Fiat 500 Hatchback 1.2 Pop (Start Stop) 3d Owner Review

I disagree with reviews I have read that dismiss the Fiat 500. The underpinnings may be pretty standard Eurobox but the looks are definitely not Eurobland where you cannot tell the difference between makes except by badge. The gear ratios are flawed (first is too low, second too high) and I always switch off stop/start which is a silly idea. The engine is underpowered for the size (1.2 four pot petrol with 69bhp, Suzuki get 80+ from same size) but it sounds nice. The handling is great, almost original mini-like, and the later suspension is good, though it needs better tyres than the non-descript far east rubbish that the previous owner fitted, so I'll get some Michelins soon. It looks tiny but has more room than expected inside. Visibility all round is good, and needs to be because I seem to get "bullied" by other cars tailgating and cutting me up. Now I'm more used to it I am making better use of the gear ratios and it can go quite well in 2nd, 3rd and 4th, ignoring the "shift" nanny on the dash. I like it, I don't do big motorway miles any more. Pity the autoboxes are so dodgy, but a manual is ok. Shame they discontinued the faster models (1.4 100 bhp and Twinair) they would be even more fun, but I bet the ride is harsher on fatter lower profile tyres. Dealer did the timing belt and water pump which many owners neglect at no extra cost (as it should be). Its white and gets filthy quickly, the best colour is Baby Blue, but buying SH the choice is more limited. I would have preferred a few extras like AC and bluetooth, but it was a bargain.