Fiat’s trendy little 500 citycar may look little different but it’s been significantly improved.

Outside, the only changes are a re-styled front grille and sleeker rear tail lights, but under the skin, the Italian brand claims that over 1,800 modifications have been made. There are cleverer infotainment systems across the range, extra efficiency under the bonnet and more options in terms of personalisation.

As before, there’s a single three-door bodystyle, though you can order it in soft-topped ‘500C’ form if you like the idea of having an electric fabric-folding roof. The 185-litre boot remains as before, no bad thing as this still trumps many rivals.

Fiat promise improvements to both ride and handling for this revised 500, though this will probably be of limited interest to the car’s urban-minded audience. The petrol-only engine range is pretty familiar from before, which means that the entry level option is still a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder petrol unit with 69PS. Cars fitted with this engine now receive bigger brakes to help safety and get the option of an ‘Eco’ package. Spend a little more and you can choose one of the two far more modern and efficient ‘TwinAir’ two cylinder turbocharged petrol powerplants, with either 85PS or 105PS. There’s a 95bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet engine option if you want it. Plus, as before, there are potent 1.4-litre turbo petrol Abarth models on offer for hot hatch fans.

Go for a 500 with a TwinAir petrol unit, as many buyers will, and you’ll find that the engine can get a bit vocal if you work it hard. Even then though, the gruff, slightly throbby note is characterful rather than unpleasant and around town, refinement is more than acceptable. If you are urban-bound, you might also want to consider the optional (but rather jerky) Dualogic gearbox, a kind of manual transmission without a clutch. Unless you like all that left-foot pumping of course. City dwellers will also appreciate the tight 9.3m turning circle.

In summary then, this car remains as likeable as ever. Choosing a ‘fashionable’ little runabout can often be a risk. Here though, is one you can enjoy without a worry.

  • CAR: FIAT 500 range
  • PRICES: [3-door Hatch] £11,050 - £17,180 – on the road
  • INSURANCE GROUPS: 7-18
  • CO2 EMISSIONS: 89-111g/km
  • PERFORMANCE: [0.9 TwinAir 105PS] 0-62mph 10.0s/ top speed 117mph
  • FUEL CONSUMPTION: [0.9 TwinAir 85PS] (combined) 74.3mpg
  • STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Seven airbags, ABS with electronic brake distribution & brake assistance, electronic stability control
  • WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 3546/1627/1488mm