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Why is there now also a Fiat 500 Hybrid?

The auto industry is betting heavily on electrification, but market demand is lagging behind it. The idea was that the new, electric Fiat 500e would form the basis for sales. In addition, the “old” 500 would remain available for a while as a gasoline alternative for customers who could not or would not yet make the switch. However, demand for fuel cars persisted to such an extent that Fiat replaced the “old” gasoline 500 with a fuel version based on the all-new 500 after all.

What is the difference between the Fiat 500 Hybrid and the electric Fiat 500e?

Now that the “old” 500 generation has completely disappeared from the market, there is only one model generation left in the showroom. It comes as the Fiat 500e and, recently, the Fiat 500 Hybrid. The difference is in the powertrain.

The Fiat 500e is, of course, always fully electric, with a choice of a 24 kWh version with 70 kW (95 hp) and a 42 kWh version with 87 kW (118 hp). The new 500 Hybrid has a so-called mild hybrid powertrain. It is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder with 48 kW (65 hp). Always in combination with a manual transmission.

A smaller difference: only the electric 500e also comes with 3+1 bodywork, with an additional rear-hinged door(s) on the passenger side. Furthermore, both the 500e and 500 Hybrid are available as a three-door hatchback and as a Convertible.

Is the Fiat 500 Hybrid a “true” hybrid or a mild hybrid?

Although the name suggests otherwise, the Fiat 500 Hybrid is a so-called mild hybrid. This means that the wheels are not driven by an electric motor, as in a full hybrid. However, the gasoline engine does receive some support from a small electric motor. Think of it as a kind of large starter motor, which can provide some support to the gasoline engine, for example, when starting off. That does make a bit of a difference in fuel consumption.

How much power does the Fiat 500 Hybrid have?

The Fiat 500 Hybrid’s 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine produces 48 kW (65 hp) and maximum torque of 92 Nm. The standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in 16.2 seconds. Top speed is at a fine 155 km/h for the Netherlands. Compared to the electric 500e alone, these are not very impressive figures, but it must be said that in practice the car feels smoother than these figures suggest.

How economical is the Fiat 500 Hybrid in practice?

Moreover, the modest figures also translate into modest fuel consumption. For the Torino version we drove, WLTP consumption is quoted at 5.3 l/100km (1 on 18.9).

To our positive surprise, practical consumption turned out even more favorable. After a week we recorded an average consumption of 4.8 l/100 km (1 on 20.8). This is despite the fact that we didn’t do our best and even did a relatively large number of freeway trips (while hybrid technology is less effective on the freeway).

How does the Fiat 500 Hybrid drive?

In terms of handling, the Fiat 500 Hybrid is not even that different from the electric 500e. It just sits firmly and “maturely” on the road. At the same time, it is just a bit more nimble, as it does save almost 200 kg in battery weight. As mentioned, the 500 Hybrid also feels smoother than you would expect based on the numbers on paper. You don’t have to have sporty aspirations, but even on the highway you can keep up with traffic without a problem.

Do downshift before overtaking, though, because sixth gear is really an economy gear. Anyway, you have to keep the engine revved up a bit for smooth performance. Once at speed, however, you can quickly move up to a higher gear than you think.

Speaking of shifting: the shiny black plastic gear knob feels a bit less upscale, but it fits well in the hand. Shifting gears is slightly jerky, but with a pleasant feel. The clutch is also pleasant to operate. The first gear is perhaps a bit short, but driving off in second gear is fine. Otherwise, shifting through the gears is fine.

The seating position is on the high side. For some, that’s a plus. Models with higher entry points are gaining in popularity, and in the 500 Hybrid you sit as high as in some compact crossovers. The downside, however, is that you sit high in relation to the car. As a result, the already low-hanging rear view mirror is right in your field of vision when you look diagonally forward. Also, traffic lights quickly disappear behind the roof edge and the rear window pillars are quite thick. Especially when turning right, visibility around the car is therefore not ideal. Still remarkable for a city car.

