The Sleuth’s intel gatherers have uncovered news of the first significant change to Fiat’s tiniest member since it first arrived in North America for the 2012 model year. Although details remain sketchy, the 2020 500 will be restyled at both ends, but will increase in size only slightly. Also anticipated is Fiat’s latest 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 177 horsepower in the all-wheel-drive 500X. It’s likely to be exclusive to the sporty Abarth model while the rest of the lineup carries over with the 135-horsepower turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder. The electric 500e that’s currently available in California and a few other states will receive much the same updates as its gasoline counterparts, but will be built on a dedicated platform designed for other upcoming Fiat EVs. The 500e will also receive a significant range increase from the current 84-mile maximum and it will eventually be available to the rest of the automaker’s North American dealer network.
The current Fiat 500, pictured, has soldiered on essentially visually unchanged since its arrival for the 2012 model year. The updated version will be only slightly larger, however. PHOTO: FCA