Fiat 500 Hybrid Review - The Best Hybrid City Car?
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- čas přidán 3. 11. 2020
- BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A FIAT 500 HYBRID FROM OSV: bit.ly/35L2E4x
Fiat's cheeky little 500 is a stylish citycar that remains as appealing as ever. It's just gained clever 1.0-litre mild hybrid petrol power but otherwise hasn't been fundamentally changed in recent times - but then loyal buyers didn't really want it to be. These people will like the smart look, the various media options and the very individual feel. You can tell that Fiat knows its market.
Background
If ever a car has built its brand, it's this one, Fiat's 500. In fact, it's done so twice. First at its original launch back in 1957. And more recently with this modern era version, first launched in 2008. Ever since, it's been a money-spinner for the Italian brand, who've never stopped trying to improve it. We got quite a wide-ranging package of updates in early 2014 that gave buyers of more expensive versions the company's 'UConnect' infotainment technology. Then in early 2020, the brand announced a 1.0-litre mild hybrid three cylinder engine.
Fiat's also put considerable thought into a wide range of personalisation options. It all means that on paper at least, this car remains a strong proposition. The small, fashionable citycar segment though, has changed substantially since this model's original launch. Does this Fiat still have what it takes to compete? Let's find out.
Driving Experience
The big news here is the introduction of a mild hybrid 70hp 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol engine to replace the aging 69hp 1.2-litre conventional four cylinder unit this car's been soldiering on with since launch. The mild hybrid powerplant improves fuel efficiency without impeding performance. It also ensures a very high standard of driving comfort thanks to a 12-volt 'BSG' 'Belt-integrated Starter Generator', allowing for a quiet, vibration-free restart of the internal combustion engine in Stop&Start mode. The engine (which in conventional form we've already seen in the 500X SUV) puts out 92Nm of pulling power and works via a 6-speed manual gearbox integrated with that 'BSG' set-up we just mentioned. The 'BSG' system is mounted directly on the engine and is operated by the belt that also drives the auxiliaries. The new system also involves lowering the entire power unit 45mm so the car behaves better on the road thanks to the lower centre of gravity.
As before, there's a 1.4-litre petrol turbo unit for the Abarth models.
In recent times, Fiat has tried to improve both the ride and handling of this 500, though this will probably be of limited interest to the car's urban-minded audience. You'll find that the engine can get a bit vocal if you work it hard. Even then though, the gruff, slightly throbby note is characterful rather than unpleasant and around town, refinement is more than acceptable. If you are urban-bound, you might also want to consider the optional (but rather jerky) Dualogic gearbox, a kind of manual transmission without a clutch. Unless you like all that left-foot pumping of course. With the Dualogic though, you'll have to have the older less efficient 1.2-litre 69hp engine. City dwellers will appreciate the tight 9.3m turning circle.
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Would you buy a Fiat 500 Hybrid?
I prefer the New Honda Jazz Hybrid 🍀🙋🏼♂️🇩🇪
I would. I would take the Club (or dolcevita) version. The Poltrona Frau ivory leather seats are beautiful. They make the interior bright especially with the nice sunroof. It's the last real city car on the market. Much nicer than a Twingo in my opinion.
My nearest Fiat dealer has a 500 Rock Star spec mild Hybrid at £12,500. Makes it a good value model, although full price for a car exactly to your spec is, IMHO, an unnecessary extravagance. Nothing wrong with quietly understated grey!!!!
@@MB-de5ho All Jazz models appeal to Senior members of the community as a result of being SAGA Car of the Year - best avoided to maintain one's youth if that is important to you. lol
Bought one year ago ;)
No other car gives me such driving pleasure. Great review OSV. Regards
Still too much emphasis on 0-60 and top speed figures when in reality its not important in a car such as this. If someone wants a fast car, they simply buy a fast car but we have speed limits and other traffic on the roads. Its as though a car with relatively low power is seen as dull or boring, but in actual fact it says far more about the attitude of todays drivers. Any car is capable of keeping up with traffic no matter how small the BHP. Impatience and lack of observation causes most of the problems on the roads today. The obsession with speed is immature.
I have one of these as a courtesy car. I drove it for the first time yesterday, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's such a fun car to drive...perfect for towns and cities which is where I do most of my driving. I'm seriously thinking about getting one in the future.
Great to hear! Our Vehicle Specialists can get you behind the wheel of your dream Fiat 👍 Fill-in this quick form and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml
I'm getting one tomorrow and I'm quite comfortable with it thanks very much! I had an Abarth 595 for 2 years and it cost me a fortune in loosened fillings!
Exciting! Wishing the best with your new Fiat 500 👍
I'm one of the very few blokes to own a 500. Mine's a 2009 1.2 Pop. I much prefer this earlier styling with the 'solid' rear lights and generally less fussy detailing. The simple, body-coloured dash is lovely. No screens and buttons everywhere, just classic chic. I can't see much benefit at all in the new 1.0 engine and additional technology. Most girly owners won't even be aware of it. The 1.2 is a tried and tested bullet-proof unit that's easy to service and gives me 45-60mpg. I tried to get the cherished registration G1 RLY but it is already assigned. The best accessory is a blanket called 'Gurli' available from IKEA!
Thanks for sharing, so based on your experience to date would you go for a Fiat 500 again?
