Fiat 500 fans waiting for a Mini-style Coupe or Roadster version of the Italian city car may be disappointed. A new report suggests that the Fiat 500X will be the last variation of the 500, effectively ruling out the possibility of more bodystyles. Fiat brand chief Gianluca Italia told Autocar that adding too many models might risk “the value and genes” of the 500.
Italia explained that while Mini is a brand, the 500 remains just a model, so there’s a limit to the number of variants the company can make to leverage the car’s strong identity. Currently, the Fiat 500 lineup includes the standard hatchback and Cabrio in base and Abarth versions with the mid-level 500T and 500E electric vehicle on the way. Soon, the four-door 500L and 500X crossover will arrive, as well. A seven-passenger 500XL with two occasional-use hatch-mounted rear seats is also coming to Europe, and we wonder whether we’ll ever see 500L or 500X Abarth models. In Europe, Fiat can rely on other models including the Punto and Panda to fill showrooms, unlike Mini. What do you think: Should Fiat spend engineering resources on a 500 to battle the Mini Coupe and Roadster?
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