What's the news?
The Fiat 500 range is receiving a shake-up with better standard specifications and two new Star and Rock Star models. While Fiat admits that two-thirds of Fiat 500 buyers are women, the company thinks that this new duo may shift sales to win over more male buyers.
Exterior
Both the Fiat 500 Star and 500 Rockstar receive unique styling and exclusive exterior colours. While Fiat admits that two-thirds of Fiat 500 buyers are women, the company is expecting that ratio to shift to a more even split with the introduction of these two models, in particular, the Rockstar.
That model gains subtle exterior styling tweaks, namely the sportier bumpers from the 500 Sport that include more aggressive bumpers side sills and 16-inch alloy wheels. There's a fixed glass roof and window surrounds carrying a black finish and a contrasting satin chrome finish to the door mirrors. By far the most distinctive feature is the matt Green Portofino paintwork. Other colour choices for it include Gelato White, Carrara Grey, Passione Red, Vesuvius Black, Pompei Grey, Opera Bordeaux, Colosseo Grey, Italia Blue and Ice White.
The 500 Star takes a slightly more subtle appearance building upon the 500 Lounge model. Different bumpers carry chrome insets flanking the lower intake section. Its exclusive White Stella paint carries hints of pink and is in keeping with the latest fashion trends, says Fiat. Of course, if the White Stella paint of the 500 Star isn't to your liking, there is also the choice of Gelato White, Carrara Grey, Vesuvius Black, Pompei Grey, Opera Bordeaux, Colosseo Grey, Epic Blue and Ice White. Other exterior features include fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels and Skydome glass roof. Alternatively, it is also available with a retractable fabric roof.
Interior
The overall design of the Fiat 500's cabin hasn't come in for changes, but it does now feature a seven-inch TFT screen, the largest in the segment and includes smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Uconnect system also features voice control and has a USB connection and can be controlled via the multifunction steering wheel.
Buyers can choose from two colour combinations for the upholstery on both the 500 Star and Rockstar. The former is available with white sand and black and features a new Matelassé finish in eco leather with a 500 logo embroidery in contrasting Bordeaux. Another new feature is the option to order the dashboard fascia in either White Sand with a pearl finish or with a matt Bordeaux finish - previously buyers could only order this element in the same colour as the exterior of the car.
With the 500 Rockstar, there's a smart looking pinstripe fabric with contrasting grey or blue details and a black eco leather finish on the upper sections of the seats. Like the 500 Star, there are two dashboard fascias in matt green in the case of the grey interior while ones with the blue get a satin graphite version.
Mechanicals
The Fiat 500 Star and 500 Rockstar are likely only to be available with the same 69hp 1.2-litre petrol engine featuring a manual transmission.
Anything else?
Fiat is planning to offer six months complimentary access to Apple Music with all 500 Star and 500 Rockstar models sold. Exact pricing details for Ireland are due to be announced in the coming weeks.