Fiat 500 facelift could get all-wheel drive and LPG

The Fiat 500 has been selling very well in Europe, to the point that a facelifted model is now in need. According to Autoblog Italy, Fiat is developing a Fiat 500 that will adopt the all-wheel drive system also seen on the Fiat Panda - a very successful, small all-wheel drive hatch. This would pitch the car straight up against the Mini Countryman.

Sources say the new model will also see minor cosmetic changes but the main focus on the fresh model will be the introduction of new powerplants and drivetrain. Along side the launch of the 900cc, two-cylinder TwinAir engine, Fiat will offer a 1.2-litre and a 1.4-litre as well as an engine specially developed to run on LPG.

Although no official details have been released, the LPG system will likely use the Fiat Panda (Fiat Panda Natural Power) as the main technical inspiration and foundation for the development of the variant.

Reports say the new model will likely enter the European market some time next year.