Fiat->ke30’s little 500->ke1708 hatchback is gaining quite a reputation as a special-edition friendly model. We’ve already seen a number of them in the past, but it seems that Fiat isn’t done with releasing special edition models.

The latest to come out of the Fiat woodwork is the 500 Bicolore Edition, which the Italian automaker revealed at the Bologna Motor Show->ke3094. So what sets this particular 500 apart from other models?

Well, taking from its name ‘bicolore’, Fiat dressed up the car in a two-tone paint finish comprising of white on top and red on the bottom, separated by a line where the bonnet meets the body. Similarly, Fiat used the same treatment on the inside of the passenger compartment, which should add more life to the car’s interior.

Apart from that, Fiat left everything the way it was, which really isn’t so much as a bad thing because added features mean increased cost.

In the end, we liked the way Fiat treated the Bicolore Edition 500 - classy without going too overboard.

Details after the jump.

2012 Fiat 500 Bicolore Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Fiat 500 Bicolore Edition
  • Engine/Motor: 1.4 liter with MultiAir technology
  • Horsepower: 100 hp @ 6,000 RPM
  • Torque: 131 Nm at 4,350 RPM
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Interior and Exterior

Apart from the ‘Bicolore’ combination Fiat used to dress up this special edition Fiat 500 – white on top and red on the bottom, separated where the bonnet meets the body - the car doesn’t come with a lot of added features apart from what’s already in it. The car comes with short overhangs, a shell-like rood, and a bodyside made of several superimposed layers. The Bicolore 500 also has those circular projector bi-halogen headlamps with matching lower fog lamps. As for the interior, Fiat also decked it out with the same bicolore treatment as it did with the exterior.

Performance

The 500 Bicolore Edition will come with the same powertrain as all other 500s have: a 1.4-liter engine with MultiAir technology, a system that not only reduces the car’s fuel emissions, but also improves fuel economy and ramps up the power by 10 percent compared to past models of the car. The powertrain translates to an output of 100 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 131 Nm at 4,250 rpm.

Pricing

Fiat didn’t specifically mention a price tag for the 500 Bicolore Edition, but we’re pretty confident that it wouldn’t be too far from the $15,500 price tag attached to the base model. Speaking of base model, the Bicolore Edition will be available on all versions of the 500 with a specified combination available for the Pop, Smart, and Lounge variants. Fiat has also announced that the car will become available in Italy at the start of 2011.

Competition

Compact and fuel efficient city cars are becoming the rage these days with the Fiat 500 firmly entrenched in the conversation along with the MINI Cooper->ke629 and Smart ForTwo->ke1744. In terms of pricing competition, the Smart For Two is the most affordable of the bunch with a price tag of $11,900 with the 500 following suit with the aforementioned $15,500 price. Considered the top-end of small cars, the MINI Cooper comes in with a price of $20,100.