Breaking: 2015 Fiat 500 Revealed New Engines And Exterior Tweaks
By Paulo Acoba
1,800 indiviual improvements this time around. That’s quite alot!
Fiat went ahead and released the all new 2015 Fiat 500 a day earlier than it was supposed to be revealed. Originally scheduled to be released on July 4, FCA decided to pull the covers off well before the July 4th weekend. It’s been more than five years since this all-new Fiat hit American shores and eight years since the concept first strutted its stuff on auto show room floors. You’ll be happy to know that while Fiat claims that they’ve changed more than 1,800 individual items on their new Fiat 500, at first glance all the proportions and curves we’ve known to love on the original Fiat 500 has remained the same.
Out front, the circular headlamps remain but this time they have what Fiat calls, ” a dynamic slant.” Fiat has incorporated a functional cooling three-dimensional grill that feeds directly into the cabin air. Outback, Fiat is proud to show off its “empty light clusters” with light appearing to emanate from the bodywork. Much of the profile remains the same with the beltline towards the front inclining slightly for a more confident stance. Additionally, Fiat is offering five different types of skins with all sorts of patterns from classic tartan, to pop decorations, to nautical patterns all the way to military camouflage. I suppose personalization is all the rage.
Inside, much improvement has been made. Fiats Uconnect system is now available on all trims. All the touchpoints like the buttons on the steering wheel have all been upgraded to feel better to the touch. The seats have been configured to be more ergonomic with the interior being customizable with nine different color combinations.
As this is the UK market, the engines are slightly different then the North American offerings. Engines have been improved to be more efficient and environmentally friendly. Leading the charge is a 1.2L 69HP eco engine and a 1.3L 95 HP turbo diesel. Immediately available at launch will be a .9-liter TwinAir engine with 85 or 105 HP. As to what exactly the North American Market will get, we’ll just have to wait and see.