Reborn after 50 years: the Fiat 500 - Under the skin

The 500 is based on a modified version of the Panda platform, although it's stretched to maximise cabin length.

The suspension is also taken from the Panda, but the 500 has a wider track and sits lower than its sibling.

The chassis and suspension set-up work really well on the Panda - it's one of the best-driving and most refined city cars available - so the prospects for the 500 are good.

Initially, power will come from a 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol, 99bhp 1.4-litre petrol or 75bhp 1.3-litre diesel engines. The 1.4-litre will use a six-speed manual gearbox, and the other two engines will have a five-speed transmission.

At the recent Geneva Motor Show, Fiat began a push to relaunch its hot Abarth brand with sporty versions of the Grande Punto, and will continue the effort with an Abarth version of the 500 next spring.

It will use a turbocharged version of the 1.4-litre engine developing 155bhp and will be given a thorough mechanical and cosmetic makeover. Suspension and steering will be retuned, while a bodykit will add muscle to the car and improve its aerodynamics.