliant engines.
Fiat has unveiled the facelifted 500 at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, giving its city car a round of updates for the 2016 model year. The revised 500 receives a series of detail changes inside and out, but the overall silhouette remains instantly recognisable.
The most visible exterior changes are the new headlights with circular LED daytime running lights, redesigned tail lamps, and a revised lower grille with extra chrome detailing. Fiat has also introduced new bumper trims, available in black or chrome, and fresh wheel designs in 15- and 16-inch sizes. Two new paint finishes, Glam Coral and Avantgarde Bordeaux, join the palette, alongside new two-tone combinations such as black and yellow or black and red.
Fiat claims over 1,800 design changes, though most are difficult to spot unless viewed side by side with the outgoing model. The updates are aimed at keeping the 500 fresh in a competitive city car segment without altering the formula that has made it so popular since its 2007 relaunch.
Interior and technology upgrades
Inside, the 500 benefits from a redesigned dashboard with a new steering wheel and more ergonomic seats. The centre console has been tweaked, cup holders reworked, and the 12V power socket repositioned for easier access. Most notably, a 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system is now standard, offering improved connectivity. On higher trims, buyers can opt for a 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster.
New upholstery options and colour schemes further freshen the cabin, while the overall layout remains familiar to existing owners. Fiat has focused on incremental improvements rather than a wholesale rethink.
Engines and emissions compliance
The engine line-up for the 2016 500 is updated to meet Euro 6 emissions standards. Buyers can choose from a 1.2-litre petrol with 69hp, or the 0.9-litre TwinAir turbocharged two-cylinder in 85hp and 105hp guises. Fiat has confirmed that a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel will join the range at a later date.
- 1.2-litre petrol: 69hp
- 0.9 TwinAir: 85hp or 105hp
- Euro 6 emissions compliant
- 1.3 MultiJet diesel to follow
With the facelift, Fiat intends to keep the 500 competitive against rivals such as the MINI and the new Suzuki Baleno, which also appeared at Frankfurt. For a broader look at the 2015 show’s new model debuts, see 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show: Supercars, SUVs and Electric Concepts Lead the Line-up.
