Updated 2014 Fiat 500 announced

Fiat is giving its ever-popular 500 city car a series of revisions, including an innovative new instrument display.

In place of the old analogue cluster there’s a 7” thin film transistor (TFT) screen that has been developed in conjunction with Magnetti Marelli. As well as the usual speedometer and tachometer, its central portion can show trip computer data, warning messages, media player information and instructions from the optional satellite navigation. It won’t be standard on every version, though.

Other cross-range cosmetic changes are fairly subtle, but they comprise some additional paint shades, refreshed wheel designs and amended upholstery choices.

Fiat 500 Cult (2014) Front Side

An additional trim grade is being launched too. Sitting above the existing Lounge model in the line-up, the 500 Cult will be identifiable by its gloss black panel behind the fixed-glass sunroof, 16” alloy wheels, gloss black taillight surrounds, extra chrome trim and gloss black or chrome door mirror caps. Also part of the specification are rear parking sensors, the TFT instruments and leather-covered seats.

The most significant technical improvement is the introduction of a more powerful two-cylinder TwinAir engine. Its 0.9 litre capacity remains the same, but outputs have been raised to 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS) and 145 Nm (107 lb/ft) in Sport mode. An Eco mode meanwhile delivers a fuel-saving 96 bhp (72 kW / 98 PS) and 120 Nm (89 lb/ft).

With the standard six-speed manual gearbox, those figures result in a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 117 mph (188 km/h). 67.2 mpg (4.2 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km on the combined cycle are impressive, but it’s maybe worth remembering that TwinAir motors sometimes struggle to achieve their official efficiency stats in real-world driving.

UK sales of the 2014 Fiat 500 are due to begin in April. Prices have yet to be confirmed.

Fiat 500 Cult (2014) DashboardFiat 500 Cult (2014) Rear Side

Fiat 500 Cult (2014) InstrumentsFiat 500 Cult (2014) Interior

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