Warming up the engine
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The Fiat 500 is a familiar shape on UK roads, and not just because it’s designed to evoke a car that came out all the way back in 1957. In fact, the current 500 has been around since 2007 itself, and still has a few years left in it. While Fiat has updated the car several times since launch, it’s still fundamentally the same retro small car it’s always been.
It’s undoubtedly getting on a bit and therefore no longer competitive in certain areas, not least a middling three-star Euro NCAP safety rating, but the model is easy to drive across the board, and all models are economical too, though some more than others. It’s short on rear seat space too, but then it’s a small car - and few small cars are as stylish, even all these years on.
The 500 might be quite old by now but it’s still one of the most stylish and affordable small cars you’ll find. It’s affordable to buy, obviously - not least because the earliest cars are now well over 15 years old and available for just a couple of grand - but with a lineup of small and frugal engines, low insurance ratings and modest tax bills, it shouldn’t cost much to run either.
There have been several engine options over the years, from simple 1.2-litre petrols, to the tiny 0.9-litre two-cylinder TwinAir, through fuel-sipping diesels, to the more recent 1-litre hybrids. Performance and driveability varies quite a bit, as does outright fuel economy, but none have to work too hard to move around the 500’s modest weight, and most are quite good fun to stir along, helped by the snappy dashboard-mounted gearshift.
Handling isn’t as fun as you’ll find in a MINI, but at the 500’s size it can’t help but be nimble. Being small also makes it a doddle to park or drive around town. It’s less adept on the motorway, but the more powerful models still get along well enough, and the short length does impact rear seat space and boot size - but again, you can’t expect too much from a city car. Later models are better equipped than earlier ones (a touchscreen became standard half way through the car’s life), but all but the most basic cars come with air conditioning.
The 500’s style won’t appeal to everyone, but there’s plenty of choice of alternative small cars with a more subtle look. The Volkswagen Up, Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii trio is one (you’ll find these more spacious than the 500), and the Citroen C1, Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo trio another (with slightly more engaging handling). If you like retro but not Fiat’s take on it, then the MINI hatchback is the obvious answer.
No single model really stands out in the 500 range. Early 1.2 and 1.4-litre engines don’t seem particularly modern compared to later turbocharged cars and hybrids, but have an enthusiastic character and still comfortably return economy in the 40-50mpg range. The later TwinAir has a funky exhaust note and is cheap to tax, but is actually no more frugal, while the 1.3-litre diesels are absurdly economical, but may fall foul of city centre emission zones. In later cars, you’re restricted to the hybrid, which is nothing special to drive but is smooth and frugal.
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Unless you need an automatic, steer clear of the Dualogic, which isn’t particularly smooth or responsive. And as for trim levels, take your pick - we’d find something with at least air conditioning and a touchscreen infotainment display, but otherwise, it’s more about finding something in your preferred colour and interior trim combination.
The 500 has been offered in a quite bewildering number of trim levels over the years, so we’ve only covered a small selection below on the basis you probably don’t have all day to read this. Equipment levels don’t change hugely from model to model, but generally entry-level cars lack some of the connectivity features of others, and come in slightly less vibrant colour schemes. As well as standard trim levels, there have been numerous special editions over the years too, usually with their own colour and interior trim combinations.
The Fiat 500’s exterior dimensions are:
The Fiat 500’s boot size is:
Prior to April 2017, taxing your car is based on CO2 emissions, and this means that certain early 500s won’t cost you a penny to tax - the TwinAir and diesel models come in under 100g/km so are currently tax free. Since April 2017, there’s been a flat rate in place, meaning most 500s will set you back £190 per year, while the hybrids are £10 cheaper.
Current models with no trim level to their name begin in group 10, which is for the Hybrid model, and slightly higher-spec Top models are no more expensive. An earlier Pop with the Hybrid engine is only group 8, or group 7 for an even earlier 1.2-litre car in Pop trim, while the TwinAir is group 11 again in Pop trim. Special editions vary - a Vintage ‘57 is group 13 with the TwinAir engine, and the rare Riva is group 14.
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What is the most popular colour for Fiat 500 ?
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What is the average mileage for Fiat 500 ?
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How many Fiat 500 cars are available for sale?
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