The Fiat 500 Hatchback is celebrated for its retro charm and stylish design, offering a fun driving experience, particularly around town. However, criticisms arise regarding rear passenger space and boot capacity, making it less practical for families. The car excels in city driving but may not be the best choice for long journeys.
Read full reviewFiat 500 Hatchback (2008 - 2024)
2008 – 2024· 5 owner Q&As
Very good
Did you hear? The Fiat 500 is back and packing electric power! This retro icon is ready to zippity-doo-dah its way back onto the streets, but how does it fare as a wallet-friendly commuter? Buckle up as we rev through the details!
At a glance
68
hp · Power
362
miles · Range / tank
12.5s
0–60 mph
£
Running costs
From £204/mo
Typical finance
Motoring.Today. verdict
Best for
- Iconic design with a modern electric twist
- Low running costs and eco-friendly credentials
- Excellent urban manoeuvrability and stability
Consider alternatives if
- Limited rear seat space
- Reduced boot capacity compared to competitors
- Performance may not satisfy enthusiast drivers on longer journeys
Finance snapshot
Typical monthly payment
£204/month
Based on PCP · 48 months · £1,200 deposit
Best suited for
- Company Car Drivers
- Petrol/Diesel Buyers
- High Mileage Drivers
- Families
Affordability
Very affordable
Great fit for most budgets.
Ratings breakdown
Theo's AI summary
Overall, the Fiat 500 Hatchback is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a stylish, city-friendly electric vehicle with a nod to its retro heritage. Its unique design, combined with eco-friendly technology and low running costs, makes it an ideal option for urban dwellers and environmentally conscious buyers alike. The blend of modern conveniences and classic charm finds its mark, offering an outstanding driving experience that stands out in today's electric vehicle market. Highly recommended for those desiring a compact vehicle without sacrificing character.
Best match for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Performance enthusiasts
- Practical families
Estimated ownership costs
Based on 10,000 miles per year
£125/month
£61/month
£1683/month
£60/month
Estimated total
£1929/month
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A standout feature of the Fiat 500 Hatchback is its impressive handling capabilities. With a well-tuned chassis and precise steering, the car exhibits excellent agility around corners, enabling drivers to navigate tight city streets with confidence. The lightweight construction a
External voices
What the experts say
The design of the Fiat 500 Hatchback is a standout feature, blending classic aesthetics with modern touches. It's highly regarded for its distinctive look and customisation options, though some find elements a bit too retro. Overall, the design contributes significantly to its appeal, attracting buyers who appreciate style.
Read full reviewReliability for the Fiat 500 Hatchback is rated as average, with some owners experiencing electrical issues and other minor faults. Nevertheless, the car generally holds up well if properly maintained, and service costs are competitive. Buyers should be aware of potential issues as they consider a used model.
Ownership intelligence
The real cost of owning one
Financing options for the Fiat 500 Hatchback cater to a variety of budgets, with leasing, personal loans, and special electric vehicle finance deals available. These flexible plans are designed to make the acquisition of this retro icon approachable for a broader audience, reflecting Fiat's commitment to making sustainable transportation accessible.
Running costs for the Fiat 500 Hatchback are encouragingly low, particularly due to the shift to an electric powertrain. Maintenance is also simplified, given that electric vehicles usually require less frequent servicing compared to their petrol counterparts. Additionally, potential owners benefit from various government incentives aimed at promoting electric vehicle adoption, further mitigating overheads.
Charging options for the Fiat 500 Hatchback include home charging solutions, public charging stations, and rapid chargers, offering a versatile approach to powering your electric vehicle. The range ensures you can manage daily commutes conveniently, making it suitable for both short runs and longer excursions when planned carefully.
Heritage
Milestones & history
2008
Launch of the original Fiat 500 Hatchback
2020
Introduction of the electric version of the Fiat 500
2023
Refinement of the electric variant, enhancing technology and features
2024
Latest model introduces improved battery technology for extended range
Read full launch story
The Fiat 500 Hatchback was originally designed to be an affordable, compact city car that offered style and efficiency. Its enduring popularity stemmed from its unique design and practical size, making it a staple in urban environments. Since its inception in 2008, the Fiat 500 has evolved into a symbol of retro charm reimagined for the modern era. The transition to electric power in 2020 marks a pivotal moment in its history, embracing environmental responsibility without relinquishing its iconic design.
Compare with alternatives
Overall, the Fiat 500 Hatchback (2008 - 2024) competes well against premium rivals by offering a unique blend of style and city-friendly dimensions, though it may fall short in practical space and advanced features.
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback
The Polo is positioned as a premium supermini offering a blend of style, practicality, and performance.
