The Fiat 500 is one of the UK’s most beloved city cars, having thoroughly captured the imagination of British buyers since its rebirth in 2007. It went on to enjoy a remarkable 17-year production run before being replaced by a new version that looked almost the same. A stylish runabout with an instantly recognisable profile, the 500 has evolved over the years, with the early examples using tried-and-tested Fiat engines while later models got the TwinAir engine and Fiat’s 1.0-litre Firefly engine, along with a mild-hybrid systems.
The Fiat 500 has an unrivalled blend of style, efficiency, and city-friendly dimensions. While it’s not the most practical in terms of space and can feel a little firm over bumps, its character, broad range of engines and massive character make it hard to ignore if you live in the city. It’s also perfect for younger drivers.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe 500 went out of production in 2024 to make way for a new all-electric model, which is set to have its range expanded to include hybrid models soon.
For now, though, if you want a petrol-powered 500 then the only options are second-hand, and they’re great value.
A 2024 mild-hybrid in plush Dolcevita trim is as expensive as it gets and for that you’re looking at £10-£12,000 on AACars.com
Early petrol-powered Fiat 500s (2007–2012) can be found from as little as £2,000, with well-kept mid-2010s models typically between £4,000 and £8,000.
Mild hybrid models from 2020 onwards start from around £8,000. Used 500e electric models currently command premiums, with prices starting from about £12,000 for earlier examples.
Throughout its production life, the Fiat 500 has offered a variety of engines. The 2020-onward line-up is focused on efficiency, with the mild hybrid 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine (70hp) paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. This engine provides zippy performance around town, with 0–62 mph in 13.8 seconds, and delivers up to 61.4 mpg (WLTP).
For maximum efficiency and zero emissions, the Fiat 500e is available with two battery sizes: 24kWh (95hp, up to 118 miles range) and 42kWh (118hp, up to 199 miles range, 0–62 mph in 9.0 seconds). The 500e uses a single-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, offering sprightly acceleration and quiet operation.
Earlier versions of the 500 were available with a 1.1-litre petrol (60bhp), 1.2-litre petrol (69hp), a turbocharged 0.9-litre TwinAir (85hp/105hp), and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel (95hp). All are front-wheel drive, with manual gearboxes or, on some models, automated manual (Dualogic) transmissions – although these are rare and aren’t particularly sought-after.
The Fiat 500 is in its element in urban environments, where its light steering, tight turning circle, and compact proportions make it ideal for nipping through traffic and squeezing into tight parking spaces. Drivers enjoy good forward visibility, although thick rear pillars can hamper over-the-shoulder checks and the small rear window limits the view to the rear.
While not designed for high-speed cruising, the 500 holds its own on the motorway, though road and wind noise become more apparent. The electric 500e is quieter and feels notably brisk away from a standstill. The ride can be firm, especially on models fitted with larger alloy wheels.
Despite its short wheelbase, the 500 feels nimble and agile, with quick responses to steering inputs. The suspension is tuned for firmness, which helps keep body roll in check but can result in a bumpy ride over rougher surfaces. It’s huge fun to throw around though, with entertaining handling and tenacious grip.
The 500e features a slightly wider track and revised chassis for improved stability, especially at speeds.
The Fiat 500’s cabin is as eye-catching as its exterior, featuring colour-coded panels, retro touches, and circular motifs. Upper trims get soft-touch dashboard inserts and chrome accents, while basic models feature more hard plastics. The seating position is upright, with plenty of adjustment for the driver.
More modern 500s come equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 500e offers a larger 10.25-inch display with wireless mirroring and integrated navigation. Digital instrument clusters, ambient lighting, and two-tone upholstery are available on higher trims. Older models feel dated, especially in terms of infotainment.
Rear seats are best suited for children or short journeys, though ISOFIX mounts are provided on both rear seats for child seat compatibility.
Boot space is modest at best, with 185 litres available with the rear seats in place, expanding to 550 litres with the 50:50 split-folding bench lowered.
The boot opening is wide, making loading small suitcases or shopping bags straightforward, but the load height is relatively high. Cabin storage includes a glovebox, door bins, and a central cubby, though space is at a premium.
The 500e’s battery pack is neatly integrated beneath the floor, so practicality is largely unchanged from petrol and hybrid models. The convertible (500C) offers the same boot volume, but access is a little tighter due to the folding roof mechanism.
Entry-level Pop and Action models (petrol and electric, respectively) come with essentials such as air conditioning, DAB radio, electric front windows, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Stepping up to Connect or Icon trims adds alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and upgraded infotainment.
Top-spec Dolcevita, La Prima, and Red editions bring premium features such as climate control, wireless smartphone charging, LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and advanced driver assistance systems. Optional extras include a Beats premium audio system, heated seats, and a range of custom styling packs.
From 2020 onward, the Fiat 500 was available in trims including Pop, Connect, Dolcevita, Red (petrol/hybrid), plus Action, Icon, La Prima, and Red (electric).
Pop/Action are entry-level, with essential features. Connect/Icon add tech and style upgrades, while Dolcevita and La Prima are the most luxurious, offering leather, panoramic roofs, and advanced driver assistance.
Prior to that, the 500 was offered in three main trim levels: Pop, Lounge, and Sport. The entry-level Pop provided essentials such as electric windows, remote central locking, and a CD player. Stepping up to the Lounge added features like air conditioning, alloy wheels, chrome exterior details, and a glass roof, catering to those seeking extra comfort and style. The Sport trim, meanwhile, focused on a bolder appearance, with sportier bumpers, 15-inch alloy wheels, and unique interior touches such as a leather steering wheel and sports seats.
A wide selection of special editions appears each year, featuring unique paint colours, interior trims, and badges. Popular options include the 500C convertible, sportier S models, and the eco-focused 500e RED.
Colour choices span from classic Bossa Nova White and Passione Red to Celestial Blue, Rose Gold, and Onyx Black, with many models offering contrast roofs, mirror caps, and alloy wheel designs for a truly bespoke finish.
The Fiat 500 received a three-star Euro NCAP rating in its most recent test (2017), with the electric 500e achieving four stars (2021) thanks to improved safety equipment. Standard safety features include multiple airbags, ESC, hill start assist, and tyre pressure monitoring. Higher trims offer autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition.
Owners report generally good reliability, with the mild hybrid and electric models benefitting from updated engineering. Some older models are known to suffer from cylinder head gasket issues, but repairs aren’t horrendously expensive.
The Fiat 500’s 1.0-litre mild-hybrid engine achieves up to 61.4 mpg (WLTP) and emits just 106–110 g/km CO2. The all-electric 500e offers running costs as low as 3–4p per mile, with rapid charging capability (up to 85kW) for quick top-ups.
Annual road tax is £195 for all petrol and hybrid models since 2017, with older models (pre-April 2017) potentially qualifying for lower rates – the diesel 1.3 MultiJet, for example, costs just £35 a year in road tax.
Servicing is every 12 months or 9,000 miles, with Fiat’s warranty covering three years or 60,000 miles. The 500e battery is warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles.
London
AA finance available
London
London
Connect with us