How much space does the Fiat 500 Hybrid offer?

The Fiat 500 Hybrid is on paper a four-seater car, but in practice you have to consider it primarily a two-seater. Young children can be accommodated on the back seat, but as adults we didn’t even try to take a seat there. With the passenger seat pushed forward, a short drive might be manageable.

The boot has an official capacity of 183 liters, pretty much the same as in the electric 500e. If you don’t use the back seat anyway and fold it down, you’re down to 440 liters according to factory specifications. All in all, the Fiat 500 is not the roomiest, but for such things as groceries, you’ll get by just fine.

Is the Fiat 500 Hybrid suitable as a daily car?

So basically, the Fiat 500 Hybrid is just fine as a daily car. Of course, it all depends on how you use your car. For commuting and shopping, the 500 Hybrid is a nice and economical choice. If you often take more than one passenger and/or a lot of luggage, consider a larger model.

How luxurious and safe is the Fiat 500 Hybrid?

For the Fiat 500 Hybrid, there is a choice of the Pop, Icon, Torino (our test car) and the La Prima. The Cabrio comes only as Icon and La Prima. Standard equipment includes 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, black cloth upholstery, manually adjustable driver’s seat, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and air conditioning (manual). In terms of safety, the usual package that includes speed assist, lane keeping assist, fatigue recognition and emergency brake assist is present. Note that an infotainment system (including radio) is optional. Instead, a smartphone holder is standard, so you can use it as infotainment.

If you do want all those luxuries, then the higher trim levels offer them. With the Icon, for example, you already have (16-inch) alloy wheels, the 10.25-inch central display with infotainment functions as standard (integrated navigation is only available for top-of-the-line La Prima model), automatic air conditioning and, above all, a more extensive options list. The Torino we drove complements it further with LED headlights, heated door mirrors and a more luxurious trim in places.

A bigger step is taken by top-of-the-line La Prima model, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear glass, a glass panoramic roof, windshield heater, velour floor mats, faux leather-like upholstery made of luxury fabric, front seat heating, a split-folding rear seat, a rearview camera and parking sensors all around.

What does the Fiat 500 Hybrid cost?

The Fiat 500 Hybrid is currently available from 24,995 euros, for “entry-level” Pop. Interestingly, the all-electric 500e has exactly the same starting price. The price rises incrementally to 30,499 euros for top model La Prima. The Cabrio, available only from the Icon trim level, also starts at 30,499 euros. Incidentally, only the starting price of the 500 Hybrid and 500e is the same, above which there are price differences. Slightly in favor of the Hybrid, but there is not much difference.

You can find the most current and complete price list and related equipment on Fiat.co.uk.

Are there any other details?

It remains odd: apart from the flashing of the hazard lights, there is no confirmation of unlocking and locking the car. Surely a “click” would sometimes be a nice addition, to be sure that the car has been locked.

It is also notable that you have to turn some driving assistants on and off in different places. For the lane assistant (which does a fine job except in bike lanes) there is a hotkey on the left steering wheel lever, but to disable the beep of the speed warning you have to go to a hotkey in the main menu of the central display. There you can also set the other systems to your liking.

Conclusion: the main advantages and disadvantages of the Fiat 500 Hybrid at a glance

A fuel version of the Fiat 500 may not have originally been the plan, but it is a good move. Full electric driving is still not for everyone, so an economical mild hybrid version is an excellent alternative. Economical the 500 Hybrid certainly is, it even positively surprised with that. Besides, it is simply a nice driving car.

It has to be said that the Fiat 500, even as a Hybrid, is somewhat pricey. Especially considering its limited interior space. On the other hand, other cars in the A-segment, such as the Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10 and Toyota Aygo X, also sit at well over 20,000 euros. Besides, the 500 makes up for a lot with its cuddly and cheerful design.