Fiat Reveals 2016 500 with Subtle Facelift and Updated Tech
Fiat has unveiled the 2016 500, introducing modest exterior tweaks, new colours and upgraded infotainment, while retaining its familiar city-car formula.
Fiat has launched the 2016 500, presenting a facelifted version of its city car with modest visual changes and new technology. The updated model, revealed in July 2015, is set to reach showrooms in the autumn.
Exterior changes focus on detail
The revised 500 keeps its familiar silhouette, but Fiat claims 1,800 design changes across the car. Most are subtle, with the most obvious being new headlights, circular LED daytime running lights and redesigned taillights. The lower grille features extra chrome detailing, while the rear bumper trim is now available in black or chrome. New 15- and 16-inch alloy wheel designs join the range.
Fiat has added two fresh exterior paint options: Avantgarde Bordeaux and Glam Coral. There are also new two-tone interior colour combinations, including black with yellow or red accents.
Interior and infotainment upgrades
Inside, the 2016 500 receives a 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system as standard, along with a redesigned steering wheel, new upholstery choices and more ergonomic seats. The centre console and cup holders have been tweaked, and the 12V power socket has been relocated for easier access. Higher-spec Lounge models can be optioned with a 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster.
Engine line-up and compliance
The facelifted 500 launches with Euro 6-compliant engines. At introduction, buyers can choose between the 69hp 1.2-litre petrol and the 0.9-litre TwinAir turbo with either 85hp or 105hp. Fiat indicated that 1.2-litre and 1.3-litre Multijet diesel options would follow later.
Full pricing details were not announced at launch. The 2016 Fiat 500 is scheduled to go on sale in autumn 2015.
Fiat 500 facelift in context
The changes are aimed at keeping the 500 competitive in the city car segment while updating its technology and meeting stricter emissions standards. For an earlier look at the 500’s evolution, see Fiat 500 Cabrio Spied Ahead of 2012 Launch.
