Charming it may be, but Ted Welford finds the Fiat 500’s age has now got the better of it.
What is it?
As recognisable and as loved as a Mini or Land rover Defender, the 500 was fiat’s icon throughout a big part of the twentieth century until 1975, followed by a revival of the model in 2007. that reincarnation was a hit and Fiat still sells 400,000 of these city cars every year, despite a multitude of rivals.
What’s new?
This year saw the introduction of a new electric 500. It looks similar to the petrol car but is rather different underneath, and should be yet another hit as it’ll be one of the cheapest EVs around thanks to a sub£20,000 starting price. There is also fiat’s new 500 Hybrid. It’s not a full hybrid, but rather a petrol engine with a small electric motor, battery and belt-integrated startergenerator that improves efficiency and aims to allow for a smoother drive. So does it succeed?
What’s under the bonnet?
If you want a manual 500, the only option is this new mild-hybrid petrol, with automatic models using the 1.2-litre unit that fiat has been using for years.
50
| It’s beautiful
With just 69bhp, 0-60mph takes 13.6 seconds, but around town it’s more than up to the task. A six-speed manual gearbox is also a pleasant surprise for a car of this size. The mild-hybrid system is also noticeable with the regenerative braking when you take your foot off the accelerator, though the engine can ‘switch off’ while coasting in order to improve fuel economy.
What’s it like to drive?
It’s in urban areas where the Fiat excels. It bucks the trend of city cars growing in size, as at 3.5m-long it remains tiny and an absolute doddle to park, helped by great visibility. the steering is also brilliantly light, and even gets a ‘city’ mode to make it even lighter. But elsewhere the 500 shows both its age and its flaws. The ride quality is poor while the driving position leaves a lot to be desired – you feel like you sit on the car, rather than in it. refinement is also poor, even by city-car standards. next to rivals like the Volkswagen Up!, it’s well behind the pace.
How does it look?
It’s likely buyers choose the fiat 500 because of the way it looks. And with its scope for personalisation, bubble-like shape and cool retro-inspired design, it offers bags of charm and appeal in this respect. A range of trim and liveries add to the appeal.
