Just bought a new 2016 Fiat 500 Lounge Twin Air, I noticed that through the grill on the left hand side as viewed from the front you can see through to some pipework. Most other new and old 500's I have looked at have a black blanking plate, which I presume is for cosmetic and or for protection reasons. Is this normal for the Twin Air? I observe from internet images it is a mixed bag whether or not 500's have this blanking plate is in place. Thanks.

I suspect you're seeing the AC pipes - its normal, not all cars have AC hence the blanking plate presumably, it's the same on my TA.

I believe the blanking plate is there to protect the delicate AC pipes from damage caused by something coming through the grille.

I can see several fairly thin(ish) pipes through the grill on my 2013 85TA. I thought it was normal for TA's.

I cheated, I got a second clip on grill from Zunsport. It just clips over the old grill, but has the effect of making the holes smaller, so hopefully no damage to the A/C stuff...

I did the same, not so much for protection but to disguise that very obvious pipework showing behind the black grille.