Classic Fiat 500 set for a major upgrade

The biggest version of the Fiat 500 is getting a makeover and will be coming in September when the Italian car maker launches the latest version of the pumped-up 500L.

Fiat says the new model comes with 40 per cent of its components updated and will be available in three distinct versions - Cross, Urban and Wagon.

Five engines, three petrol and two diesels will be offered, with the 500L Cross targeting the crossover market, the Urban aimed at the family hatch sector and the seven-seat Wagon a medium-sized MPV.

The petrol line-up includes Fiat’s 1.4-litre 16-valve engine delivering 95bhp and the 1.4-litre turbocharged T-Jet with 120bhp on tap while the diesels are the 95bhp 1.3-litre and the 120bhp 1.6 MultiJet units. All comply with the latest Euro 6 emissions standards.

As far as looks go, the new 500L gets LED daytime running lights and also features a new look front bumper and a revised layout for the fog lamps.

Interior changes are more significatn and include a revamped dashboard featuring two circular instrument gauges on either side of a 3.5-inch colour graphic display, a new steering wheel and a full colour digital display.

Fiat claims internal space in the 500L is top of its class. Boot volume with the rear seat in the forward position is 455 litres for the Urban and Cross models.

The boot on the seven-seat Wagon offers up to 493 litres when the two additional seats are folded.

With the rear seats folded and tumbled, capacity rises to 1,480 litres for Urban and Cross versions and 1,509 for the Wagon.

The new 500L range will also offer smartphone integration with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

Prices will start from £16,195 for a Fiat 500L Urban 1.4 95bhp in Pop Star trim, an increase of some £500 over the current model.