Fiat 500 Hatchback (08 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 21 February 2011
Since 2004 Fiat has been doing what it does best - producing small cars whose appeal is in their character and value. Following the success of the Panda and Grande Punto, the 500 is another small car. However, this one unashamedly appeals to the emotions and is a modern interpretation of a classic small Fiat from the past. The 500 echoes the design of the rear-engined original, although is built to modern standards, and is very safe. Easy to drive and available with a host of customisation options, the little Fiat is a stylish small car with plenty of characterful.
4 out of 5

Other Fiat reviews

4.5 out of 5

Safety

The 500 is one of the safest small cars on sale. It scored a maximum star rating (five out of five) for adult occupant protection in official European crash tests and all models come with seven airbags as standard (front, side and curtain airbags plus a knee airbag for the driver). Electronic stability control is fitted to 1.4-litre models and is optional on other versions while all cars have two sets of Isofix child seat mounting points on the rear bench.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5

  • Child Protection Rating

    3 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
3.5 out of 5

Reliability

The 500 should prove generally reliable. It shares many major components with the Fiat Panda and Ford Ka, while the 1.2-litre petrol engines have been in service in other Fiats even longer. However, we hear occasional reports of Pandas with poor reliability so we hope Fiat's quality control has improved.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.