Fiat has retained the retro looks on the 2016 500 facelift with subtle upgrades while the cabin gets updates with a new infotainment unit and more tech on offer.
Having witnessed a slew of spy shots, test mules and camouflaged units over the past weeks, Fiat has officially revealed the 2016 500 facelift, its first major update since the model was introduced back in 2007. Fiat has dubbed the updated version as the ‘new 500’ and says that the retro cool hatchback gets 1800 changes including mild tweaks to the chassis. The iconic styling hasn’t been twisted much on the facelifted version, but gets subtle updates including the new front headlights that now come with integrated daytime running LEDs with a unique lighting signature and a tweaked grille to lend a fresh appeal.
At the rear, the 2016 Fiat 500 gets redesigned LED tail lights that look stunning, while chrome inserts on the front and rear bumper has been moved a bit lower. The automaker has also expanded its customization options on the new 500 with options like bodywork wrapping and you can choose from a wide array of alloy wheel designs and colours. Changes are far more extensive inside the cabin with a new 5-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, DAB, navigation and smartphone integration on the Lounge variant, whereas lower Pop variants gets a simple music system with six-speakers. The Lounge trim also features a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster instead of the analog dial console and displays information on driving modes and Uconnect functions. The cabin is also better insulated this time for more refinement and comfort, states the automaker.
Coming to the engine options, the entire lineup is now Euro 6 compliant and includes the 1.2-litre petrol engine with 68 HP of power, while the 0.9-litre turbocharged, twin-cylinder TwinAir petrol motor is available in two states of tune – 85 HP and 105 HP. The smaller motor is also more environment-friendly emitting less than 90 g/km and measures a fuel efficiency figure of 26.3 km/l (the UK driving cycle). Diesel power comes from the very famous 1.3-litre MultiJet engine belting out 95 HP and CO2 emissions of 89 g/km. There is also a new ‘Eco’ version of the 1.2-litre petrol engine coming later that will get a more aerodynamic body kit and low resistance tyres.
In addition, Fiat has added the Dualogic automatic transmission (also known as the AMT unit) to the 2016 Fiat 500 facelift, complete with paddle shifters. The new Fiat 500 facelift will go on sale across Europe by September this year, and prices are expected to be revealed closer to launch. The Italian automaker is yet to specify the changes on the Abarth variants of the retro hatchback and we reckon the Scorpio badged model to make a grand appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, just before sales commence. Meanwhile, Fiat India is gearing up to launch the pre-facelift Abarth 500 in India in the following weeks.
