Fiat 500 Hatchback 0.9 TwinAir Plus 3d (2011/61) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Pah! Who cares?

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They love it! It's cute and the black roof, spoiler and 16" rims make it look very sporty.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Probably not, but I want to keep it for my eldest daughter who'll be driving in about 3 years. I'm in line for my mid-life crisis coupe, now. I do a lot of motorway miles and it's not.

What are you likely to buy next?

Haha! BMW 330d coupe or maybe the new 4 series.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£13,400

When did you buy the car?

November 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not really. Fiat are notoriously stingy on that front. I did get an amazing part-ex deal on my BMW 525D, though. Oh, and some floor mats.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted something small and economical. I'd also wanted a 500 ever since they came out. The Twinair Plus is easily the best of the bunch (and only beaten by the Abarth 0-60).

What was the dealer like?

Nice guy. Typical spiv. They're a bit wet on the whole there, though.

What's it like to drive?

It puts a smile on your face every.single.time you drive it. The eco mode is reasonably effective when you're being sensible and it has the added bonus of acting like an instant turbo boost when when you switch it off and drop a cog. 3rd gear on country lanes is unbelievable fun. Bit gutless on motorways and economy nosedives above 50mph.

What's it like to park?

Absolute doddle. Plus the seating position is actually quite elevated. I cannot understand why anyone would bother with the optional sensors. It's so small you can see every corner! Eco mode even lightens the already featherweight sterring.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing at all, although you'd have to drive like a monk to get anywhere near the claimed mpg - in fact, I'd have to say that Fiat should be officially censured for their laughably fictitious claim.

What's most practical about your car?

It's tax and c charge exempt and gets through gaps in traffic you wouldn't dream of in a mini. It's tiny!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Blue and Me is excellent.