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Fiat 500

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Expert Rating

Fiat 500

(2015 - present)

    Summary


    The Fiat 500 is a small three-door hatchback that was originally launched in 2007, echoing the beloved 1957 Fiat Cinquecento. It was given a major update in 2015 and there have been countless limited editions over the last 12 years.

    A mild hybrid petrol engine was added to the range in early 2020 and is now the only engine choice. Although an all-new, all-electric model arrived in 2021, the existing model will soldier on for the time being as a cheaper option until it is eventually retired once demand slows or the costs of keeping it on sale get too high.

    High-performance versions of the 500 are built by Fiat-owned Abarth and are not covered by this page. We have a separate page for the Abarth 595 models here.

    The Fiat 500 has received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media, with scores gradually falling as the car gets older and starts to fall further behind the class leaders. It has received praise for its style and character, as well as its extensive personalisation options, however it has been criticised for its lack of comfort and practicality, while consumer-oriented titles have marked it down heavily for its lack of advanced safety features.

    From 2021, the Fiat 500 has only been only available with a petrol engine and a manual gearbox. Fiat brands the engine as a ‘Hybrid’, but it’s really only a mild hybrid. That means it can’t drive on electricity alone, with a small electric motor used to assist the petrol engine to improve fuel economy.

    As of April 2023, the Fiat 500 has an Expert Rating of 50%, which puts it down near the bottom of the small car sector.

    Key specifications


    Body style: Small three-door hatch
    Engines: petrol (mild hybrid)
    Price: From £16,790 on-road

    Launched: Autumn 2015
    Last updated: Winter 2019/20
    Replacement due: N/A


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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    What Car?

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 3 stars
    Date tested: March 2017
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 66%
    Child protection: 49%
    Vulnerable road users: 53%
    Safety assist: 27%

    Notes on safety

    Euro NCAP originally awarded the Fiat 500 a five-star rating when it was launched back in 2007. However, safety standards have evolved more rapidly than the Fiat’s safety systems over the last decade; when the updated Fiat 500 was re-tested in 2017, it only scored three stars.

    In addition, the above rating only applies to the hatchback models and not the cabriolet version, which has not been tested.

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    Model tested: Hybrid 1.0-litre GSE Petrol FWD Manual

    Overall score: 3 stars
    Date tested: October 2022
    Read the full Green NCAP review

    Clean Air Index: 4.3 / 10
    Energy Efficiency Index: 6.3 / 10
    Greenhouse Gas Index: 5.2 / 10

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

    As of April 2023, the Fiat 500 has a very good reliability score of 67%, according to extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation 500 and the former (pre-2015) version.

    The Fiat 500 also appears to be cheap to repair when things go wrong, with an average repair cost of less than £400. That’s good news if you already own a 500 or are considering buying a used one.

    The most common reported problems with the 500 relate to its suspension and braking system, with an average repair bill of around £220 and £120 respectively. The other area to look out for is the gearbox, which accounts for a sixth of repair claims. Unfortunately, this is the most expensive type of fault on the list, costing over £1,100 on average.

    If you’re looking at a used Fiat 500, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Fiat 500 has received

    2021

    • Motor Trader Industry Awards – Best Volume Used Car

    2019

    • Auto Express Driver Power Awards – Best Premium Small Car

    2016

    • BusinessCar Awards – Best City Car
    • Contract Hire and Leasing Awards – City Car of the Year
    • Sunday Times Top 100 Cars – Best City Car

    2015

    • Next Green Car Awards – City Car Award

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Fiat 500, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Citroën C1 | Fiat Panda | Hyundai i10 | Kia Picanto | Peugeot 108 | SEAT Mii | Skoda Citigo | Smart EQ Fortwo | Toyota Aygo | Volkswagen Up!


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    The Fiat 500 has received mixed reviews from the UK media, with scores dropping as the car gets older and starts to fall well behind the class leaders.Fiat 500