Refreshed 2016 Fiat 500 Unveiled With Upgraded Interior
The refreshed 2016 Fiat 500 has been revealed for the European market with an upgraded interior and nips and tucks throughout.
With this mid-cycle refresh, Fiat has addressed one of the biggest flaws with the current 500, the lack of a touchscreen and proper infotainment system. The refreshed Fiat now has a standard five-inch screen powered by UConnect, one of the best and most user-friendly infotainment systems on the market. Another new standard feature is LED daytime running lights. A touchscreen and panoramic sunroof are new options being offered and will appear as standard equipment on higher trimlines.
On the outside, the changes aren’t as obvious. The front fascia gets some cosmetic changes like new headlights and some chrome trim, while in the back, the tail lights have also been tweaked. New wheels have also been introduced.
In Europe, the 500 will be powered by a 0.9L two-cylinder engine (with 85 hp or 105 hp), or a 1.2-litre 69 hp engine. A turbo version of the 0.9L twin-cylinder engine will also be offered in some markets. Fiat also made mention of a 1.3L unit with 95 hp.
The current 500 has been around for eight years.
Check back here soon because Fiat is bound to unveil the new 500 for the North American market in the near future. Most of the changes will likely make their way over to the North American 500, except for maybe some of the engine options — we will likely get more powerful engines like the 1.4L unit currently offered.
Discuss this story on our Fiat 500 Forum
Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
More by Jodi Lai
Comments
Join the conversation
I am pretty sure the 500 has had an optional Pano sunroof for quite a while.
little is little. fun to drive is the new sales pitch for a new era of small, cheaply built, disposable cars. So why do they cost as much as a real car?