The second generation of the modern Fiat 500 was supposed to be EV-only, with the first-generation ICE car, dating from 2007, carrying on catering for ICE customers who couldn’t or didn’t want to make the move to EV. Well, the first-generation Fiat 500, also latterly a mild hybrid, ceased production last year thanks to tightening emissions regulations.
Anyway, stagnating electric car demand has resulted in Fiat needing a quick fix for sliding sales, so it has re-engineered the 500e to take an ICE engine. It has done it in double quick time (20 months no less!), and the result is this new Fiat 500 Hybrid.
Design and interior
Outside, at first glance, the new 500 Hybrid looks indistinguishable from the electric version that’s been on sale in the UK since 2021. Well, apart from two new colours for the Torino version: Yellow Gold, or Ocean Green. For a four-year-old design, this 500 has aged as well as its predecessor, and the only way to spot the Hybrid is that it has a new grille slot below the chrome detailing and badging at the front. Plus, a small ‘Hybrid’ boot badge at the back! Even the pea-shooter-sized exhaust is hidden underneath the rear bumper!
Inside, the most noticeable change is the gearstick sprouting from the high centre console. The driving position on our left-hand drive Torino Edition was quite upright, as it lacked a height-adjustable driver’s seat. It was the same for the passenger seat, too. We also have concerns over foot space for the driver, in the transition from left-, to right-hand drive, as the Hybrid has gained a clutch pedal, and the driving position felt raked to the right.
Elsewhere, previous experience with the 500e tells us that it’s a tight fit for two adults, and two growing children in the back. However, the 185-litre boot, although small, is surprisingly practical in use.
The space issues are partly forgotten thanks to the 500 Hybrid’s attractive interior design, quality interior fabrics and good all-round vision. The dashboard design itself follows the original, but the instruments have been replaced by a 7in digital TFT screen, with another 10.25in touchscreen taking care of the infotainment.
Performance and drive
Despite a near-total redevelopment of the 500e for the ICE engine conversion – which includes new front and rear subframes; the front to accommodate the petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox, the rear to allow a fuel tank to replace the EV’s traction battery – this Fiat doesn’t feel like the work of Frankenstein to drive.
Powered by the Panda’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, mild hybrid (MHEV) engine, dubbed ‘Firefly’, it gives just 64hp, and 92Nm of torque. Considering these figures, it’s no surprise this 500 covers the 62mph sprint in a decidedly pedestrian 16.2 seconds. Choose the Convertible version, and it’s even slower (17.3 seconds)! The six-speed manual transmission might be an unusual fit in 2025, but the fact this engine isn’t turbocharged is also a surprise.
Despite the slow figures, the performance for the 500 Hybrid proved to be willing, tractable, and enough around town. This is mostly thanks to the light clutch, and slick six-speed manual transmission. The feel of the clutch and transmission is very similar to the first-generation 500 in our opinion – which can’t be a coincidence. The steering is super-light, too. Although as the roads opened out and got faster, we wished for more feel (and performance!).
On the standard, modest 16in alloy wheels, the 500 Hybrid’s ride is composed, although there’s a bit of body roll in corners which spoils the fun.
Still, when the 500 Hybrid gets to the UK next year, it will be one of the most frugal and affordable, complete and characterful small cars available. It is a good small car, if you can live with its limitations.
Positive: Slick manual gearbox and precise clutch, willing performer around town, characterful exterior and interior styling, will be affordable to run.
Negative: Feels less at home at higher speeds, upright driving position, will the driving position be compromised?
Standard equipment: 16in alloy wheels, full LED headlamps, bi-colour monogram fabric seats in black and ivory, body coloured dashboard, 10.25in touchscreen, soft-touch black steering wheels, automatic air conditioning, wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto, rear parking sensors.
Engines: Petrol mild hybrid: 64hp 1.0
Equipment grades: Icon, Torino, La Prima
Transmission: Six-speed manual
| Model | Honda Civic Advance |
| P11D | £19,000 (est) |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | 54.3mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 119g/km (29%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | TBC/TBC |
| Luggage capacity | 185 litres |
| Engine size/power | 999cc/64hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
