Road test - Fiat 500

Author: Ian Strachan

Some cars just put a smile on your face. The Mini does it, so does the Volkswagen Beetle, and so does Fiat’s baby - the 500.

The Fiat 500 seems to have become ubiquitous from a standing start. Suddenly they are everywhere. Or it could be that they're just more noticeable - standing out from the vast crowd of small cars which look very much the same.

The design of the quirky 500 is retro, well-balanced, eye-catching and pleasing. Its tortoise-shaped profile and cute front end set it apart. Plus, there's a range of trim extras and stickers to customise your 500 and make it even more unique.

Inside, the design is attractive as well as practical, with a surprising amount of leg and headroom in the front. As with all cars of this size, rear seating is a little cramped and luggage space is limited, although the 50-50 split rear seat allows for more carrying capacity. A huge glass roof with sliding sunblind, body colour fascia and the use of light trim and materials makes the inside a very pleasant "summerish" environment. Very Italian Riviera, this car.

From the range of engine options I test drove the 1242cc petrol version in Lounge trim level which comes in at a pretty reasonable £10,865. The range starts at £9,465 for the entry level 1.2 petrol Pop. Extras as standard in the Lounge trim level include leather steering wheel with remote controls, chrome trim, smart 15 inch alloys, electric windows, automatic start/stop engine shutdown, air conditioning, electrically adjustable door mirrors and a good readio/CD/MP3 system.

The 1242cc, 69 horsepower petrol doesn't sound much, but it gives more than enough power to propel this small, light car. Performance is peppy, if a little laboured at higher speeds. The five-speed gearbox is slick and precise. It also manages an impressive 60 mpg in mixed driving. 

Ride and handling are comfortable and confident. Steering is taut and precise, and the car feels substantial and composed, even when cornering at speed.

The 500, with its convertible stable-mate the 500C, are becoming increasingly popular. And you get more smiles to the gallon than most small cars.

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserv