The Fiat 500 RED has antibacterial trim and a covid-fighting glovebox

The range is a joint venture with U2 frontman Bono’s company RED, and will

“make customers feel safer.”

No one asked for it, but Fiat has launched the world’s first pandemic-inspired hatchback; the limited-edition 500 RED.

A filter treats

cabin air with a biocide substance as it’s recirculated, while high-contact surfaces – including the seats and steering wheel – are trimmed in fabric treated by anti-bacterials.

Further, a UV-C lamp housed within the electric car’s glovebox sanitises the surface of smartphones, keys, glasses, or bottles at the push of a button.

The Italian marque doesn’t go so far claiming these features actually reduce the likelihood of transmission during travel, though does promise its limited-run vehicle will “make customers feel safer.”

The range was launched as part of a broader Stellantis-run partnership with emergency fund RED, which was founded in 2006 by U2 frontman Bono – though the specific cause of this campaign isn’t entirely clear.

All Fiat models – as well as a small electric scooter built by the car maker – are now offered with RED variants, however only the standard 500 hatchback features the full spate of germ-killing appliances.

In the United Kingdom the 2022 Fiat 500 RED start from £16,435 ($AU31,000) drive-away – approximately 10 per cent more than the standard electric 500.

Drive understands there are currently no plans to bring the car to Australia, however several other limited-run 500 models will be offered in local showrooms before the end of 2022.

You can read about the marque’s plans for the next 12 months Down Under by clicking here.

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