Words and Photos by Rob McSorley
What is it?
The Fiat 500 was launched in 2007 and is the spiritual successor to the original iconic 500 of the 1950s . Cashing in on its heritage the new 500 is a direct rival for the more expensive MINI although it is considerably smaller in both length and width. The soft top model tested here was launched in 2009 and it based on the hatchback 500 but features a clever folding roof that folds all the way back to the rear tailgate where it sits neatly, unusually the 500C retains the hatchbacks pillars which aid rigidity and also give the car a more individual feel. Here we are testing the well equipped Lounge models with the lowest powered petrol engine the 1.2 8v with Stop Start technology.
Rivals; MINI One, Citroen DS3, Ford Ka
Engine: 1.2 8v 69bhp - 0-62mph: 12.9 secs - Maximum Speed: 99mph -
Economy: 49.6 (urban) – 65.7mpg (extra-urban), 58.9mpg (combined) - Emissions: 113g/km (Band C) - VED (12 months): £20
Dimensions: Length: 3546mm - Width: 1627mm - Height: 1488mm - Wheelbase: 2300mm
*data from Fiat UK
Equipment
- Chrome exterior door handles
- Leather steering wheel with radio controls
- 15” alloy wheels
- Electric dualdrive power steering
- Stopstart
- Follow me home lights
- Automatic climate control
- Rear parking sensors
- ABS & EBD
- Dual stages driver and passenger airbags
- Side, window and drivers knee airbag
- Daytime running lights
- ESP & ASR/MSR, HBA & hill holder
- Radio/CD/MP3 player
- Handsfree Blue & Me system
The moment you set eyes on the 500C you can’t help but appreciate its squat stance, diminutive dimensions and chic lines highlighted further by the pearlescent colour of our test car. The front of the car draws heavily on the original 500 featuring relatively small circular headlamps with smaller side lights sitting neatly below. Between the headlights sits the prominent Fiat badge framed by a chrome strip. Moving lower down the front of the car is topped off with a small lower grill featuring twin fog lights and a clamshell bonnet that reaches deep down the sides of the front wings. From the side is where you appreciate the 500Cs compact dimensions; the wheels have been pushed as far apart as possible creating short overhangs front and rear also boosting interior space. The relatively low roofline, overall shape of the windows, and pronounced hip line all bring back echoes of the original 500. Our test car is further enhanced by stylish chrome effect floating wing mirrors and ultra stylish 15 inch alloy wheels. Moving to the rear of the car anyone will instantly notice more styling touches that again hark back to the original car such as the heavily angled rear profile, chrome boot handle and thoroughly modern rear light clusters. The soft top roof has also had the style factor cranked up as our test cars hood features a vibrant red finish with neatly integrated high level brake light. The rear of the 500C is finished off with another chrome bumper strip, this time housing the parking sensors and a neat oval shaped chrome exhaust.
The interior of the 500C is where the retro feel really comes to life. Sitting in the cockpit you are instantly drawn to the large body coloured dash section which really enhances the retro feel, central to this are 3 perfectly sized, chrome ringed buttons.. In addition the central air vents, stereo and other major functions all sit within this section as do a pair of stylish chrome ringed side vents. Unusually the gearstick is located high on the dashboard just below the climate control panel as you would find in an mpv but its location a relatively short distance from the steering wheel make perfect sense as does the oversized rounded gear knob. From the drivers seat is where you really appreciated the thought and effort that has gone into the 500s design. The leather clad steering wheel with integrated stereo and phone functions is the perfect size and sits nicely in the hands as do the chunky column stalks that also have a smooth action and feature the same ivory colour. The real party trick here though has to be the funky instrumentation. As with the original 500 this one has a large circular dial with retro lettering and a very clever needle setup where the rev counter sits inside the speedo, this gives the effect that one is chasing the other; despite this all instrumentation is clear and concise. Other interesting touches dotted about the cabin include nicely places grab handle type door handles, circular head restraints and well shaped, supportive half leather seats. Pleasingly quality is top notch, the dashboard is constructed of particularly high quality materials and everything else has a robust feel, annoying trims rattles will not be an issue for 500 owners. The only real negative point to the interior has to be its lack of space for rear passengers and poor access but the 500c was never intended to carry 4 adults for long distances and space is on par with the 500s competitors. Boot space is also better than the 500s main competitors at 185 litres extending to 550 litres with the seats folded flat.
The Drive
Before driving the 500c it’s easy to be underwhelmed by the figures, a 1.2 8v petrol engine producing only 69 bhp with 0-60mph taking 12.9 seconds but when you consider the kerb weight of only 905kg there is little need to worry. Climbing into the compact cabin you instantly feel comfortable in the fantastic seats and the sense of compactness is further amplified by the cocooned feel. Turn the key and you are greeted by an unexpectedly throaty exhaust note and as soon as you move off you know you are in a car with sporting pretentions. The cars gearbox is a gem with its chunky lever, slick shifting action and pleasingly short throw although some may not appreciate its slightly notchy feel. The 500c’s suspension differs slightly over the standard 500 by having an anti-roll bar at the rear to aid stability. This gives the car a very taut chassis underpinned by a firm ride however it could never be described as unforgiving. Around town the 500Cs body does fidget and has a slightly springy quality to its ride but this adds to the cars character and once on faster roads refinement increases as the ride becomes smoother. The chassis rigidity has a major upside, the 500c’s crisp, confident cornering ability. When approaching most corners the driver’s natural reaction is to dab the brakes but in this model there really is no need. Corners are handled incredibly well with high levels of front end grip, minimal body roll and well judged suspension. After driving the car for a short while you soon learn that fun can be had by carrying more speed through the corners. Performance from the 1.2 16v engine is surprisingly swift at all times due to its low kerb weight, it never feels short on power, revs smoothly and just requires a quick drop in gear when overtaking. The only time the car struggles is when approaching steep hills but this is to be expected. For such a compact car refinement is very high, around town there is little wind noise even with the roof folded back and this continues all the way up to 65 mph. Only when at motorway speeds does the engine’s relatively high revs make their way into the cabin and road noise levels increase but this never becomes excessive or tiring.
Around town the 500c is in its element, zesty performance and its compact dimensions make darting in and out of traffic a doddle, economy is also very competitive improved further by the addition of Stop Start. This system discreetly turns the engine off when the handbrake is applied and neutral is selected, the engine then restarts quickly and quietly once the clutch is engaged and you are then ready to pull away. The system takes some getting used to but works very well. Another unique feature of the 500C is the DualDrive power steering system that features a very useful City button on the dashboard which lightens the steering making parking a doddle which is make even easier by the addition of the standard fit parking sensors.
The Verdict
The 500c has been a real eye opener. It’s been a long time since this much fun can be had from such a small capacity petrol engine further helped by excellent economy. Not only is the 500c ultra stylish and well built but is also a thoroughly competent, great fun to drive small car. Keen pricing and a vast array of customisation options top of this very impressive package. Whether the 1.2 petrol engine is the best in the range remains to be seen, we will have too wait and see once we drive other power plants but anyone thinking of purchasing as 500c will not be disappointed.
Special Thanks to; Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd,Fiat House, 240 Bath Road, Slough, Berks SL1 4DX
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