The updated Fiat 500 has been revealed at the Chicago Auto Show, and as far as revelations go, it didn’t really reveal anything of importance other than the hatch getting a standard 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. The new 500 also received what Fiat described as a “sportier appearance.” That would’ve been great, except that, by and large, the 500 still looks the same.

ids=766482,613432

no_overlay=true>


I suppose Fiat was being coy with its descriptions. After all, the 500 did receive some styling updates for its 2018 model year. There are three new colors — Brillante Red, Mezzanotte Blue Pearl, and Vesuvio Black Pearl — that help bring its total color choices up to 11 different options. Both the front and rear fascias also get styling updates, including the addition of new fog lamps, a sports spoiler, and “Turbo” badging. The latter is an important styling detail because all 500s, excluding the 500e, now boast of a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. Even the set of 16-inch aluminum wheels are now standard across the board.

In the simplest of definitions, Fiat is right. The 500 was the recipient of some upgrades. But did it really gain a “sportier appearance” with all these new bits and pieces? I don’t know if I’ll go that far because the 500 still looks the same. The spoiler helps, but that’s about it. Maybe Fiat was being lenient with its descriptions, which it has every right to do. But if you’re in the market for a new 500 and you’re expecting a different stylistic treatment from past versions of the hatch, you’re going to be disappointed with what you’ll see.

Then again, different people have different expectations. Have at it, folks. Design considerations notwithstanding, the new 500 does get a turbocharged engine. That counts for something too.

References

Fiat 500

Read our full review on the 2017 Fiat 500.

Read our full review on the 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth.

Read more Chicago Auto Show news.

Read more Fiat news.