Johannesburg - Fiat will be pulling the covers off a sportier variant of its little 500 hatchback at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami, which takes place from Friday 31 August.
The 500 S is not a hot hatch in the same vein as the Abarth line-up, but it does get a more powerful version of the 875cc two-cylinder turbopetrol engine that powers the regular 500 range, along with some added visual attitude.
The TwinAir engine in the 500 S produces 77kW, versus 63kW in other 500 variants, although peak torque remains identical at 145Nm. The added perk is enough, says Fiat, to get the tiny hatch from 0-100km/h in exactly 10 seconds, while a top speed of 190km/h is claimed.
Styling is perked up by unique alloys, sportier bumpers, side skirts and a chrome tailpipe.
Four versions of the 500 S will be on offer, namely standard models and more luxuriously appointed LE versions, both available with either a conventional roof or Fiat’s folding-canvas ‘cabriolet’ roof. Prices start at R262 900.
Both versions come with Fiat’s 17.8cm touchscreen infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a digital instrument cluster. LE models add 16-inch alloy wheels and a glass roof or sunroof.
PRICES
Fiat 500 S TwinAir - R262 900
Fiat 500 S TwinAir LE - R292 900
Fiat 500 S TwinAir Cabriolet - R293 900
Fiat 500 S TwinAir Cabriolet LE - R323 900