Review: Fiat 600 Hybrid

The Fiat 600 was an Italian family car in the 1960s. Slightly larger than the 500 and with a four-cylinder engine in the rear, instead of the two-cylinder in the 500. By today’s standards, however, that archetypal 600 is a mini-car. Hardly imaginable that you could fit your whole family in it. Today’s Fiat 600 is simply a big car with its length of almost 4.2 meters and height of over 1.5 meters.

Friendly forms of old Fiat 600

It is clever how Fiat has translated the look of the old 600 into the new one. Those headlights alone will make you melt. That’s due to covers on the top, which, like eyelids, give the lamp units a magnetic appeal. The semi-tight front and the large 600 digits are equally distinctive. You can also see that number behind a transparent panel that joins the headlights and behind above the sill.

Smooth round

Quite simply, anyone who remembers the primal 600 will immediately see that the design stems from it. No straight lines but fluidly round, and that creates its own distinctive character. You only have to look at the many new brands from China. Designers of these are all on a modernist course of order, neatness and tautness. Nothing wrong with that, but something authentic then stands out precisely in this day and age, like so the Fiat 600.

Interior Fiat 600

Then the interior! Especially in the La Prima version driven, this is surely quirky and special. The upholstery is ivory and in the backrests are stitched FIAT motifs and a blue ‘-600-‘. It looks like leather, but it’s faux leather. Although you wouldn’t tell, because it really does feel like leather and is not at all sticky and sweaty. Because of their shape, the seats give good lateral support. The seats are a bit short; if you have long legs you’ll notice that. On the other hand, you can sit quite well in the back, even if you are a bit taller. The luggage space is spacious enough for a weekend trip with the whole family.

Round counter unit

The round counter unit is an ode to that of the primal 600. Bigger, though, and now with fully digital projection. For example, you can also have the navigation directions appear at the bottom. Then the large central display remains available for all other functions, such as audio, phone controls and car functions. Super is the physical button underneath to always switch directly to the homepage.

Standard automatic

The Fiat 600 Hybrid has a dual-clutch automatic transmission, an e-DCT. Electronics control the shifting and buttons in the center console allow you to select P, R, N and D. So no rocker switch or a lever on the steering wheel. The center console also contains a large storage compartment and a charging station for your smartphone. What’s funny is the folding cover. As usual, many functions can also be operated from the steering wheel. It is comfortable to hold, by the way, with a thick rim and flattened underside.

High seat and easy steering

You sit relatively high. It’s only logical, because the Fiat 600 is actually an SUV, standing a bit higher above the asphalt with more ground clearance and therefore a fine entry. By the way, the height has no influence, or at least hardly any, on directional stability. It steers lightly, directly and gives an unyielding feel even when cornering. The turning circle is remarkably short, which makes parking easier.

Connecting smartphone a breeze

Connecting the smartphone is a breeze. So is controlling all your functions through the central display. This is also part of our time. As a car manufacturer, you can’t be left behind on that front. With the Fiat 600 Hybrid you get a free subscription to Connect One. If you then select Connect Plus, you can use your smartphone to remotely lock the Fiat, set up navigation, view notifications and manage charging. Then you must have the 600 Electric, because the Hybrid has no plug. That one charges the battery while driving and especially when braking. That’s when the braking power is utilized.

Go for complete: La Prima

If you want almost all the options, go for the La Prima version. Then you’ll also have those big 18-inch alloy wheels seen on this red test version. And the ivory faux leather. But also things like a power adjustable driver’s seat, massage function and seat heating. On the list we also see a power open and close tailgate, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, navigation system, a comprehensive audio system and 360-degree parking sensors.

Price and Conclusion

The header reports that the Fiat 600 may be underrated. That’s actually a conclusion we have after the test. It is a fine driving car, with a playful a cheerful appearance. The space is quite decent and you sit well in it. You can also drive it for long distances just fine, because the powertrain is quiet. On paper, the power output seems to promise a somewhat tame car. You can choose from two power versions: 81 kW (110 hp) or 107 kW (145 hp). Both have a three-cylinder engine and an electric motor (21 kW). In practice, the 600 is unexpectedly smooth. Especially when accelerating, the assistance of the electric motor is very noticeable. As if a turbo is at work. Even on the highway, this gives you sufficient acceleration power when overtaking. While you don’t have to go to the fuel pump very often. Fiat quotes an average consumption of 4.8 l/100 km. In practice, 1:18.5 is quite achievable. Then the price. You can get the hybrid version from 29,995 euros, while the all-electric comes in at 32,995 euros. Compared to what you get, that’s not really pricey. You also benefit from 8 years or 160,000 km warranty!