New Fiat 500 a blend of style and substance

• Three new Fiat 500 models with a new naming convention
• New Fiat 500 offers style with safety and tech
• Acclaimed 1.2 engine a blend of performance and economy
• A celebration of FIAT’s 125th anniversary

FIAT’s distinctive and iconic city car, the Fiat 500 is fresher than ever for 2024 with updates to the range making it every bit as safe, fashionable, efficient and stylish as it has been for the past 67 years.

For 2024, the model range has been consolidated into three models, with a new naming convention starting from 500 Base, 500 Style and 500 Style Cab all powered by FIAT’s 1,2-litre engine with automated five-speed MTA transmission. 

Three generations in 67 years, starting with the first one in 1957 – the “original” Fiat 500 – which went on to become an icon of Italian mobility and freedom of movement. In 2007 the second generation: the Fiat 500 evolved into a fashion and style icon that brought Italian style to the world; it has received hundreds of international awards—including Car of The Year in 2008. In 2020, the third generation of the Fiat 500, the 500e once again revolutionised urban mobility with its plethora of innovations and technologies.

“Fiat 500 is as important to South Africa as it is iconic to FIAT and the world,” says Stellantis South Africa Managing Director, Mike Whitfield. “It has captured the imaginations of fashionable urbanites on the move across multiple sectors of the market.”

The Fiat 500 may be playful and stylish, but it knows that when it comes to safety, nothing can be left to chance. Featuring seven airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), everything is always perfectly under control. 

These safety features extend to convenience in day-to-day driving, too. While ESC will certainly maintain control in avoidance manoeuvres or on slippery surfaces, features such as the Hill Holder and speed limit make the daily commute that much more enjoyable. 

Hill Holder holds the brakes automatically on an incline, preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards – a much easier and safer way to manage those uphill pull-aways. 

The speed limit alert can be set from the steering wheel simply by setting the desired maximum speed for the conditions. Should the driver exceed this limit, the system alerts you.

All three models of the Fiat 500 are powered by FIAT’s 1,2-litre engine, developing 51kW at 5,500 rpm and 102Nm at 3,000 rpm. This tractable engine offers dynamic performance, while offering efficient fuel economy – just 4,8 l/100km on the combined cycle.

Mated to the five-speed MTA, the Fiat 500 is always in the same driving mood as the driver. DualogicTM is a robotised transmission which allows the driver to choose their preferred driving style of the moment: relaxed and comfortable in automatic mode, ecofriendly and more attentive to fuel consumption with the ECO option, or agile and sporty using the sequential shifting with paddles on the steering wheel. When wanting to use the manual gearbox, get ready to meet the bolder and sporty MTA: the faster the engine revs, the faster and more aggressive the gear changes become. 

The Fiat 500 isn’t just an exemplar of style, it’s clever too. Enjoy the UconnectTM 7-inch HD touchscreen with tablet effect and HD display, including a wide range of functions with a hands-free system, Bluetooth® technology, and voice recognition. Available with Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTM compatibility, the system has a user-friendly interface that allows easily managed maps, music, contacts, and more. All safely within reach while on the move. 

Fiat 500 offers the option of a seven-inch TFT digital display filled with information helpful to driving and always in real time. It’s all perfectly integrated with UconnectTM Radio that displays media functions, telephone and connectivity.

History

The Fiat 500 was launched 67 years ago, the truly Italian masterpiece literally mobilising Europe in the 1950s. But as only FIAT could do, the 500 became an icon of pure Italian genius and the essence of La Dolce Vita.

The Fiat 500 was designed by Dante Giacosa to be a compact, affordable vehicle for the masses and swiftly became a cornerstone of Italy’s post-war economic recovery. Giacosa’s design rapidly gained recognition, cementing the car and its aesthetic as embodiments of cultural iconicity and Italian creativity. Its iconic design and enduring spirit of La Dolce Vita could in fact only stem from Italian ingenuity and FIAT’s craftsmanship, as it continues to bring joy to enthusiasts worldwide and to symbolise the timeless essence of Italian creativity.

Over the past 67 years, the Fiat 500 has been shaped by the distinct personalities of its three generations. The first generation, during the 1960s, provided mobility and freedom, became a true cultural phenomenon and established itself as a beloved brand. With the second generation launched in 2007, the Fiat 500 brought the concepts of coolness and charm to the world of city cars and became a fashion and style icon that captivated the globe. In 2020, with the 500e, the third generation was introduced, revolutionizing sustainable urban mobility with its blend of charm, innovation, and advanced technology.

Since its debut in 1957, more than 7.5 million Fiat 500s have been sold worldwide, solidifying its status as an iconic vehicle which is etched into the collective imagination of generations of drivers from diverse ages, tastes, and nationalities. The secret to its global success lies in its continuous evolution while it remains true to its core identity. This commitment is exemplified by the numerous special editions introduced over the years, each of which has contributed to its enduring appeal and cultural significance.

As the anniversary unfolds, FIAT continues to proudly represent Italy worldwide.