Good news for those who find that the little Fiat 500 was lacking on the power front: beginning in 2018, all models will be equipped with a standard 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine.
Connected to a sport exhaust system, the new turbo provides the 500 Pop and 500 Lounge with 135 hp, or 34 more than before, as well as 150 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 52; for its part the sportier 500 Abarth model remains at 160 hp and 183 lb-ft. No doubt the changes will make for more satisfying – and safer – acceleration and passing capabilities!
“With an all-turbo lineup, the iconic Fiat 500 now offers an even more dynamic driving experience and more standard horsepower than any of its competitors. In fact, the entire FIAT brand lineup now comes standard with turbocharged power, adding to our roster of fun-to-drive, Italian-designed vehicles.”
- Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA – North America
The design of the 2018 Fiat 500 has also been modernized with the addition of standard 16-inch alloy wheels, side-sill ground effects, sport spoiler, fog lamps and Turbo badging on the rear hatch, in addition to three new colour options: Brillante Red, Mezzanotte Blue Pearl and Vesuvio Black Pearl. Other new features include a performance braking system, sport-tuned suspension, ParkView backup camera, standard climate control, 7-inch display screen integrated in the instrument cluster and Alpine audio system.
Dealers will be able to order the 2018 Fiat 500 models beginning this month, and the cars should begin arriving in showrooms during the second quarter of 2018.
2018 Fiat 500L and 500X
Larger and offering 42% more interior space than the regular 500, the 2018 Fiat 500L sports newly designed front and rear fascia, new bodyside molding design, new wheel designs and new daytime running lights. The modernized interior, meanwhile, now includes an upgraded centre console, additional USB port, LED ambient lighting and other add-ons like the Uconnect 4 system with 7-inch touchscreen.
Uconnect 4 will also be offered standard with the Fiat 500X subcompact crossover for 2018.