Agree completely, had 2 Puntos with the 1.2 engine, reliable, cheap to maintain and great fun to drive, the engines liked to be revved in typical Italian style and to drop a gear on an uphill twisty was a joy. I did over 70k miles in one in 3 years with a long commute, so not lightly used. Now retired and following some dangerous tailgating incidents at speed, I swapped for a Mercedes C class and had front and rear cameras installed, it's a lovely car which will probably be my last, but I do miss my Punto for the fun factor which it provided in spades. If it wasn't for the dangerous idiots on the road I would enjoy owning a 500, particularly a convertible.
I'm the girl with the pink one at the gym 😂 love my fiat 🩷
Fiat 500 Mini Hybrid
For us, the 1922, Fiat 500 Mini Hybrid from Sixt Auto Rental was a perfect match for our 19-day journey on the narrow two-lane roads through France’s forest and medieval villages.
On that journey in May 2023, we drove as close to the Loire River as possible, from its mouth at Saint-Nazaire to its source at Mont Gerbier de Jonc; then on to Thueyts in the Ardeche; then to Lyon where we returned the Fiat to Sixt Auto Rental.
I do have one reservation, and that was: The hundreds of tuning circles in France were a busy exercise with the 6-speed manual gearbox.
In closing: If I were to own my own car here in Seattle, I would want a Fiat 500 Mini Hybrid. Leif in Seattle
I don't agree with the comments about rear visibility - it isn't a problem, and the there IS a small footrest on the right hand side of the centre console. Seems like the reviewer was a little picky for what is still the most stylish car in the sector. The 500 has far more character than the alternative German, Japanese or Eastern competitors and that is what customers buy into.
Gear change on the 6 speed is much slicker than the reviewer suggests and reverse is EASY to select - you have to lift the collar.
There IS a spacesaver spare wheel option which replaces the tyre goop/inflator tray that you very briefly show in the video. Since the Hybrid came out, the Lounge trim no longer has the fixed glass sunroof and the Star trim upwards have the pictured instrument binnacle.
Slightly sloppy research for such a lengthy review. But you are correct about the style!
agreed, own the new hybrid, and drive many bigger more sophisticated cars weekly for work, and it absolutely stands up in comparison
Our Star version returns more than 60 mpg and charges when you take your foot off the accelerator and are slowing in gear, you can feel the extra retardation. I also have the relevant space saver spare wheel fitting in with no problem. The engine is generally quiet although you need to use the gears for acceleration and we are very happy with it in every other way.
i have a new 500c hybrid and completely agree, the car itself and engine are really very hushed, effective, and i really take advantage of the coasting function; it feels super natural to me now
I love my 500 sport cabrio hybrid. It is really beautyful
Don’t think we’ve got this version in Australia? Would like to own one. Great review. Thanks
Thanks for watching, Paris 👍
nice comprehensive review......nice work....
Thanks for watching 👍 If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT
Anyone know how noisy the revs are when you pull away at lights etc please? Great review and I like it but we can’t test drive right now and slightly worried in case it’s too noisy
not noisy at all, at times the new hybrid engine is barely audible
‘Overly familiar with the offerings of Colonel Sanders’ 😂😂😂
Yes!
Hi Allan, we're happy to help get you behind the wheel of a new Fiat 500 Hybrid! To chat through options with one of our vehicle experts, call us on 01903 538835 or book a free consultation today: bit.ly/39YHCml
Is it using Peugeot 3 cylinder engine?
Hi there, interested in getting this car? One of our Vehicle Specialists will be happy to explore your options further to find the specification that best suits you 👍 Fill-in this quick form and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml
Off course not.
it has a Fiat -designed 3-cylinders Firefly. It’s a very extensive evolution of the historic 4-cylinders Fire petrol engine
I drove a Fiat 500 "hybrid" this weekend and I don't know how they're allowed to get away with it legally. The petrol engine was constantly running and if there is any electric motor at all, it's a delivering an extremely minimal contribution to the vehicle performance & efficiency.
What worries me about these new hybrid engines is the nagging feeling that buyers are being used as part of an experiment to placate the car hating eco fanatics. How long will this hybrid battery last and how much will it cost to replace? I've read of batteries failing in more expensive cars and costing almost as much as the car was worth to replace. It seems a pointless change as the 500 was hardly a gas guzzler before and a simpler proven 1.2 engine made for a more confidence inspiring purchase, much less to go wrong and probably cheaper to service and local garages could do maintenance.
All that talk about features - what about how the thing is on the road? I didn't watch till the end, only about 3/4 of the way through.
Hi John, thanks for your feedback. We touch on this in the 'Summary' section from 35:58. If you'd like more information about the Fiat 500 Hybrid, book a free consultation with one of our vehicle experts and we'll be happy to talk through options: bit.ly/39YHCml
The Honda PCX hybrid scooter has a bigger battery than this car.
But that isn't the point is it? The Tesla has an even bigger one - all different solutions to different problems.
I'd never buy a fiat just junk!
I don't know why people hate Fiat so much. They are cheap to buy, cheap to fix, and are actually more reliable than most German vehicles.
Just don’t be a badge snob
That is simply not true..
@@Antares2F Sorry to disappoint you but I have driven fiats
Helpful..really helpful and constructive..your opinion matters..