Fiat 500 1.2 review

Fast forward eight years, and market trends have dictated that Fiat must skillfully rework its baby to bring it into line with more modern rivals.

So, has the Italian manufacturer managed to give the 500 a suitably up-to-date vibe while retaining its nostalgic charm?

Well, yes, it has. Cosmetic changes from the original model are so subtle that it would take a fairly committed 500 fan to notice them at first glance. In reality, the newcomer, which starts from £9,915, has been given approximately 1900 updates. The bumper and headlights are most obviously new, but you could spend quite some time going over the car with a fine-tooth comb before you find the rest of them...

The foremost differences come under the skin, and mainly concern ride, handling and efficiency. All are important aspects of a city car, and areas where the baby Fiat was considered lacking before. So, each area has been tackled, and while the dynamics are still not exactly class-leading, there is a noticeable improvement. The steering doesn’t exactly excite, the suspension gets jittery if you ask too much of it through a bend, and the ride in town is distinctly average.

But somehow, it all just works in a jolly kind of way. And when a car looks this good and make you smile incessantly regardless of driving thrills (or lack of them), it would seem few owners care...

Under the bonnet, there’s a choice of engines, which have been fine-tuned to boost efficiency and reduce emissions.

Producing CO2 emissions of 110g/km, this basic 68bhp 1.2-litre is the big-seller. It makes a good choice if you do a lot of around-town driving and don’t intend to sit at high speed for protracted lengths of time – or climb many hills.

It’s complemented by the entertaining 0-9-litre Twinair, and will be joined in the near future by an 89g/km 1.3 diesel and a 99g/km version of the 1.2.

However, it’s probably accurate to say that engine choice comes a fair way down the list of priorities for most potential 500 customers; spec level – most go for top-of-the-line Lounge – paint colour, interior options and wheel design are likely given more consideration. But who can blame them?

This is a bright, fun car for bright, fun people. It still looks right and feels right, and that’s not always an easy balance to strike.

On sale Now

Price £12,640

Engine 4cyl, 1242cc, petrol

Power 68bhp @ 5500rpm

Torque 75lb ft @ 3000rpm

Gearbox 5spd manual

Kerbweight 865kg

0-62mph 12.9sec

Top speed 99mph

Economy 60.1mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band 110g/km, 17%