What's the news?
Fiat has once again expanded its 500 range by launching this: the Fiat 500S. Inspired by the 'Sporting' versions of cars gone by, and based on a culmination of the regular 500 and the Abarth version, the new addition gives all the sporty touches of the flagship model without the increase in costs.
Exterior
From the outside, the 500S is fairly easy to tell apart from the rest of the range. New bumpers reside at the front and back, complete with sporty side skirts and a spoiler on the boot lid. Bespoke 15-inch alloy wheels come as standard; although 16-inch variants can be selected from the options list. From launch, the 500S will be available in eight paint finishes, with a matte black option coming in the near future. The matte black finish will certainly suit the 500S alongside its standard rear privacy glass, chrome-finish exhaust and other chrome styling details.
Interior
The changes inside mimic the alterations outside. Sports seats have replaced the 500's standard items, which have been embossed with a unique logo. Driving the car will be a different experience as well thanks to its Abarth-style flat-bottomed steering wheel and new gear knob and gaiter; all of which sport red detailing. The dashboard has also been given a matte silver finish.
Mechanicals
The 500S comes with a choice of two engines - either a 1.2-litre petrol unit developing 69hp, or the more interesting 1.2-litre TwinAir Turbo petrol engine that puts out 85hp. As well as having more grunt, the TwinAir version also uses less fuel than the four-cylinder unit; and produces just 92g/km of CO2. Both engines are equipped with stop-start and every version comes with seven airbags.
Anything else?
Both versions of the 500S are on sale in Ireland now with prices starting at €15,195 for the 1.2-litre model; and €16,495 for the TwinAir Turbo. The 500S joins the 500C, 500L and 500L Trekking in Fiat's current 500 range, which is due to expand to include a seven-seat 500L MPW.