Fiat’s special anniversary treat

A NEW version of the diminutive Fiat 500 city runabout is to be introduced – with a whopping price tag of up to more than £20,000.

Such is the following of the iconic sought-after brand that loyal punters are prepared to pay handsomely for the privilege of owning the latest models.

The company is taking the opportunity of cashing-in on the original little car’s 60th anniversary by creating a limited run of special convertible editions.

There is a hefty premium for them, but they could become collectors’ items and prove to be a savvy investment in the long run.

They come with a grey fabric roof and two-tone paintwork, combining tri-coat white for the body and pastel ivory for the bonnet and pillars.

Chrome mirror covers and special 16-inch alloy wheels with white diamond finish pay homage to the styling cues of the original Fiat 500. The newcomer is badged with vintage Fiat logos and a bespoke 500-60th icon, with the red ‘6’ and ‘0’ incorporated into the last two figures of the 500 logo.

Inside, a so-called Bordeaux vinyl dashboard and vintage Fiat logo clad steering wheel complement the retro inspired ivory leather seats, with contrasting Bordeaux piping, ivory leather gear knob, bespoke floor mats and 500-60 th kickplates.

While the styling pays tribute to the original 500, its standard technology is 21 st century with a multi-function steering wheel, seven-inch HD Uconnect Radio Live touchscreen system with Bluetooth, satellite navigation and USB and AUX IN ports.

Other kit includes rain and dusk sensors, cruise control, automatic climate control, fog lights and rear parking sensors.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both now become available as standard, enabling access to smartphone applications directly from the touch screen of the Uconnect system integrated in the central console. The 500-60th is available with a choice of three petrol engines; the 1.2-litre 70bhp and the 0.9-litre TwinAir with 85bhp, both available with a manual or Dualogic gearbox, plus the 0.9-litre TwinAir with 105bhp.

The 0.9-litre TwinAir with the Dualogic gearbox, emits 88g/km of CO2, with official economy of 74mpg. More than six million Fiat 500s have been sold in the past six decades, but just 250 of this model will make their way here.

The 1.2-litre Fiat 500-60th costs £19,240, the 85bhp TwinAir is £20,500 and the more powerful 105bhp version is £21,000.