Fiat is bringing back a petrol-powered version of its iconic 500, aiming to make the model accessible to a wider range of buyers after years of selling only the electric variant. The new 500 Hybrid, starting production this week in Italy, features a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox – a deliberate move to appeal to drivers who prefer a traditional driving experience.
Performance Trade-Offs
While Fiat positions the 500 Hybrid as ideal for “efficient, urban motoring,” its performance figures suggest otherwise. The car takes a glacial 16.2 seconds to reach 62 mph (17.3 for the convertible), making it one of the slowest new cars available today. Top speed is limited to 96 mph, further reinforcing its focus on city driving rather than open-road thrills.
Design and Features
Visually, the hybrid version closely mirrors the electric 500, with a subtle air intake slot differentiating the two. The interior has been updated to accommodate the manual shifter. Three trim levels will be offered: Icon, La Prima, and a limited-edition Torino launch model.
- Icon includes alloy wheels, LED lights, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and parking sensors.
- La Prima upgrades to larger wheels, tinted windows, and a fixed glass roof, plus heated eco-leather seats and built-in navigation.
- Torino adds unique badging and fabric seats, aligning with the base Icon trim.
Pricing and Market Position
Pricing has not yet been announced, but Fiat aims to undercut the electric 500e (currently over £25,000) with a hybrid price well below £20,000. The car will compete with models like the Kia Picanto and Toyota Aygo X, though the latter’s hybrid pricing remains unconfirmed.
Why Fiat Changed Course
The decision to reintroduce a petrol-powered 500 stems from limited sales of the electric version. Fiat Europe head Gaetano Thorel admitted the brand restricted access to the new 500 by offering only an EV. The hybrid model, built using reworked electric architecture, is intended to correct this mistake.
Notably, Fiat chose a simpler mild-hybrid setup rather than the more advanced technology used in other Stellantis vehicles (Peugeot 208, Vauxhall Corsa), prioritizing affordability over performance.
No Abarth Replacement
Despite the six-speed gearbox, Fiat has no plans to revive the Abarth hot hatch. Thorel emphasized that the hybrid engine is not designed for performance, with the company instead investing in new SUVs and a redesigned 500e platform. The focus remains on making the 500 accessible, not fast.
Fiat’s shift underscores a broader trend: automakers are adapting to market realities, sometimes sacrificing innovation for affordability. The slow but practical 500 Hybrid is a prime example of this pragmatic approach.
