Fiat 500 Review

The Fiat 500’s been around for over a decade in its current form – a tough show for any small car, let alone a niche, fashion-conscious model such as this. Tom Wiltshire takes the latest facelifted model for a drive, in drop-top convertible form.

What is it?

There's no need to take yourself too seriously behind the wheel of a car like the Fiat 500C, it is afterall, a very fun car to drive. With its pastiche retro styling details, full-length fabric roof, tiny dimensions and eye-popping colour schemes, it’s a car that stands out. Fiat’s system of regular small updates means that while there have been few major alterations to the 500 since it launched back in 2007, the current car looks rather different to the original while still being instantly recognisable.

What’s new?

The latest 500 facelift back in 2016 was the most comprehensive yet, with a raft of styling revisions inside and out. The headlights and taillights see the most noticeable changes, with smart LED daytime running lights at the front and new ring-shaped LED tail lights. Inside, there’s a fresh five-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the option of a full LCD instrument display.

Under the skin, the existing engine line-up has been revised and the car’s economy and emissions have been given a boost. All but the basic 1.2-litre petrol now dip below 100g/km of CO2. Finally, there’s additional soundproofing to improve high-speed refinement.

What’s under the bonnet?

Our car was fitted with one of the most interesting engines on sale today – the TwinAir. It’s just 875cc in capacity and only has two cylinders, but a turbocharger means that in this form it pushes out a respectable 105bhp, making it somewhat a warm — if not a full-blown — hot hatchback.

Best of all is the TwinAir’s soundtrack, which is metallic, thrummy and downright charming – it sounds like an old motorbike.

What’s it like to drive?

Quick steering, a high-set seating position and tiny dimensions make it effortless to slot through traffic and round tight bends. Having the Convertible model just makes matters even more fun.

The more powerful models are decent fun on a back road, too. The steering is on the light side, but the tiny Fiat grips tenaciously and can make surprisingly rapid progress without a fuss.

How does it look?

Looks are undoubtedly a key selling point for Fiat 500 owners. The car’s cute proportions and retro styling details are appealing without being a total caricature, while it’s possible to customise the overall look in a virtually unlimited number of combinations.

Our car was in sporty ‘S’ trim, which attempts to beef the 500 up and make it slightly more masculine with dark metal detailing, chunky 16-inch alloy wheels and less chrome trim than Lounge or Mirror models.

Regardless of trim, the 500 looks perfectly at home in the city – especially a cosmopolitan European street peppered with coffee shops and fashion boutiques. It’s not that bad-looking in Sheffield, either.

What’s it like inside?

You sit high nice and high in the 500 allowing good posture and driving position, however this may limit taller drivers.

The interior styling is every bit as charming as the exterior. The rounded dash comes in a variety of shiny finishes, and a myriad of seat upholstery options allows you to really make your 500 your own.

There’s decent space for two up front, and the back seats are more spacious than you would expect. It may be a squeeze but children and even adults can fit comfortably.

Chances are you’ve already made your mind up whether you want a Fiat 500 or not, but as a fashion statement the 500C makes a lot more sense, with a timeless design and effortlessly funky style that appeals to motorists worldwide. Add in enough practicality for its target audience and a decent driving experience, especially with the peppy TwinAir engines, and it’s an appealing proposition. The convertible model tested here is even more charming than the hatch, and its popularity is deserved.

The bold and outgoing Fiat 500 offers economic travel, without skimping on retro style. A range of trim levels and optional extras means you can completely customise the design, both inside and out. Combining an efficient engine with additional safe technology, the Fiat 500 begs to be driven every day.

Exterior design

The classic Fiat model is instantly recognisable with its charming face-like design, thanks to its circular headlights and horizontal grille. Serving as a blank canvas, there are infinite colour choices and bold combinations – so let your imagination run free. Confident two-tone designs and subtle decals demand the attention of passers-by and express your individuality. 

Interior design

Fiat’s rainbow palette continues inside the cabin with a body-coloured dashboard etched with chrome, customisable upholstery and interior trims in fabric or leather. Command the road in style behind the vintage-inspired steering wheel and use the inbuilt controls to alternate between radio stations and CD tracks. Not forgetting its practical advantages, the split folding rear seats allow you to create more space when you need to carry bigger items.

Performance

Options continue under the bonnet with a choice of four engines ranging from the 1.2-litre 69bhp to the 1.3-litre MultiJet 95bhp. The dual-drive power steering makes nipping through the city’s twisting streets a breeze. Pair this with Start&Stop fuel-saving technology and low CO2 emissions (up to 110g/km) for fewer trips to the fuel station. If fuel-economy is what you are looking for, then the 1.3-litre MultiJet 95bhp is the best option, reaching up to 94.2mpg.

Technology and Safety

As well as delivering fun design, Fiat has ensured optimum safety, and the Fiat 500 has been awarded the five-star Euro NCAP rating. The car has seven airbags to keep all passengers protected, and also features Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ABS technology to keep all four wheels firmly on the ground. Impressive technology extends to the optional five-inch TFT digital colour display and Uconnect™ infotainment system with Bluetooth® connectivity. Upgrade your choice to get an inbuilt TomTom LIVE, making it easier to get from A to B.

Fiat 500 Collezione

Available in hard and soft top options the Fiat 500 Collezione is the latest limited edition Fiat 500 on the scene. Agile enough for both cities and the countryside, the 500 Collezione, is the perfect companion to make each journey enjoyably unique.

Embellished with a chrome bonnet trim, bumper inserts, mirror covers and a Collezione badge on the tailgate. Body colours evoke a timeless allure. Choose from a two-tone Primavera (Bossa Nova White and Lunar Grey), Acquamarina (Bossa Nova White and Smooth Mint), or one-tone Bossa Nova White, Epic Blue or Taormina Ivory. Finished with 16" diamond-cut alloy wheels the Fiat 500 Collezione is always on point.

Inside you'll find care and attention in every detail from the tailored seats to the ivory piping and embroidered 500 logo.

Facts at a glance

• Model as tested: Fiat 500

• Engine: 875cc turbocharged petrol

• Power: 104bhp

• Torque (Nm): 145

• Max speed (mph): 117

• 0-60mph: 10.0

• MPG: 67.3

• Emissions (g/km): 99