Fiat 500

The first thing that you notice is that the changes are minor. According to Fiat, its "friendly dimensions" are retained. This is proven true after rooting through the tech specs - the new Fiat 500 grows 2 cm longer and remains of equal width and height to the previous model.

So in the words of the stylish Italian company, the adjustments are "sensitive". But why would you completely redesign a car that's ahead of its game in terms of design, practicality and affordability?

Up front, the lower headlights adopt a more circular design which implies a calm city car, but are on a slant to convey some sort of attitude. Does it have the guts to match its attitude? Read about its engines later on.

At the back, the rear light clusters are 'empty'. Basically, the centre is body-coloured meaning you just have a ring of lights. Something I've never seen before and I think was a bold move that has paid off.

Of course, the 500 is highly customisable, as is any small car nowadays. So what does Fiat offer to attract customers?

A range of new 15- and 16-inch alloys add a bit of pizzazz, and with 13 paintjobs in pastel, solid and metallic colours, there sure is scope for individuality. Two of the new colours are 'Avantgarde Bordeaux' and 'Gram Coral'.

Throw into that the 'Second Skin' option and you're faced with a choice of 2 variants - the geometric pattern along the length of the car or a two-tone paintjob (like what was previewed on the Range Rover SVAutobiography). There are different patterns to choose from too, but we won't go into that in detail or we'd be here all day!

The infotainment system has had an upgrade too. The advanced Uconnect™ system comes as standard with AM/FM radio, multifunction steering wheel, aux-in and USB connectivity and 6 speakers on Pop and Pop Star models. Top-of-the-range Lounge versions have the upgrade to Uconnect™ 5" Radio Live which adds in a touchscreen setup, Bluetooth®, voice recognition and an SMS reader. Ok, that's some pretty cool tech, but don't you think that's encouraging drivers to be in contact with people on their phones whilst driving?

The circular instrument cluster with analogue dials is retained on the 2 lower end trims but is replaced with a 7-inch jTFT display on Lounge models, which is developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli.

The front seats have been recrafted to be more ergonomic. Offered with a choice of 9 upholstery combinations, you can find the same contrasting "crescent" upper section as before.

Some other improvements are the lidded glove box, revised cupholders, a relocated 12V socket and new electric windows switches that use the more common and practical push-down-pull-up operation.

Now the powerhouses. Your transmission options are the 5- or 6-speed manuals or Fiat's Dualogic 5-speed robotised 'box.

The largest engine in terms of capacity is the 1.2-litre 69 bhp petrol, emitting 110 g/km of CO2. But that's one to avoid, not necessarily because it's bad, but because it's hidden in the shadows of the 2 TwinAir units. These feisty little 0.9-litre engines push out 85 or 105 bhp, with the lesser powered variant said to achieve almost 75 mpg, emitting as low as an impressive 90 g/km.

After launch though, we can hope to see an 'Eco' 1.2-litre 69 bhp engine and a 1.3-litre 16v MultiJet II 95 bhp turbodiesel which emits a refreshingly pleasant 89 g/km.

We've already touched on the trim levels, but to reinforce what we've discussed, Pop is entry-level. Its standard kit certainly reflects this. It comes with the standard Uconnect™ radio and LED daytime running lights among other necessities.

Pop Star adds air conditioning, body-coloured mirror caps, 15-inch alloys and 50:50 split folding rear seats with rear headrests. If your budget won't stretch to Lounge I strongly suggest you completely overlook Pop and head straight for Pop Star.

Talking about Lounge, it comes with a panoramic sunroof, a chrome grille and the touchscreen Uconnect™ system.

We'll be seeing the new Fiat 500 on sale in early September ready for the 65 plate from £10,890 (that's just £200 more than the current asking price).

Of course, the 500C will join the 500 in showrooms with the same engines and equipment.