Fiat evidently is worried that its 500 hatchback and convertible are perceived as girls’ cars. At the Paris auto show it’s introducing what it characterizes as the “more dynamic, male version” of its compact city car, the 500S.
The Fiat 500S includes model-specific bodywork such as aggressively designed bumper covers; a honeycomb front grille that appears to mimic a five-o’clock shadow; and contrasting dark gray door handles, trunk handle lip, and mirror caps. The 500S gets its own specific, dark-finished 15-inch wheels, with 16-inchers optional. As the 500S is based on the Europe-spec car, the model also wears different bumper-mounted daytime running lights/turn signals and taillights than the units found on U.S.-spec models.
Inside, the 500S sports brushed gray dashboard trim, a flat-bottom steering wheel, heavily bolstered seats, and a large 7.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system that’s a full two inches bigger than the standard unit. Power comes courtesy of one of three engine options: a 69-hp 1.2-liter four-cylinder, a 95-hp 1.3-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder, or a 105-hp 0.9-liter turbocharged two-cylinder. None are particularly powerful, although we’d like to see the latter engine offered on our shores.

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Regardless, the 500S isn...