Fiat’s iconic 500 takes charge

Ted Welford heads to Italy to sample Fiat’s first electrified model in Europe

It’s no understatement to say the 500 is Fiat’s icon - a model that keeps soldiering on with minimal changes, yet never seems to look a day older. The reborn 500 was launched in 2007, and while there have been more special editions than there have been DFS sales, it’s more or less the same car that it was 13 years ago. But with manufacturers increasingly under pressure to make cars more environmentally-friendly, it’s time for the first electrified Fiats to show their faces...

WHAT’S NEW?

First things first, we should get out of the way that this isn’t technically Fiat’s first electrified model. However, it’s the first electrified model for Europe featuring a new 1.0-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor and battery, which will over time replace the existing 1.2-litre petrol unit previously available. To help celebrate the new powertrain, there’s yet another special version - the Hybrid Launch Edition in this case.

UNDER THE BONNET?

The 1.0-litre petrol unit in the 500 Hybrid is the latest in Fiat’s FireFly engine series, though it’s the first to be fitted with mildhybrid technology. It combines the block with a belt-starter generator and a small battery. Watching paint dry feels quicker than waiting for the 500 to get up to speed, with just 69bhp and 92Nm on tap. From 0-60mph takes a rather lethargic 13.8 seconds. The mild-hybrid technology does, however, bring efficiency savings, with Fiat claiming it will return 53.3mpg, while CO2 emissions are particularly low at 88g/ km - that’s 20% less than the outgoing 1.2-litre petrol engine.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The same flair and character of the exterior makes its way into the 500’s cabin, with a whole host of cool details offering something a little different in the city car class. There’s a colourcoded matt dash, for example, and a glass roof throws plenty of light into the cabin. If you choose this model you’re treated to some special seating upholstery made of ‘Seaqual’ yarn. They feel and look pretty ordinary, though they’re made entirely from recycled plastics, some of which have come from the sea.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The change from the old 1.2-litre engine to a 1.0-litre mild-hybrid has added around £500 to the price - though you’ll be able to recoup some of this with the lower running costs. Prices for the model now start from £12,665, meaning it’s not quite the bargain it once was. But our top-spec Launch Edition pricey - costing from £16,795 - enough to buy you a VW Up! GTI.

THE VERDICT

Making the 500 a hybrid feels like a step that Fiat was forced into, rather than one it wanted. That’s maybe a harsh evaluation, as the new system is smooth and returns decent efficiency, but it still offers limited performance and the need to take it out of gear to make it coast feels lazy. But none of this detracts from the fact that the 500 remains the most stylish, lovable city car on sale today - something that none of its rivals can even get remotely close to it for.