- vs features
- The Polo generally offers a more spacious cabin, enhanced driving dynamics, and superior technology features compared to the Fiat 500. It has a more refined interior and greater customization options.
- vs price
- The Polo typically sits at a slightly higher price point than the Fiat 500, reflecting its more premium positioning and additional features.
Ford Fiesta Hatchback
Known for its fun-to-drive characteristics, the Fiesta targets those seeking an engaging driving experience in a compact format.
- vs features
- The Fiesta stands out for its outstanding handling and driving feel. While it may lack the Fiat's quirky style, its tech offerings and interior quality are on par or better in many trims.
- vs price
- Generally, the Fiesta is priced competitively with the Fiat 500, often coming in slightly less expensive depending on the trim and options chosen.
Peugeot 208 Hatchback
The 208 is aimed at stylish, tech-savvy buyers who value design and comfort.
- vs features
- The 208 offers a modern cabin with superior ergonomics and advanced tech features compared to the Fiat 500. Its driving comfort and fuel efficiency are commendable, though not as engaging to drive.
- vs price
- The pricing of the 208 is often comparable to the Fiat 500, generally falling within the same price range for base models, with some trim levels being slightly higher.
Available now
Fiat 500 Hatchback (2008 - 2024) for sale on Motoring.Today
Gallery
(15)Specs by trim
0.9 TwinAir Pop Star (09/15-) 3dPetrol Manual · 2015–2017
- Power
- 83 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.6 s
- Top speed
- 107 mph
- Torque
- 145 Nm
- Economy
- 74 mpg
- Range
- 569 mi
- CO₂
- 90 g/km
- Insurance group
- 11
- Road tax
- £0 - £190
- New price
- £13,640
0.9 TwinAir Pop Star (09/15-) 3d DualogicPetrol Automatic · 2015–2017
- Power
- 83 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.6 s
- Top speed
- 107 mph
- Torque
- 145 Nm
- Economy
- 74 mpg
- Range
- 569 mi
- CO₂
- 88 g/km
- Insurance group
- 11
- Road tax
- £0 - £190
- New price
- £14,490
1.2 Pop Star (09/15-) 3dPetrol Manual · 2015–2018
- Power
- 68 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.5 s
- Top speed
- 99 mph
- Torque
- 102 Nm
- Economy
- 57 mpg
- Range
- 438 mi
- CO₂
- 115 g/km
- Insurance group
- 8
- Road tax
- £20 - £190
- New price
- £12,771
1.2 Pop Star (09/15-) 3d DualogicPetrol Automatic · 2015–2018
- Power
- 68 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.5 s
- Top speed
- 99 mph
- Torque
- 102 Nm
- Economy
- 54 mpg
- Range
- 415 mi
- CO₂
- 120 g/km
- Insurance group
- 8
- Road tax
- £20 - £190
- New price
- £13,671
1.2 Pop Star ECO 3dPetrol Manual · 2015–2017
- Power
- 68 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.5 s
- Top speed
- 99 mph
- Torque
- 102 Nm
- Economy
- 65 mpg
- Range
- 500 mi
- CO₂
- 99 g/km
- Insurance group
- 8
- Road tax
- £0 - £190
- New price
- £12,325
1.3 Multijet Pop Star 3dDiesel Manual · 2015–2017
- Power
- 93 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.4 s
- Top speed
- 112 mph
- Torque
- 200 Nm
- Economy
- 83 mpg
- Range
- 639 mi
- CO₂
- 89 g/km
- Insurance group
- 13
- Road tax
- £0 - £190
- New price
- £14,890
+ 63 more trim variants
FAQs
- What are the key features of the Fiat 500 Hatchback?
- The Fiat 500 Hatchback boasts a stylish retro design, affordable running costs, compact size for easy parking, and impressive safety ratings. Its electric variant offers instant torque and eco-friendly driving, perfect for urban environments.
- How does the Fiat 500 handle in city driving?
- The Fiat 500 excels in city driving thanks to its petite dimensions, responsive electric motor, and tight turning circle, making it easy to navigate tight spaces and traffic.
- What is the starting price of the electric Fiat 500?
- The electric Fiat 500 starts at £13,235, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious commuters looking for a stylish and eco-friendly vehicle.
- How long does it take to charge the Fiat 500?
- Charging times for the Fiat 500 vary, but using a 40kW DC charger can top up the battery quickly. Home charging overnight ensures you're ready to go each morning.
- What are the pros and cons of the electric Fiat 500?
- Pros include stylish design, low maintenance costs, and zippy urban driving. Cons include limited rear space, performance on the motorway, and potential range anxiety for longer trips.














