The Fiat 500 is likely one of the most iconic metropolis vehicles on this planet which makes it a becoming alternative for the Italian model’s first EV. The brand new technology, launched in 2020, is solely out there in electrical kind and regardless that it was developed within the FCA days, it’s nonetheless an vital mannequin for Stellantis. We just lately acquired our fingers on a Fiat 500 (RED), a particular trim with distinctive model and pandemic-fighting options which has these days expanded to the complete Fiat vary. Our aim was to see how properly the five hundred stacks up within the city EV race and whether it is higher than the outdated 500 as a each day driver.
Cute, Premium, And Iconic
The seems to be is likely to be acquainted to the untrained eye, however the brand new 500 is radically completely different from its ICE-powered sibling that continues to be on sale in mild-hybrid kind as a less expensive various. A simple method of distinguishing the EV from the earlier technology is the form of the double headlights with bonnet-mounted DRLs totally separated from the primary items.
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The proportions are fairly related however the 500 has grown in all dimensions, measuring 3,632 mm lengthy which remains to be fairly compact. It’s also the one hatchback that doesn’t are available five-door taste, though there may be an unconventional 3+1 bodystyle that includes an additional suicide door on one facet. The five hundred we drove is the extra conventional three-door hatchback, however I even have somewhat expertise with the five hundred cabrio.
From the primary look, the RED trim doesn’t look as premium because the flagship La Prima as a result of lack of full-LED headlights and the marginally smaller 16-inch wheels, however it’s nonetheless charming. The Passione Crimson exterior shade will not be the one shade possibility for the RED since you can too get it in Mineral Grey, Ice White, and Onyx Black, although at all times mixed with crimson grille, badges, and mirror caps. Setting apart the spec, design aficionados will respect the fantastic surfacing and the well-thought-out styling options of the brand new 500 which has improved on the recipe of its predecessor from 2007.
Higher High quality, Extra Tech, