Even though its cute looks
have withstood the test of time, the Fiat 500 is one of the oldest cars on sale
today. Production started back in 2007, and over the years, it was refreshed a
few times and joined by countless special editions. Now, while the outgoing
iteration of the city car is tipped to soldier on for a few more years, Fiat is
working on a successor. Our spy photographers managed to get close enough to a
prototype of the city car, which wore the production body underneath the heavy
camo and plastic cladding.
From a visual standpoint, we
can make out the headlamps and taillights that feature LED tech, and reshaped
front end, with a hood that makes it look like a Stormtrooper. You may have
noticed the enclosed grille and lack of tailpipes, which tells us that it’s the
electric version, probably still dubbed the 500e. The current zero-emission
model has 111 hp and 200 Nm of torque and an 135-kilometer range, so the new one will work on improving the autonomy and
perhaps performance.
The interior is partially
visible here, though previous scoops provided a clearer look inside, revealing
a new dashboard, steering wheel and rotary gearshift lever. A previously spied
mule also had buttons normally found in off-roaders, like ‘4WD Auto’, ‘4WD
High’ and ‘Axle lock’, but don’t hold your breath for them, unless they’re
planning a dual-motor variant of the tiny hatchback, with a generous ground
clearance – which doesn’t make much sense.
We’ve heard from sources that
the new 500e could debut as early as the 2020 Geneva Motor Show in early March,
before launching this summer. The U.S. is believed to get it next year,
although we have yet to receive official confirmation.
