Fiat struck gold with the 500. You know a car's design is successful when it's been barely face lifted after 12 years. It still looks fresh and it's the only car that suits practically any colour. Roberto Giolito is a genius.
Not sure why but, when it comes to such cars as the (modern) 500, most of the audience suddenly forgets the main fact: this model has never been intended to be an all-rounder, neither to impress by performance or luxury. It's a niche model and has been reaching this target since its relaunch. It has a distinguishable design ("iconic" for its fans), reasonable price and sales are still strong worldwide - they even sell it in U.S., something that I never thought will ever happen ;) No one who chooses a Fiat 500 is in the market for a 5-door, a huge boot or outstanding handling and performance. Personally, I don't like it but I can't deny the obvious: considering the facelift hasn't changed much, this design is still desirable even after 12-13 years since its launch. Yes, an EV makes more sense but, there's still a lack of proper EV infrastructure in many markets, plus EV's don't come cheap at all. Therefore, a mild hybrid may be a reasonable choice for many, especially in certain markets, where taxes are lower or zero for hybrids.
Lovely cinematography looks like a advert for the car rather than a piece on RU-vid, nice work. 😁 Also vw up gti would be my pick almost all the car you need.
I love the 500. And so do others it seems. I sold my 695 for similar money I bought it for. I really hope Fiat do a styling/design change to update the looks. I agree it makes towns prettier.
I've had three of the New generation Fiat 500's, and I love the platform. As a commuter car, grocery hauler, and general all around fun car, it's perfect for me. I am so sad they aren't importing them to the States anymore. Maybe the new electric 500 will make it's way here. Fingers crossed. Thank you for the nice review.
Well, most likely, the EV will be considerably more expensive and, across Europe, realistically, charging stations availability is still a major drawback. At least, this is one step forward for FCA, considering how popular the 500 is, even after more than a decade since its "rebirth".
@@Pionirish Sure, there are lot of factors and arguments. Unfortunately, we, as consumers, have no real power to accelerate this transition. As for any new technology going mass market, the first wave of adopters pay the highest price. Perhaps, Fiat might have pushed harder to release EVs, if their sales were declining. But, judging by their lack of involvement, I presume they don't fear this.
@@GeorgeSoroceanu I think there's also reticence because they have big production lines geared up for ICE car (engine) production and dismantling all of that isn't cheap to write off. If you factor in lifetime costs (less servicing, VED, fuel costs) they probably work out better, but it's the upfront cost that's the big deal. But who buys new cars anyway? I reckon in a couple of years once the first batch of lease deals expire and EVs hit the 2nd hand market in volume, it'll change pretty rapidly.
I have just got the hybrid car for the first time and I chose the Hyundai Ioniq Premium a superb all round car, in years gone bye I had a Fiat 126 500cc less than £5.00 to fill from zero with the light on 1 rear later £6.00 but on a full tank i would cruse at 80 mph on the motorway and do almost 200 miles not to mention it was air cooled.
Strange, really. When I was a child (in the 1970's) 70 BHP was a reasonably powerful car, and over 100 BHP was sports car territory. Now you get over 100 BHP from a one litre three pot. Mind you, the cars are a damn sight heavier...
Never been a big fan of these cars, mostly due to their dependence on 'trendiness' over performance and reliability. But as an EV or Hybrid, they actually make a lotta sense, if FIAT can kick its rep for 'quality control' issues (aka, 'Fix It Again Tony').
Anyone who dismisses modern Fiats as unreliable or poorly made obviously doesn't own one. We've had 3 Pandas and a 500 in our family, not had any issues with any of them. The two BMWs I've owned on the other hand broke down regularly. I think the Fiat brand is a little like Skoda in that respect - they had issues once upon a time but they're so far in the past as to be a complete irrelevance. Both companies make brilliant cars these days.
Interesting " review ". However, I have to ask the question, having watched other very similar reviews... is he really driving the car on the road or is he just sitting in the car reacting to a back projection film?
The Fiat 500 being designed to be a city car should become a full EV only. For me it doesn't make sense to be an ICE or even a hybrid car. Hope the next generation is an full ev.
"...Fiat 500e likely coming to Geneva" *Curb Your Enthusiasm theme song plays* Hopefully the next 500e will actually be a good car compared to the first 500e. Some of you readers won't remember, but we Americans actually got a 500e a few years ago. It was produced because of California laws mandating manufacturers create at least one vehicle that didn't rely on just fuel. Sergio Marchionne himself said that it was a compliance car and to NOT buy it. They became a decent used car though, and some Europeans shipped them back to Europe.
Shame about Geneva, this was recorded a few weeks ago. Interesting about the fact there was a 500e in the states a few years back. We were not aware of that!
@@lovecarsTV Actually, it is still there but, who wants to pay over $30k for a Fiat and, worse, for a 500 :) Ah, and a claimed range of "up to 84 miles"... www.fiatusa.com/compare/detailed-chart.html?modelYearCode=CUX201904 As mentioned above, it is just a compliance model.
I think the mild-hybrids should not be sold or marketed as hybrids, since there's quite a big difference between them. Sort of like back in the days there were cars that did not have a turbo being sold as turbo. Seems to be just a trim line these days. But in general, I think all small city cars should be EVs. Although most of the small EVs are super expensive compared their dinosaur drinking counterparts. Maybe in a few years then..
The economy might not be in fuel savings, but in tax ones. Many markets, where Fiat has strong sales, feature certain tax discounts or even exemptions for hybrids, no matter they have just a "mild" system...
I wonder at ur response. The point u miss is the improvement as to MPG on the FIAT 500 model, not to establish a benchmark. As to a Volvo car, known to be heavy and thirsty, I cast doubt as to ur claim.
Ramon Cardona the mpg figure for my V70 is a correct one (it is the 2.4 diesel with a 6 speed manual) and driven carefully can achieve 50+mpg. In general mixed driving I get low 40’s mpg. My point is that when I saw that Fiat were introducing a mild hybrid I had presumed they would be producing a very economical car. My wife’s Panda achieves mid to high 40’s mpg in general local driving and I would have presumed that with newer technology this new car would be achieving around 60mpg They clearly haven’t achieved that and I’m surprised
