2013 Fiat 500 AWD Spy Photos Image White Car

Mini mustn’t maintain its monopoly on the multiplication of microcars—at least that seems to be Fiat’s take. While the 2012 Cinquecento is weeks away from its launch in the U.S., and the semi-convertible 500C will arrive a few months later, the Italian car giant has even more planned for its diminutive hatchback. A long-wheelbase version, probably with four doors (rather than the Mini Clubman’s awkward 2.5-door setup), is in development, and, based on the spy photos seen here, it appears that Fiat also is working on an all-wheel-drive version of the 500. It likely will hit the market in mid-to-late 2012 as a 2013 model.
The visual differences between the car shown in these spy photos and a normal, front-wheel-drive 500 aren’t numerous, but they are significant. This test mule rides much higher than a typical 500, which has only 4.1 inches of ground clearance in U.S. spec. A differently shaped muffler can be seen placed higher and in a different location than the one on front-drive 500s, presumably to accommodate AWD bits. The vertical gray tape at the trailing edge of the front fenders looks to be covering vertical vents or slats, a feature that might be specific to the future all-wheel-drive 500 or which could be bound for the 500’s face lift, expected around the same time as this new model.
While the addition of all-wheel drive may seem like overkill for a hatchback with a short, 90.6-inch wheelbase and electronic stability control, small Fiats have a tradition of offering all-wheel drive in Europe. There, the extra traction has made the Panda 4x4 a longtime favorite of budget off-roaders and an impressive performer in the rough. It’s expected that the all-wheel-drive 500 will share its mechanicals with the next-gen Panda 4x4, as they’re built on closely related platforms.
The all-wheel-drive 500, we’re told, won’t come to the U.S.; the system’s added cost and predicted low demand will keep it from our shores. Its drivetrain could, however, find its way into the eventual five-door variant of the 500—especially if Fiat decides to follow the lead of Mini’s Countryman junior crossover. View Photo Gallery