Initially, three engines will be avail-able. These will comprise 69bhp 1.2-litre eight-valve and 100bhp 1.4 16v petrol units and a 75bhp 1.3 16v Multijet turbodiesel, offered with five and six-speed gearboxes.

Future versions are expected to feature Fiat's groundbreaking new two-cylinder motor as well. The 900cc twin powerplant will deliver between 90bhp and 110bhp, and is likely to deliver a 20 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the 1.2-litre ver*sion. Development of the 500 won't stop there, however, as bosses have plans for a drop-top variant, too.

The 500 platform will also be shared with Ford, and is set to form the basis of the blue oval's next-generation Ka. Both models will be built in Poland at the Tychy plant.