The Fiat 500 – reborn in 2007 – which today opens the doors to electrification by becoming hybrid .
Dimensions and measurements
The measurements are like a real city car, very easy to park in the city with its 3.57 meters long, 1.63 meters wide and 1.49 meters high . The pass that stops at 2.30 meters is generous .
2021 Fiat 500 Hybrid Exterior
From a stylistic point of view, there have been no major revolutions from the revived Fiat 500 of 2007 until today, but small touches of style. LED daytime running lights and redesigned lower part of the bumper. A distinctive feature is at the rear where the headlights have a plastic insert in the middle that recalls the color of the bodywork .
2021 Fiat 500 Hybrid Interior
The ve rs ion Launch Edition offers an enhanced interior with brushed chrome detail on the steering wheel and gearshift knob, seats in the innovative coating of sustainable Seaqual fabric made of recycled plastics recovered from the sea, and with matching dashboard Opaque Green Dew that echoes the exterior color. The dashboard is digital , we have well-readable graphics implemented with functions to see how the hybrid module works and it remains an excellent trendy retro-style cockpit with large circular buttons for basic commands such as the four emergency arrows and modes City .
How is the infotainment
The Uconnect infotainment system has a 7-inch screen and integrates perfectly with the dashboard. There is the DAB digital radio , the TomTom navigator and by connecting your smartphone you can take advantage of full compatibility with the Apple CarPlay and Android A uto systems as well as the Uconnect app with dedicated functions for more information on the car and more.
How is the habitability
To have an easy-to-park compact car with a fancy line, you have to sacrifice something in terms of habitability . In fact, those who sit in front will not have any space problems but the two people sitting on the rear sofa have little space for legs and head, especially if they are tall. In addition, in the 500 Hybrid version, the small battery pack is stowed under the driver’s seat and those who sit in the back have less space for their feet.
How is the trunk
The load compartment is in line with the dimensions and interior habitability of the new 500 . The luggage compartment capacity ranges from 185 to 550 liters by folding down the rear sofa.
How are you
The hybrid Fiat 500 is of the mild-hybrid type : it means having the 1.0 3-cylinder naturally aspirated Fire Fly engine under the hood combined with the 0.13 kWh battery located under the driver’s seat that powers a 5 HP motor generator . This naturally aspirated engine replaces the previous 1.2 in the range but maintains a total power of 70 HP and 92 Nm of torque . What changes then? Consumption certainly changes, passing from the previous 15 km per liter to 18 km per liter always in the mixed. If you are better than me at taking advantage of the battery recharge regeneration during deceleration– where if we put in neutral the start and stop also intervenes below 30 km / h – perhaps you will be able to reach the 25 km per liter declared by Fiat during the NEDC homologation phase.
Here the shift in neutral is essential to recharge the small lithium battery well that releases energy to help the thousand petrol with the electric motor connected to the crankshaft by a belt. Safe and controlled sailing but always with a smooth response and excellent fuel consumption. A light hybrid that also serves to reduce CO2 emissions that pass to just 88 grams per km with this type of engine. Excellent 6-speed manual gearbox plus reverse, close to the steering wheel, easy to reach and precise in the engagement and great steering response that makes it an agile car in all situations. The City button is a mustwhich lightens the steering under 30 hours and allows us to park comfortably. Acoustic comfort has been improved and the suspension does a decent job when we encounter potholes or imperfections in the road surface. In terms of performance, the maximum speed achievable with the 500 Hybrid is 167 km / h while the sprint from 0-100 km / h is covered in 13.8 seconds . It should be noted that given the car’s low weight of around 900 kg in running order, the drum brakes at the rear and internally ventilated discs at the front are suitable for stopping in a few meters.
How much
The price list of the Fiat 500 Hybrid starts from the entry level Pop trim at 15,350 euros up to the top of the Dolcevita range at 21,400 euros . For the Launch Edition version of today’s test it takes about 19,000 euros but I remind you that being a hybrid it can draw on various discounts and eco-incentives dedicated during the purchase phase.
Pros and cons
immortal style: one turns again to look at it as if it were a supercar
excellent fuel consumption
agility in the city
-small trunk
– approval only for four (behind in two adults it is tight)
– reduced rear and visibility
Data sheet
Dimensions
Length / width / height 357/163/149 cm
Step 230 cm
Weight in running order kg 905
Boot capacity 185/550 liters
Tires (standard) 195/45 R16
Performance declared
Top speed (km / h) 167
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s) 13.8
Average consumption (km / l) 25.6
Petrol engine
Displacement 3 cm 999
N or cylinders and 3 in-line arrangement
Maximum power kW (CV) / rpm 51 (69) / 6000 rpm
Max torque Nm / rpm 92/3500
Electric motor
Maximum power kW (CV) / revs 3.6 (5) / nd revs
Max torque Nm / rpm nd
CO2 emission 2 grams / km 88
Distribution 2 valves per cylinder
N or 6 reverse gear ratios
Front-wheel drive
Front brakes self-ventilating discs
Rear brake drums