TO say Fiat has been cautious with the ‘redesign' of the 500 is possibly the ultimate example of understatement.

Despite the fact that around 1,800 parts have been changed, the chic city car looks remarkably similar.

The eagle-eyed may spot the 3D grille, a chrome flash on the nose and larger daytime running lights or the modified tail lights with body-matched centres, but for most us the external tweaks will go unnoticed and the petite dimensions (fortunately) remain just as dinky.

However, the delicacy of the rejuvenation is fully understandable. For the Cinquecento, launched eight years ago has been the saviour of Fiat, clocking up 1.5million sales globally and establishing itself as an icon in the same way BMW did with the MINI.

What's more, the popularity of the baby which is the forerunner of a huge family of models including an MPV, a crossover and a convertible, is still gaining ground year by year, with 2014 its best year yet.

The new 500 launches exactly 50 years after the original Cinquecento made its debut and revolutionised small car design.

While the cute body styling remains largely intact, there have been significant improvements to the interior which was beginning to show its age.

The retro dash still dominates but there's now a five-inch infotainment screen along the lines of that seen in the 500X and the redesigned steering wheel now includes audio buttons.

The facia has been improved with a revised centre console and a lidded glove box, and the front seats are redesigned with greater support.

The base model, the Pop, starts at £10,890 and for £11,765 you can buy the Pop Star which has air con, split-folding rear seat, heated mirrors and 15-inch alloys.

The Lounge version - price £12,640 - also has glass panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, touch screen with Bluetooth, and a leather steering wheel.

The three trim levels also apply to the convertible which also goes on sale this month.

There's a choice between a four-cylinder 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine - biggest seller - or two versions of the 0.9litre two-cylinder models offering either 85bhp or 105bhp.

An Eco 1.2-litre and a 1.3-litre diesel, both with under 100g/km emissions, will become available later in the year. And expect the hot Abarth versions to follow before too long.

Fiat 500 owners have already showed themselves to love the car's individuality and with latest version there's even more scope to customise their bambino.

In addition to copious alloy wheel options and a paintbox of 13 colour choices, you can specify racy ‘stick-on' patterns - Fiat call them second skins - to your 500...cheeky chappy motifs that are applied to either roof, bonnet or along the car's body. These start at about £140.

Best seller is expected to continue to be the 1.2-litre petrol. Despite relatively modest 69bhp, the 500 feels eager and quite sprightly with a subdued noise levels thanks mainly due to increased sound proofing in the wheelhouse and firewall.

With acceleration to 62mph in just under 13 seconds, the 1.2 is hardly racy, yet the quick response and light, short-throw five speed gearbox encourage it to be driven enthusiastically.

Bumps and potholes still catch out the suspension and transfer a degree of discomfort to the passenger compartment but the new seats offer a noticeable improvement in support.

The big, round dial directly in front of the driver with larger than life speed readout flanked by temperature and fuel gauges is stylish and pleasing. New style window lifts and switches all feel classy and are comfortable to the touch.

The more powerful 105bhp TwinAir is treated to a six-speed gearbox which helps make the buzzy two cylinder more relaxed at motorway speeds.

With instant response and throaty snarl, it feels faster than the 10 second sprint to 62mph would suggest. Top speed is 117mph while the official combined mpg is 67.3mpg, about seven mpg better than the 1.2-litre.

The little Fiat is easily able to cope with the additional power but the characterful 0.9-litre two cylinder's urgent engine note can get a little tiring on long trips.

Development rather than revolution has clearly been Fiat's policy with the latest 500, and who could blame them. Why mess with an icon.