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The first Fiat 500 (Cinquecento in Italian) was one of the first city cars specially designed. Only 2.97m long and powered by a 479cc rear-mounted two-cylinder engine. The micro-rear-engine four-seater built from 1957 to 1975 is an affordable urban commuter for the masses, who happened to get some kind of enthusiasm along the way. Cute design of puppy.

In 2007, Fiat launched the new generation 500. Although the engine was moved to the front row and the technology content was higher, compared with the new generation of beetles or mini cars, this compact Italian car still has more in common with its predecessor. point. Their own ancestors.

The 500 is not just a bloated car with a retro and chic appearance, it is still a small car measuring only 3.54 meters in length, which seems to be hardly enough to accommodate its seven airbags. This is the smallest new car you can buy in South Australia. In contrast, the Opel Corsa seems to be a veritable giant.

It also has the squeak of an engine: an 875cc TwinAir device with only two cylinders, just like its grandfather, although the turbocharger provides it with 63kW that is more useful than its ancestor's pedestrian 9.6kW.

This is a surprisingly energetic performer, galloping in the suburbs with the charm of a kitten chasing a wool ball, to be precise, running at a speed of 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds. There is some turbo lag, but this is no problem in the manual Fiat 500 Sport model with some clutch throttle gymnastics-unlike the Fiat 500 Dolcevita model with an automatic manual transmission.

In addition, the car is lively enough to escape city restrictions. It is a relatively easy-going open road cruiser with a top speed of 173 km/h, ensuring that it will not be pushed out of the fast lane.

The motorcycle-like hoarse sound of the TwinAir engine is always prominent-and not necessarily bad, because I find it more charming than intrusive. But this car is also very loud in terms of wind and road noise, and the volume of the radio needs to be increased as the speed of the car increases.

The use of a two-cylinder engine is more for saving fuel than for historical significance. Fiat claims that the fuel consumption of this little dwarf is only 4.0 liters/100 kilometers. The average fuel consumption of the test vehicle in the city/highway mix is ​​5.7 liters.

In addition to the cat-like agility mentioned above, the 500 is easy to park and its ride quality is very suitable for small cars. Due to its short wheelbase, it does feel choppy on bumpy roads, but it does not become uncomfortable.

Fiat 500 has recently been updated with new trim levels, updated colors and improved interiors. Minor changes include redesigned daytime running lights, inspired by the zero in the 500 logo, and the vehicle now offers new Cult, Connect, Dolcevita and Sport trim levels.

The 500 Sport model is priced at 274,900 rand, comes with a 5-year/100,000 km warranty, has a sporty atmosphere, its 16-inch alloy wheels and sports badges, as well as specific side skirts, bumpers and rear spoilers. The cabin uses a titanium exterior instrument panel and a red 500 logo, which is full of charm. The new "Arrow Electric" leather seats are stylish and provide good support. It also has a skylight, but when you really want to block the sun, the thin screen provided is basically useless.

With a 14-year history, Fiat has the latest infotainment system, including a tablet-sized touch screen with Bluetooth, voice recognition and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The digital instrument panel and automatic air conditioning are part of the full-spec feature list. 

In addition to the seven airbags, ABS brakes and electronic stability control systems are also responsible for safety.

Not surprisingly, a bite-sized two-door car offers limited family utility. The back seat is narrow for adults and the boots are small, even though the back seat is folded up we can tuck the bike in.

Compared with price competitors such as Polo Vivo and Ford Figo, the size disadvantage does not necessarily hinder the Fiat 500's target market. This Italian fashion accessory is famous for its retro-chic image and charm. The fact that driving is also fun is a reward, and it doesn’t skimp on gadgets and safety.

Ford Figo Hatch 1.5 Titanium — R253,300

Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatch 1.6 Highline — R272,800

Mini One hatch 3dr — R401,050

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Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Post on the last Thursday of every month except for December and January.

Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Post on the last Thursday of every month except for December and January.

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