Fiat 500 review

If it’s retro charm you’re after, not many new cars come close to the chic Fiat 500. With looks harking back to the Fifties classic of the same name, this reimagining of the 500 (Cinquecento in Italy) turns heads like few other cars in its price bracket.

Confusingly, there are actually two versions of the Fiat 500 to choose from: the pure electric version that Fiat is calling the New 500, along with the previous-generation, petrol-powered model that’s been rebranded the 500 Hybrid and remains on sale. It’s the electric version we’re focusing on here – visit our Fiat 500 Hybrid review if you want to read about that.

So, what are the electric Fiat 500’s key rivals? Well, the Smart EQ Fortwo is definitely one, but the baby Fiat also has to hold its own against larger alternatives  including the Honda E, Mini Electric, Peugeot e-208 and Renault Zoe.

To help it compete, it has a relatively long official range of up to 199 miles, and when it’s out of juice it can charge up more quickly than many of its competitors. What’s more, you can choose between a hardtop or a convertible with a retractable canvas roof, the 500 Cabrio, which we've reviewed in full separately.

Over the next few pages of this Fiat 500 review, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before you decide if it’s the best small electric car for you – including whether it's good to drive and how much it will cost to run.

Whichever car you end up deciding to buy, head over to the free What Car? New Car Buying service for a great deal on hundreds of makes and models without any awkward haggling. There are plenty of attractive Fiat 500 deals to peruse there.