Fiat, the Italian automaker, will unveil the 2016 500 facelift tomorrow (July 4, 2015). The new Fiat 500 received a few exterior updates and additional features. Though, there will be no mechanical changes made to the car.
Power for the 2016 Fiat 500 facelift will come from the same 1.2-litre, 8V and 0.9 TwinAir turbocharged petrol engines that do duty to the existing model. While the former produces a maximum power of 69PS and 102Nm of torque, the latter is tuned for two states of power – 85PS and 105PS. Transmission options on offer could be a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed Dualogic AMT gearbox. According to reports, Fiat might tune these engines for extra power and lower CO2 emissions. The front disc brakes, too, could be updated for better braking performance.
Coming to the design, the car features new front bumper with revised airdams, 500X-inspired LED headlights, new secondary light enclosures, dual-slat chrome grille with slightly different design, new 15-inch and 16-inch alloy rim designs, LED taillights and modified bumper with a chrome element. The hatchback might also get an optional ‘Car Dressing’ customization package.
Except for a few additional features, the interior remains largely unchanged. It gets a 5-inch touchscreen UConnect infotainment system, steering wheel with new chrome inserts, new fabric and leather upholstery, new window operation buttons, steering wheel with new chrome inserts and a glove compartment.
The 2016 Fiat 500 facelift will compete against the Mini Cooper. Though there is yet no clarity on this product coming to India, Fiat India is planning to launch the Abarth 595 Competizione here in the next few weeks.
