Fiat 500 2021: updated three-strong city car range headlined by Dolcevita variant

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The 2021 Fiat 500 range has been tweaked and now boasts a new range-topping variant. The Dolcevita was previously a limited edition but now joins the 500 range as a mainstay.

Fiat’s 500 now starts from $18,950 before on-road costs, meaning despite its fashion-forward appearance, the Italian city car can be relatively affordable to buy.

Where it competes with the Mini hatch with road presence and iconic styling, the 500 is about the size of a Kia Picanto. It’s also a fairly old car, even following a 2016 facelift, the bones of the 500 date back to 2007.

In Europe, Fiat sells ‘The New Fiat 500’, which sits on a new platform and is available only as a pure battery-electric vehicle. There is no word yet on whether that model will make it to Australia.

What are the Fiat 500 variants in Australia?

No matter, though, because Fiat has kept the 500 fairly up-to-date. The $18,950 Lounge packs a decent amount of specification, including a leather-appointed steering wheel, a 7-inch touchscreen with DAB Radio, voice command, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Outside, the Lounge has 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and all the funkiness you would associate with an Italian city car, especially finished in Sicilian Orange ($550). 

Safety is not the Fiat 500’s strongest point as it lacks features like AEB, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keep assist. As standard, there are rear parking sensors, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a speed limiter.

Under the bonnet is the familiar 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels with 51kW of power and 102Nm of torque. If you want a faster 500, the Abarth’s 1.4-litre turbo is the way to go. 

A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a ‘Dualogic’ single-clutch automated manual gearbox is a $2,000 option.

What does the Dolcevita offer?

Previously, the Dolcevita was a limited edition model in the range, but now it’s part of the lineup for good. The name means sweet life in English, and it adds badging outside, chrome exterior trim, 16-inch alloy wheels and foglights to let others know just how sweet your life is.

Inside, the Dolcevita justifies its $21,450 (plus on-roads) price tag with a body-colour dashboard, premium cloth upholstery, a glass roof on the hatch, automatic climate control and cruise control. Additionally, the Dolcevita is available as a convertible for a $4,000 premium. 

Like the Lounge, the Dolcevita is manual as standard with auto optional. Additionally, a Lusso pack adds privacy glass, partial leather upholstery and sportier 16-inch alloy wheels for $1,900.

The 2021 Fiat 500 range is available now from $18,950 plus on-road costs.

Fiat 500 2021: pricing in Australia

Prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Fiat 500 Lounge – $18,950
• Fiat 500 Dolcevita – $21,450
• Fiat 500 Dolcevita convertible – $25,450

• Automatic transmission – $2,000
• Premium paint – $550
• Lusso pack (Dolcevita only) – $1,900