Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat 500 review - fashion victim or stylish mover?

Retro charm offensive that’s inoffensive to drive

Evo rating
Price
from £11,050
  • Retro charm, reasonably inexpensive, compact, did we say charming?
  • Too compact, a bit too charming, more fun to look at than actually drive

evo Verdict 

One of a number of back-dated design-dipping exercises from a range of manufacturers the Fiat 500 takes the shape - and concept - of the original 500 and updates it.

Well it did, way back in 2007. It still looks much the same now, despite a facelift and model update in 2015, but then if you’re already looking backwards there’s no need to update going forwards. Still, the 500 is shameless in its retro styling and it’s damned charming because of it. What’s also impressive is how cheap it is, relatively so, as the closely related Panda doesn’t cost as much to buy and is way more practical, but then the 500 is fun.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Abarths are the most amusing, so read about them here if you’re after one of them; here we’ll concentrate on the not so hot, but still so cute, shopping trolleys. 

evo Tip 

The 500 might offer classic looks, but it comes without the maladies of classic ownership. While it’s small by modern standards, put the current 500 alongside the original and you’ll see the march of progress. It looks massive in comparison, though you can at least drive the new car with a degree of safety, it having scored a five-star result in the EuroNCAP tests (those test have since become more stringent, but the 500 remains a safe small car).

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

Thing is, you can pick up an original for less than a new 500 if you shop around, which is what we’d be tempted to do. It’ll be more fun to drive, despite being significantly slower, and while the Turin town car is not going to rocket in price like a similarly air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive classic from Stuttgart, it’ll be a safer place to put your money than a new one.

evo Comment

You didn’t come here to hear us telling you to buy a used one though did you? Even if that’s what you should be thinking. The new 500’s a useful small car, which does at least stay very true to its original’s small and inexpensive concept, if lacking the sort of driving appeal of the similarly history-plundering Mini alternative. Obviously there’s scope for personalisation; the 500 is offered in so many trim, colour, sticker and option pack permutations that you really could have one that’s unique to you, though go daft with the options and the price rises accordingly.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s best sampled simply, if not quite at the poverty entry-level trim that does without what we’d now consider essentials rather than mere luxuries. Start at Lounge trim rather than Pop then - as it gets alloy wheels and air conditioning. The S models are as sporty as you'll get before stepping up to an Abarth - kit includes a subtle bodykit and sports seats. Be sure to check out the frequent special offers and limited edition models, which add value, kit and some exclusivity.

Performance and 0-60 time > A decent city car and TwinAir models are willing performers, but things don’t get truly exciting until the Abarth end of the spectrum. Read more about the 500's performance here.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

Engine and gearbox > The more powerful 104bhp TwinAir comes with a six speed manual gearbox, the rest making do with a five-speed transmission. Read more about the 500's engine and gearbox here.

Ride and handling > The car is good in its intended environment, the city, with its soft suspension and light steering. Not so much on a British b-road, where it's nowhere near as price as that other retro star, the Mini. Read more about the 500's ride and handling here.

MPG and running costs > The 1.3 MultiJet turbodiesel is the most economical Fiat 500. It returns 78.5mpg and a combined cycle of 95g/km of Co2. TwinAir models are more frugal on paper than in reality. Read more about the 500's running costs here.

Prices, specs and rivals > The Pop Star and Lounge are among the trim lines on offer, with a new S model joining the range recently. The Seat Mii and Volkswagen Up! are much more straightforward choices. Read more about the 500's pricing, specs and rivals here.

Interior and tech > The Fiat 500 might be about retro looks and modern touches, and recent revisions to the interior have kept things fresh in terms of feel and technology. Read more about the 500's interior and tech here.

Design > An instantly recognisable car, the Fiat 500 is a mix of retro and relative modernity in a compact package. Read more about the 500's design here.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on 500

New Fiat 500 revealed – if it ain’t broke…
News

New Fiat 500 revealed – if it ain’t broke…

Customers will play spot-the-difference, keen drivers will have to wait for an Abarth. Updated with our expectations.
3 Sep 2015
Romeo Ferraris Cinquone S review - prices, specs, 0-60 time
Reviews

Romeo Ferraris Cinquone S review - prices, specs, 0-60 time

The Italian suppression of aftermarket modifications has led to another mad 500
31 Mar 2015
LA Show: Fiat 500 range
LA Show: Fiat 500 range expands in US
News

LA Show: Fiat 500 range

Fiat's 500 goes electric the Abarth loses its roof, and the 500L launches at the LA motor show.
3 Dec 2012
Skip advert
Advertisement
Zagato Fiat 500 Coupe
Geneva 2011: Fiat 500 Coupe by Zagato
News

Zagato Fiat 500 Coupe

Italian coachbuilder Zagato has had its way with a Fiat 500, and this is the result...
24 Feb 2011
Abarth 500 at Harewood Hillclimb
Abarth 500 Esseesse at Harewood Hillclimb
Features

Abarth 500 at Harewood Hillclimb

evo's Stephen Dobie and Roger Green have a bash at Harewood Hillclimb in an Abarth 500. Report, picture gallery and video here
20 Aug 2010
Fiat 500 TwinAir review
Fiat 500 TwinAir
Reviews

Fiat 500 TwinAir review

Two cylinders and 900cc - is that really a recipe for fun? First drive of the groundbreaking Fiat 500 TwinAir
9 Jul 2010
Fiat 500 convertible
Spy shots

Fiat 500 convertible

Pics of Fiat's forthcoming 500 convertible
17 Feb 2009
Fiat 500 open-top
Spy shots

Fiat 500 open-top

Fiat's been working on an open-top and we have the pics to prove it
9 Sep 2008
Fiat 500 Abarth 'SS'
Spy shots

Fiat 500 Abarth 'SS'

We catch the 500 Abarth SS track testing
25 Sep 2007
Skip advert
Advertisement
Fiat 500 v Renault Twingo
Group tests

Fiat 500 v Renault Twingo

We drive Fiat’s perfectly formed 500 and Renault’s dinky new Twingo. Which puts the biggest grin on your face?
13 Sep 2007
Fast 500 caught
News

Fast 500 caught

Ex-Ferrari engineer develops powerplants for hot versions of baby Fiat
16 Aug 2007
Skip advert
Advertisement
Fiat 500 sells out
Fiat 500
News

Fiat 500 sells out

Demand for the 500 is so great that Fiat has already sold out of the cars it plans to build this year.
27 Jul 2007