Fiat Seicento (1998-2004)
At just 3.3-metres long, the Seicento was the shortest four-seater car on the UK market for most of its life, though those in the back were rarely comfortable, such were the confines of the baby Fiat’s rear quarters. Back seats are rarely a key factor in buying a city car, though, and the Seicento does, in every other respect, what small Fiats have always done best. That is, put a smile on your face.
Even in its most basic form, with black plastic bumpers and an ancient 899cc pushrod engine developing just 39bhp, the Seicento is an absolute riot to drive, responding much better to being driven hard than simply pottering.
The 899cc engine disappeared in 2001 due to emissions regulations, and all Seicentos got the 54bhp 1.1-litre engine that was previously only offered in the range topping ‘Sporting’ model.
It may be one of the least powerful cars in this particular group, but the Fiat doesn’t feel it, largely thanks to its featherweight construction – it weighs just 750kg.
The cabin is compromised, though, with dreadful ergonomics, while the driving position is an acquired taste – short legs, long arms and offset feet help here, while larger-footed drivers won’t get on with the tiny pedals. It’s a car that takes some getting used to, but persevere and you’ll be rewarded, as few city cars are as much of a laugh to pedal round town.
While nowhere near the Ford Ka’s level of soluble, the Seicento isn’t immune from chassis corrosion either – the rear subframe mounts, floorpans and trailing edge of the sills can rot out, and this is often concealed well by rot-free exterior panels.
Mechanically, cambelts and head gaskets are generally the only two major things to go wrong, the former down to no more than sloppy maintenance and the latter easy enough to sort out providing you catch it early. Otherwise, service parts are plentiful and available for pennies, plus nsurance is dirt cheap, too, making the diminutive Seicento a great characterful classic for younger drivers.