Reinventing Fiat’s iconic 500

There’s a new 500 – and this time it’s an all-electric as Darren Cassey reports

Reinventing an icon is never easy, but that’s exactly what Fiat was faced with when updating the 500. The brand’s played it safe by keeping the existing model on sale, but making the new model fully electric is also a bit of a radical step. The new generation 500 cannot be bought with an internal combustion engine. Instead it’s been completely reinvented with new underpinnings and a new look. On paper the 500 is perfect for electrification – but how does it stack up?

WHAT’S NEW?

Pretty much everything. It’s the first Fiat Chrysler Automobiles car to be built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that it has led with its most iconic model. That makes it wider and longer than the old model, gets level two autonomous driving features, a twist on the classic 500 styling, and two battery size choices with fast charging up to 85kW. It comes as both hatchback and convertible.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

In previous generations, the 500’s trump card has always been its style, and while it hasn’t been bad to drive, it’s far from class leading. However, the new 500 feels like a massive step up. Electric powertrains suit city cars down to the ground and this Fiat is no different.

The electric motor doesn’t quite have the immediate kick of acceleration of some EVs, but it’s much more spritely than a petrol car when driving around town. It’s comfortable too, without suffering from the overly harsh ride some rivals struggle with.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

The 500 could have been the worst car ever and it would still sell by the boatload, because Fiat absolutely nailed the retromodern styling. This new model has seen the most dramatic change yet, because although it’s unmistakably a 500, it’s got an ultra-modern edge that would be well-suited to a concept car. Despite being larger now, it’s not obvious from the outside, so it’s still got the charming dinky proportions we know and love. It has a solid front grille with a prominent 500 logo that should be tacky but has been implemented in a classy way.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Prices start at £19,995 for the hatchback after the government grant, and £26,145 for the convertible. There are four trim levels on the hatchback, while the drop top goes without the entry level Action trim, which is only available with the smaller battery. Standard equipment includes parking sensors, 15-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, air con and digital instruments.

THE VERDICT

Reinventing the Fiat 500 was a big ask. But you have to say fair play to the Italians; they’ve managed to find everything that’s loved about the previous 500 and package it up in a modern-looking car with a future-proof electric powertrain. There’s now more substance to the 500’s style, because it’s great to drive, more spacious and has ultra-low running costs too. It’s safe to say this city car’s reign of success is likely to continue for a good while yet.