It all started with the relaunch of the classic MINI. Soon after, the Volkswagen Beetle relaunched, and now we have the Fiat 500. Each of these cars have one thing in common: their iconic and beloved style and design. The Fiat 500 is the smallest of the bunch, but it still has that unique shape. It’s the urbanista’s choice for nipping around the city. We all know that it’s full of character and personality. But, how does it stack up as a practical city car?
Styling
Before we step behind the wheel of the 500, let’s just take a second to admire its unique design. Based on the original Fiat 500, the new bubble shape has undergone a 21st century makeover. It’s sleek, stylish, and super cool. It still has the heart of the small Italian mountain car. It really stands out when you put it up against the competitors in its class. It makes the Toyota Aygo look like a tin can.
Cost
The Fiat 500 sits just shy of £10,000 in the showroom. This is a little more expensive than other city cars (by about £1,000). These reissues always come with a little higher price tag. The question is, are they worth it? For our money, it’s worth every penny. The extra attention to detail on the interiors alone is worth it. You get a better engine, and a better feeling of security and comfort. As for the second-hand models, we took a look at Thames Motor Group, and found very reasonable prices.
Competitors
Here comes the real question. How does it fare when pitched against its competitors. The new city car generation boasts some great cars. The Hyundai i10 is perhaps the best of the bunch. In terms of styling, design, and thrill of driving the i10 doesn’t even come close. However, it does beat the 500 in terms of fuel efficiency and cost. It’s more fun than the Toyota Yaris, and better looking than the Skoda Citigo. It’s all about choosing your priorities here, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Performance
Sitting behind the wheel of the Fiat 500 instantly gives you that feeling of excitement. The old dials are recreated for the modern world, and you just know you’re in for a thrilling ride. It certainly doesn’t disappoint. The Fiat 500 excels on winding roads, where it hugs the corners beautifully. It feels balanced and responsive. It also feels light and agile in the city. It will nip through gaps with deft and ease. It feels nippy and exciting, which will breathe some life into your daily commute!
Practicality
So, we know the Fiat 500 is fun, and we know it looks great. But is it a practical car? The simple answer is yes. The fuel efficiency isn’t best in class, but it’s good enough to keep a budget-conscious family happy. It will squeeze into the smallest parking spaces, yet it’s surprisingly spacious inside. There’s even room for passengers to sit comfortably in the back.
It’s hard to fault the Fiat 500. It’s a shade more expensive than its rival city cars, but a whole lot more fun!
