2017 Fiat 500’s Base Price Slashed by $2000; Starts At Less Than $16,000

Call it a Hail Mary pass for Fiat’s 500 hatchback and 500C convertible, as the Italian brand is revamps the little car’s lineup for 2017 both by simplifying the available trims and options, and by cutting the base price by 11 percent.With a new starting price of $15,990, the base 2017 Fiat 500 Pop costs a full $2000 less than last year. Even better, the 500 Pop actually includes additional feature content, such as a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster, 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and chrome exterior accents. And, with the elimination of last year’s Easy model, the 500 Pop can now be equipped with previously unavailable options such as a navigation system, a power sunroof, and a Beats premium audio system. Meanwhile, a new Sport Appearance package effectively replaces the 500 Sport model. Sadly, the turbocharged, 135-hp 500 Turbo goes the way of the dodo. Like the bottom-of-the-barrel 500 Pop, the more luxurious 500 Lounge also sees its price reduced by $2000, dropping from $21,390 to a more palatable $19,390. Along with a new set of 15-inch wheels, the Lounge comes standard with fog lamps, a fixed glass roof panel, automatic climate control, and leather seats. Topping off the 500 model line is the high-performance, 160-hp 500 Abarth. Now starting at $20,990, or $2580 less than last year, the 2017 500 Abarth adds a new 16-inch wheel design and an audible rear park assist system to its list of standard features.

Those looking for an open-air driving experience can continue to opt for the 2017 Fiat 500C convertible body, which adds $1495 to the base price at any trim level. Unlike last year, the 2017 500C convertible directly mirrors its hatchback sibling’s list of standard and available features while the price drops. The decrease ranges from $3905 on the base Pop to as much as $5205 for the racy Abarth convertible.

Through mid-year, sales of the little 500 model were down around 50 percent over year-ago figures, offset only partially by the new 500X crossover (a larger, entirely separate model). Like a quarterback hoping for a last-second touchdown, Fiat is banking on its latest batch of changes to inject new life into 500 hatchback and 500C convertible sales for 2017. While we’re still waiting to see how this bold move plays out, one thing’s for sure: the 2017 Fiat 500 is a far better deal than its 2016 counterpart.