The 500->ke1708 has been a popular car for Fiat,->ke30 even in the U.S., as it recalls the brands history while giving modern city dwellers something fun to drive. While our favorite 500 is unquestionably the 500 Abarth, Fiat has debuted an interesting new 500 at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.->ke228

Called the 500S, the two-door, four-seater gets several updates, including a new seven-inch Uconnect infotainment screen (something sorely lacking before) and a new appearance package. The S trim level adds sportier bumpers with fog lights, side skirts long the door bottoms, and a rear spoiler. Trim-exclusive Satin Graphite paint graces the door handles, rear hatch, mirror caps, and wheels. Standard 15-inch alloy wheels and optional 16-inch rollers are new, along with their colors, while a chrome exhaust tip, “black grained” front air intake, and revised grille update the 500’s looks.

The most welcomed change, however, is on the dash. Gone is the outdated radio with its tiny alarm clock display, replaced with a seven-inch touch screen running a version of FCA’->ke5312s Uconnect infotainment system.

Powering the 500S – at least in Europe – is the 1.3-liter MultiJet diesel making 95 horsepower. Then little four-cylinder can push the car to 62 mph in 10.7 seconds while only emitting 89 grams of C02 per kilometer.

What’s more, the 500S can be had in the cabriolet form as well. The convertible soft top simply power-folds along the roof line, down the C-pillars, and folds in the cargo area. Pricing for the Fiat 500S has not been announced, though Fiat is expected to make those numbers known closer to the 500S’ production launch in the fall.

Continue reading for the full review

2017 Fiat 500S

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Fiat 500S
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 95
  • Torque: 148
  • Transmission: five-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The S trim brings a lightly updated look to the 500. Up front, a new bumper is found with integrated fog lights. The bumper’s larger lower lip matches the new rocker panel trim pieces along the doors, along with the updated rear bumper. As mentioned above, several key pieces are accented in Satin Graphite gray, regardless of body color. Speaking of that, the 500S is only offered in Metallic Azure or Alpine Green.

Along with color, customers can choose the standard 15-inch alloy wheels that come standard, or the optional 16-inch wheels. The 15s are coated in the same Satin Graphite paint, while the 16s feature what Fiat calls its matt diamond black treatment. Yet another noticeable feature is the squared-off exhaust pipe, reminding us of a micro USB port.

Besides those changes, the 500 retails its original looks – something that hasn’t changed since the car debuted in 2007.

Interior

The 500S continues the updates found on the 2016 Fiat 500 that debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The biggest update is the driver controls. Both the gauge cluster and infotainment system are vastly improved from before. The gauge cluster is now a better iteration of a digital screen, with a lager center section featuring better graphics. The seven-inch infotainment screen is similar to that of the Fiat 500X crossover. It runs FCA’s Uconnect software and is entirely more user friendly than the previous radio head unit.

Changes to the 500S include dark interior materials with bright accents, in colors that include blue, white, and yellow. The optional seating includes Frau leather with either white or azure detailing. That same Satin Graphite color from outside makes its way inside, too, with details on the dashboard and steering.

Audiophiles can opt for the 440-watt sound system from Beats Audio. The system uses eight-channel amps, with two dome tweeters, two 165 mm midwoofers in the front doors, and two full-range 165 mm speakers in the rear side panels. The bass drops through a 200 mm subwoofer then the middle of the luggage compartment. Opting for this package does eliminate the spare tire.

Drivetrain

Under the short hood is Fiat’s 1.3-liter MultiJet turbodiesel engine. The four-cylinder produces 95 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission sends power to the front wheels, allowing the car to hit 62 mph in 10.7 seconds with a top speed of 112 mph.

The engine meets only emits 89 grams of C02 every kilometer, exceeding the Euro 6 regulations. Furthermore, it consumes only 3.4 liter of diesel every 100 kilometers, or roughly 69 mpg. Impressive

Safety

The 500S comes with all the conventional safety equipment found on the standard 500, including 10 airbags, stability control, traction control, ABS, and of course seatbelts. Despite its small size, the 500 earned a four-star frontal crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with a five-star side impact rating and a four-star rollover rating. Those are impressive scores, to say the least.

Prices

Fiat has yet to release prices for the S trim, but we suspect it will only constitute a relatively minor jump in pricing. The 500’s base price starts at $16,995, with the range-topping Abarth costs $22,500. Obviously the 500S will fall within that range.

Competition

Mini Cooper Hardtop

The Mini Cooper has been a staple of compact cars for quite some time. And like the Fiat 500, the Mini is a modern take on an old car. The Mini is larger than the 500S and is better suited for those who enjoy driving. Its lower center of gravity, more power lineup of engines, and better-composed suspension lead to a more refined driver’s car. The base Mini Cooper comes powered by a 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder making 136 horsepower. Opting for the Mini Cooper S brings a 2.0-liter turbo making a respectable 192 horsepower. More comparable, however, is the Mini Cooper D. This 1.5-liter three-cylinder makes 116 horses and an impressive 199 pound-feet of torque.

Prices for the Mini Cooper start at $20,700 before options.

Read our full review on the Mini Cooper here.

Conclusion

The addition of the S trim on the Fiat 500 seems like a great way to add interest to the car. Sure, 2016 brought a welcomed refresh for the 500, but new trim offerings are great attractions for those seeking a stylish ride with pizzazz. Thankfully Fiat is offering the S trim on both the hardtop and cabriolet models.

This might not be the most comprehensive list of upgrades ever to debut at Geneva, but it goes a long way in helping the 500 succeed. It goes along with the old saying, “any publicity is good publicity.” And after all, you are reading this.