The new Fiat 500S is now available to order in the UK at prices starting from £15,350 for diesel-engined models.

Fiat says this new version of the 500 is designed to appeal to customers who want the compact dimensions, low running costs and cheeky appeal of the 500 but in a sportier package. The new car has sports bumpers front and rear, special side skirts and a rear spoiler, while the door handles, tailgate, “moustache”, mirror fairings and 15-inch alloy wheels are finished in “Satin Graphite”.

The 500S also has front fog lamps, tinted rear windows, a chrome-finish tailpipe, black-grained front air intakes and an eye-catching honeycomb grille. The standard 15-inch alloy wheels with their special “Satin Graphite” finish, and the optional 16-inch alloy wheels with a matt-black diamond treatment, are both new to the range while the colour palette now includes Electronica Blue metallic and Marching Green matte.

Inside, the 500S has black sport seats and a black roof lining which contrast with the door panels and seat edges, which are finished in blue, white or yellow. “Satin Graphite” detailing also features on the dashboard fascia and the special sports steering wheel and the interior can also be trimmed in optional Frau leather with white or light blue details for a splash of additional luxury. A full-colour, seven-inch TFT instrument display is standard, while the 500S Convertible adds an electric canvas roof with a heated glass rear window.

The dashboard of the new 500S incorporates Fiat’s new Uconnect™ seven-inch HD LIVE touchscreen with a high resolution display as standard equipment. This system offers a wide range of functions, including Uconnect LIVE services, Bluetooth hands-free phone calling, voice recognition and a multitude of entertainment options including Bluetooth streaming, USB connectivity, a 3.5mm auxiliary jack, DAB digital radio and FM/AM radio. The system can be upgraded with the latest 3D TomTom navigation system for an additional £250.

The BeatsAudio sound system also debuts on the Fiat 500S, priced at £300. Developed in conjunction with Beats by Dr. Dre, the seven-speaker system has a total output of 440 watts and features a digital amplifier integrating an advanced equalisation algorithm.

In terms of safety, the 500S is equipped with seven airbags as standard equipment, including a driver’s side knee bag, as well as ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and a sophisticated ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system with ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), Hill Holder and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) to assist in emergency braking.

Four engines power the 500S including 94 bhp 1.3 litre MultiJet II diesel which reduces emissions to just only 89 grams of CO2 per kilometre and offers an official combined-cycle fuel efficiency figure of 83.1mpg.