The first Fiat 500 of the 1950s opened up a new world of mobility for Europe’s post-war generation. Reborn in 2007, the new 500 found an equally enthusiastic audience, especially in the UK.

Now it’s facelift time, and Fiat has been careful not to mess too much with the 500's fundamental style. Exterior changes don’t go much beyond a new grille, bumpers and headlights. Better materials, more equipment and a new infotainment system are the key interior differences.

Under the bonnet you can choose from three petrol engines: a four-cylinder 68bhp 1.2-litre, or two versions of a 0.9-litre twin-cylinder offering either 84bhp (which is exempt from road tax) or 104bhp. An 'Eco' 1.2 with 99g/km CO2 emissions is coming shortly, along with an 89g/km 1.3 diesel.

The 1.2 we’re driving is the biggest-selling 500. Slow on paper and on the road, it demands a degree of pre-planning if overtaking is an option you consider to be desirable. It’s just about fast enough in town, but you’ll need to make full use of the engine (which revs smoothly if rather raucously through its range) and the not especially slick five-speed gearbox.

It is possible to have driving fun in a city car, as the VW Up has shown, but the 500’s vague steering and body roll don’t help its cause. Still, a small turning circle and light steering are arguably more relevant in this context, and the 500 has both. You can make the steering even lighter by pressing the 'city' button on the dash.

The 500 rides over small bumps pretty well at speed but absorption and control deteriorate on bad roads and at low speeds. At least the brakes on the 1.2 are now the same size as the brakes on the rest of the 2015 range. They give a good feel at the pedal. There’s more soundproofing on this new model, but even though wind noise never reaches intrusive levels, road and suspension noise is an issue at speed.

Fiat's new Uconnect infotainment system is now standard on Lounge models. Although the system you’ll find in a Citigo, Mii or Up still has the edge, Fiat’s 5in touchscreen setup is one of the better offerings in this class. It’s easy to navigate (if less easy to read in strong sunlight) and now has audience-friendly app integration via Bluetooth on your smartphone.

LED daytime running lights, USB and aux sockets, a multifunction steering wheel and electric front windows are now standard fare on all 500s. Air-con, 15in alloy wheels and split folding rear seats come with the Pop Star spec, while Lounge cars receive rear parking sensors and a leather steering wheel. The dashboard’s bold, bright plastics are good quality, its chunky buttons are intuitive to use, and the arrival of a decent-sized glovebox is welcome.

Though there’s good head- and legroom for two tall passengers in the front, it’s not that easy to find a good driving position. Blame a steering wheel that doesn’t adjust for reach (a city car trait not unique to the Fiat) and a too-high driver's seat that’s also a bit short on adjustability.

Only kids won’t feel cramped in the rear. The 185 litre boot is smaller than the class benchmark and asks you to heave bags over quite a large lip. Entry-level cars get a fixed bench rather than 50/50 split folding rear seats.

The Fiat 500 may not be the roomiest, most practical, best equipped or best driving city car you can buy, but for many the retro charm will be enough, especially now that it comes with a higher-quality interior and greater connectivity.

Objectively though the Hyundai i10, Skoda Citigo and VW Up are all better priced and offer more capable, rounded drives.