Seats in Fiat 500 hybrid are made from recycled plastic
with us since 1957 but was relaunched in the form we know today in 2007.
It has always been the darling of the stylish and chic young Italians and you can now add green to that description.
The launch colour for the new and first hybrid version is verde rugiada – green dew – a sophisticated and elegant shade of green.
It is ref lected inside on the dash – indeed, the interior fulfils the design promise we have come to expect from the eternally popular 500.
The difference in this car is the hybrid engine. It mates a 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery.
The electric motor will work with the conventional engine to start up and pull away and when it needs acceleration.
Interestingly, though, energy can be regenerated as you drive by decelerating – taking your foot off the accelerator when going downhill, for example – even more forcefully by braking and, in some cases, like pulling up towards traffic lights, you can ease into neutral and coast to recoup power. We tried the new hybrid out in Bologna – the gastronomic capital of Italy – and it was not found wanting.
“This car was made for this kind of driving,” said my co-driver as we stopped and started, swung around Bologna’s narrow streets and eased out into the wide boulevards.
The 500 hybrid was a dream to drive and, with a lower centre of gravity, even more well-balanced on the road.
I particularly liked the black roll-back soft-top roof in this trim level.
Expect an electric version along shortly and, for those who prefer something a little more rugged, this hybrid engine is also available in the Fiat Panda.
There are five other trim levels for the 500 hybrid as well as this Launch Edition, which tops the range. It starts at an amazing £12,665 for the entry-level Pop.
For those looking for style in their green philosophy, this could well be the answer. And, in the Launch Edition, it is even green in colour.