500X

Make
Fiat
Segment
SUV

Fiat's presence in the USA has been diminishing over the years with the last available model currently being the 500X crossover. In other parts of the world, its current champion remains the 500 hatchback which was originally revived in 2007. The micro offering is now an electric-only product in select regions as it sits on the frontlines of the Stellantis Group's EV strategy.

In other parts of the world, the now technically discontinued ICE-driven 500 range is curiously still available. We know this because Fiat Japan has just announced a special edition trim for the jovial Italian hatch that was said to have ended production at its Polish and Mexican plants in 2019.

The Fiat 500 Giallissima will only be available in the Japanese region with a limited run of just 200 units and prices starting at ¥2,330,000 (just over $20,000). Giallissima is an expression that is used to describe how bright and yellow the finishing paint appears on the car's distinctive body. The color is called Happy Yellow and is contrasted by black mirror housings and window surrounds and a set of 14-inch retro-inspired alloy wheels.

The cabin mimics the exterior color scheme with a yellow instrument panel and dark blue fabric upholstery for the seats. The Giallissima is based on the base Cult trim, which means it comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle gear shifters, a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a tire pressure monitoring system, keyless entry, and cruise control.

The special Fiat 500 Giallissima is powered by a standard 1.2-liter four-cylinder single overhead cam engine with a power output of 68 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque. This is sent to the front wheels using a five-speed sequential automatic transmission connected to a single-plate clutch.

Therefore, it looks like the only thing that makes this Fiat 500 a special model is the fact that it is wearing a paint finish that cannot be specified on the standard offering, also curiously listed as an available product on its website. Prices for the base Cult trim starts at ¥2,221,000, which essentially makes the Giallissima's paint job a $950 option.