With the arrival of the Fiat 500 EV, there was a certain air of dismay amongst purists, including myself. Was this the end of the iconic 500 which had followed on from the Topolino? Down through its years, the 500 has become something of a cult car; for such a small package, it stirred emotions. For me it did the same as Ferraris and Alfas do, cars which have spirit and are far from being soulless.
I have been fortunate to drive several 500s including the rapid Abarth versions. I recall on one occasion driving one up a hillclimb venue in the UK. The grip and handling, I will never forget. However, for many the standard 500 became the choice and right across Europe in cities and towns, the little Fiat ruled. I recall parking in Rome, when other cars had to move on, the 500 neatly slotted in. It was the obvious choice for city and town dwellers.
Now for the good news, the launch of a hybrid version, offered as a hatchback or cabriolet in a variety of trims, Icon and La Prima and a special edition Torino in hatchback guise. With a refreshed design, improved comfort and of course technology; powering the new 500 a one litre hybrid engine with a modest 65bhp, a twelve volt Li-ion battery and a six speed manual gearbox. Performance has never been the important factor; performance is modest, top speed is 155kph (96mph) and rest to 100kph (62mph) at best is 16.2 seconds, 17.3 seconds for the cabriolet version. Production got under way last month and it is built at the Mirafiori plant in Turin where the original rolled off the line; previously production was in Poland at the Tychy plant. Fiat have a target of five thousand produced by the end of this month; there will certainly be smiles on a lot of faces. Initially left hand drive versions are being built and by the second quarter of next year, we should see right hand drive versions.
The fact that production returns to Mirafiori has real meaning to fans of the 500 all over the world. Looking at what is offered across the various trims; the Icon is the gateway to the new 500 Hybrid; it rides on sixteen inch alloy wheels and it features LED headlights, gloss black mirror caps, while the interior features bi-colour monogram fabric seats, a body coloured dashboard and a 10.25 inch touchscreen. You also get air con wireless Car Play, Android Auto, rear parking sensors, I did not have that luxury when I drive an earlier version in Rome. The flagship La Prima trim combines unmistakable charm with exclusive features and premium finishes; seventeen inch alloy wheels alloy wheels, tinted rear glass, fixed glass roof (hatchback version) and chrome door sill plate deliver a unique style, which is matched on the interior by eco-leather seats, in a choice of ivory or graphite colours, matt pearl dashboard and bi-colour premium steering wheel. Added comfort via heated front seats and windshield, auto high beam, rear camera and sat nav. While the special edition Torino has dedicated fabric/vinyl seats combined with a specification including sixteen inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, automatic air conditioning and rear parking sensors.
For many this is the seasonal treat they have been wishing for!
Ian Lynas