When discussing the city car segment, the A-segment, it's impossible not to mention the FIAT 500. This small car from Turin is a brand in itself. A small car designed by and for the city. A model with a long and constantly evolving history. In 2020, it took another step forward, a step marked by a shift in mindset and mobility.
The current 500 is the natural successor to the classic 500, also known as the Topolino. History tells us that the little FIAT is one of the longest-running models ever. The first one came onto the market in 1936, although production was interrupted at various times . The last edition arrived in 2007, when the brand wisely decided to revive it.
From 2007 to the present day, there hasn't been a substantial change to the 500. Minor aesthetic updates have been introduced to modernize the model's appearance. However, mechanically and technologically, it had fallen behind. In 2020, FIAT changed this, presenting a model updated in every aspect , from aesthetics and mechanics to technology.
Technical characteristics of the FIAT 500
FIAT specializes in making small, practical cars. The FIAT Panda and the 500 share many similarities. One of them is the platform they're based on. Both models share it because they have similar dimensions and mechanical components . This has allowed the Italians to develop two models in one, resulting in considerable cost savings.
As we mentioned at the beginning, the FIAT 500 remains true to the A-segment. Its dimensions position it as the ideal city car: 3,63 meters long, 1,68 meters wide (excluding mirrors), and 1,53 meters high . To these measurements, we must add a wheelbase of 2,32 meters. This is just enough to comfortably accommodate up to four passengers. Cargo capacity isn't the 500's strong point either, offering a minimum of 183 liters.
FIAT is offering three different body styles: the classic three-door hatchback, a model FIAT calls the 3+1, and the convertible, known as the 500C . The hybrid model is the latest addition to the market, arriving hastily after the ill-advised decision to make it a fully electric vehicle.
FIAT 500 mechanical range and gearboxes
It's not often that a brand has simultaneously launched two generations of the same model. The 500 is one of those rare cases. In 2020, FIAT unveiled the new generation of its city car, a generation defined by electric mobility. The FIAT 500e responds to the demand for electric vehicles and the need to reduce emissions.
The entire FIAT 500 fleet is being upgraded for efficiency. While one branch is doing so radically, another retains internal combustion engines, albeit with mild hybrid technology. The FIAT 500 Hybrid achieves the ECO label thanks to its reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
It features a single engine option: a small, naturally aspirated, one-liter, three-cylinder unit. It produces a maximum of 65 horsepower . These are modest figures for a car whose primary driving environment will be the city, where such high power isn't necessary. This engine is complemented by a 12-volt electrical system and a small auxiliary battery. Its official fuel consumption is 5,2 liters per 100 kilometers.
FIAT 500 equipment
The FIAT 500 isn't particularly noteworthy for its equipment either. Being a small car, the technological and equipment features are kept modest to avoid increasing the final price. The relaunch of the 500 Hybrid in late 2025 coincided with a significant improvement in equipment , although the quality remained somewhat poor due to the excessive use of hard plastics.
Behind them lies discreet technology and simple equipment. The most important part is the multimedia system screen. A 10,25-inch display that brings together and centralizes all the car's systems . It's touch-operated and can be enhanced with good connectivity for mobile devices.
In addition to that, we can't add a large number of optional extras. A partially digital instrument cluster, climate control, multifunction steering wheel, electric windows, central locking, and a small collection of active safety features and driver assistance systems. To all this, we can add an extensive customization catalog . A program that allows you to adapt the style of the 500 to the tastes of each buyer.
The FIAT 500 in video
The FIAT 500 according to Euro NCAP
Euro NCAP safety tests have measured and evaluated the FIAT 500's safety, awarding it three out of a possible five stars . The analysis concluded that it offers adequate protection for adult occupants, scoring 66 out of 100. Less positive scores were obtained for child occupant protection (49 out of 100) and pedestrian protection (53 out of 100). The worst result was for the performance of the safety assistance systems, which, due to the low level of technology, scored only 27 out of 100.
The FIAT 500 of Km 0 and second hand
The FIAT 500 is the best-selling city car of all time, with a particularly strong presence in the rental market . This means that once its commercial lifespan is over, the used car market is flooded with units for sale. Unfortunately, this results in a moderate to high depreciation, with prices that can vary considerably depending on the body style, engine, and trim level.
The nearly new car market also offers a wide range of vehicles , primarily the latest models with conventional combustion engines. Since hybrid and electric models have only recently entered the market, there is no stock of these vehicles, and therefore the nearly new car market does not carry these versions.
FIAT 500 rivals
The FIAT 500 is the benchmark in the city car segment . All its rivals strive to emulate its popularity and sales figures. While not the most commercially successful market niche, there is a wide range of models on the market that directly compete with the small Italian car. Some of these rivals include the Hyundai i10 , the KIA Picanto , the Peugeot 108 , the Suzuki Ignis , and its sibling, the FIAT Panda . They all compete in terms of size, price, and, in some cases, fuel efficiency.
Highlight
- Design
- urban versatility
- ECO label
To improve
- indoor habitability
- High price
- Low power
FIAT 500 prices
Although we're talking about the most popular city car, FIAT sets a rather hefty price tag for the 500 family. Compared to its rivals, the price is higher. In the best and most economical scenario, the FIAT 500 has a starting price of €19.900 for the base model. If you opt for the convertible version, the 500C, the starting price rises to €24.400, without discounts or promotions.
Image gallery
The latest on FIAT 500
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
