The Fiat Barchetta is a characterful, compact roadster built to make every drive feel like a holiday. This two-seat convertible turns heads with its bold styling and keeps driving simple and fun.
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Overall rating 4/5
Running costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality
The Fiat Barchetta was made for drivers who love the open road. Its low‑slung stance, eager handling and easy‑to‑fold soft‑top make it a pure, joyful drive – best savoured on sunny days. Built from 1995 to 2005 (with a brief production pause), it’s now a rare sight in the UK – partly because it was left‑hand drive only, even when sold here. The Barchetta delivers sharp styling, dependable performance and a well-equipped cabin for its class and era. Later models gained a light facelift and a few extra features, but the timeless charm stayed intact. Compared with more common rivals, it’s a left-field pick that rewards you with individuality and style. Highlights include a manual fabric roof, driver and passenger airbags and a lively 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
Distinctive designEngaging handlingAffordable classic
Only left-hand driveLimited boot spaceSome parts can be harder to sourceMost UK-market Fiat Barchettas have driver and passenger airbags, ABS and seat-belt pretensioners for core protection. The body adds crumple zones, a reinforced front structure and side-impact door bars for extra strength. It’s not modern safety tech, but enough for peace of mind – provided you check the seat belts and overall structure before you buy.
All Fiat Barchetta models are powered by a 1.8-litre 16-valve petrol engine producing 130bhp. There were no alternative engine options. Known for its lively performance and solid reliability when well maintained, it also makes your running costs easier to predict.
You’ll find the basics, like an FM radio (with CD player in later models), plus electric windows and mirrors on most versions. Technology is simple by today’s standards – no touchscreens or satellite navigation – but that keeps distractions to a minimum while you drive.
You can expect around 33–35mpg (combined) from the Fiat Barchetta’s 1.8-litre petrol engine. That’s competitive with other small roadsters from the same era, giving you a good balance between fun and efficiency.
Look closely at the convertible roof for leaks and the rear window for clarity. Check for rust on the sills and underbody, and make sure the service history shows regular oil changes. With some parts now harder to source, The AA Vehicle Inspection is a smart move for extra reassurance.
Generally, yes – if you keep up with servicing. The 1.8-litre engine is robust, though age can bring small electrical issues and trim wear. Using your Fiat Barchetta regularly helps keep it in good shape, but be ready for the occasional challenge when sourcing rare parts.
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