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.
High-performance versions of the 500 are built by Fiat-owned Abarth and are not covered by this page. We are building separate pages for the Abarth 500 models, so check back soon.
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.
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Body style:Â Small three-door hatch
Engines:Â petrol, diesel
Price: From £12,015 on-road
Launched:Â Autumn 2015
Last updated:Â Spring 2019
Replacement due:Â TBA
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media
Auto Express
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“Still fashionable and fun, but the three-door Fiat 500 isn’t as practical as some city car rivals.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Fiat 500 appeals as a finely wrought, thoroughly practical evocation of the original 500, and backs that up with a good finish and tempting customisation options.”
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Car
Model reviewed: TwinAir Lounge
Score: 8 / 10
“The Fiat 500 is still one of the most characterful cars on the road. The facelift can’t fix some of its enduring shortcomings: tough ride, lack of headroom for tall folk, odd driving position and expensive pricing in particular. But a well-judged set of worthwhile updates have made a great piece of product design feel that little bit fresher.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Lounge
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s hardly going to give the VW Up a hard time amongst the most rational buyers, but Fiat has successfully enhanced the 500 without ruining its underlying appeal.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6.6 / 10
“The Fiat 500 has an unashamedly retro style, but fairly economical engines, making it a strong city-car performer.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“If you’re looking for a sensible, practical town car, the Hyundai i10 or Volkswagen Up are better choices since they are more spacious, better-equipped and more competent on the open road. But if you’re style-conscious then there is no small car to match the Fiat 500 for image or personalisation.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: (range review)
“Just fabulous, darling. Bellissimo.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“If you want a car of this size, there are far better all-rounders out there in the shape of the VW Up and Hyundai i10. But if you’re after a city car that’s chic and feels special to own, the Fiat 500 is hard to beat.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“The Fiat 500 looks tempting and fun where so many cars in this segment are drab.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 4 / 10
“The Fiat 500 is wonderfully stylish and reasonably cheap to buy, but plenty of rivals are better to drive and more practical. If you’re smitten by the looks, go for the entry-level 1.2 petrol engine in Pop or Lounge trim.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 4.5 / 10
“The Fiat 500 has long sold on its looks, with many willing to look past its practicality drawbacks. However, when it comes to safety there can be no compromise and we cannot recommend the 500 whatsoever.” Rated DON’T BUY.
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 3 stars
Date tested: March 2017
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.
Eco rATING
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The Fiat 500 has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Fiat 500 has received
2016
- Sunday Times Top 100 Cars – Best City Car
- Contract Hire and Leasing Awards – City Car of the Year
- BusinessCar Awards – Best City Car
2015
- Next Green Car Awards – City Car Award
Similar cars
If you’re interested in the Fiat 500, you might also like to consider these alternatives
Citroën C1 | DS 3 | Peugeot 108 | SEAT Mii | Skoda Citigo | Smart Fortwo | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Aygo | Vauxhall Adam | Volkswagen up!