To Win Technology Car FIAT 500 Hybrid: First Look at the New City Car | Video
FIAT 500 Hybrid: First Look at the New City Car
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FIAT 500 Hybrid: First Look at the New City Car | Video

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We tested the new city car: here’s how the new FIAT 500 Hybrid performs

The Fiat 500 is an icon among city cars and the new model , identified as “Nuova 500”, was launched way back in 2020 exclusively in the electric version: those who wanted the hybrid version had to turn to the previous generation 500 launched in 2007.

The New 500 Hybrid has finally arrived today , a mild-hybrid version that pairs the small 1.0-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine with a 12-volt electric motor. The engine, to be clear, is the same as the old 500 Hybrid and the Panda Hybrid. It’s more affordable than the electric version (starting at less than 20,000 euros) and better suited to a wider audience who can’t (or don’t want to) charge their car from a wall outlet.

DESIGN AND INTERIORS
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
THE ROAD TEST
PRICES

DESIGN AND INTERIORS

FIAT 500 Hybrid: First Look at the New City Car |

Aesthetically, the 500 Hybrid doesn’t betray its origins: its lines are the rounded, retro ones of the classic Cinquino we all know. It’s an evolution of the 2007 500, which in turn masterfully reinterpreted the styling cues of Dante Giacosa’s 500, presented in 1957. It’s more modern, a little larger (from 3.54 to 3.63 meters), and much better finished.

The cabin is essential but well-built, and the dashboard offers a mix of modern materials and nostalgic touches , such as the rounded instruments, the two-spoke steering wheel, and body-colored dashboard sections. Space isn’t abundant, but it’s still larger than before. The driving position is significantly improved (previously one of the 500’s weak points), and there’s also a 3+1 version with a counter-opening side door that improves comfort (8° for those sitting in the back) if there are more than two people traveling.

ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE

FIAT 500 Hybrid: First Look at the New City Car

Under the hood of the 500 Hybrid is the tried-and-tested FireFly 1.0 3-cylinder engine with a 12V mild-hybrid system. The motor-generator provides modest electrical support, but it helps reduce fuel consumption: it contributes 5 hp through the energy stored in the small 0.13 kWh battery when slowing down. Overall, the 500 Hybrid delivers 65 hp of power and 92 Nm of torque. Modest figures, and consequently modest performance: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 16.2 seconds and a top speed of 155 km/h. As for fuel consumption , the 500 Hybrid claims WLTP values ​​of around 19 km/l, with small variations, positive or negative, based on the trim level that determines its equipment (and the size of the wheels).

THE ROAD TEST

FIAT 500 Hybrid: First Look at the New City Car

In the city, the 500 Hybrid is at its best: the FireFly engine combined with the BSG system is very smooth, but the torque delivered at low revs makes it an ideal companion, so much so that you can tackle slow, round bends in third gear without the engine jolting. For example, when starting off, it has a little more verve than the old 1.2 4-cylinder 69 hp Fire, thanks also to the contribution of the electric motor , but when you have to overtake, you feel the lack of grit.

On extra-urban roads, the new 500 hybrid’s chassis is appreciated : despite its modest performance, it makes winding roads enjoyable thanks to the quality of the chassis, generous tires, and adequately precise steering. Compared to the Panda, with which it no longer shares its chassis, it’s on another level. And it’s also comfortable: minimal vibration, little noise, and excellent ability to absorb potholes. Real-world fuel consumption , based on our initial experience, is close to the stated figure: during the test, I reset the trip computer several times and recorded 23 km/l on extra-urban roads and 16 km/l in the city, but a more thorough test would be needed to obtain a more reliable figure.

The Fiat 500 Hybrid 65 HP isn’t a car for those looking for performance, but it’s an almost unrivaled option for those looking for a stylish city car with a strong personality. Especially in the 3+1 and convertible versions.

PRICES

The Fiat 500 Hybrid starts at €19,900 for the basic Pop trim, while the Torino trim starts at €20,900 . There are also two other more luxurious trims, Icon and La Prima, priced at € 21,400 and €24,400 respectively .

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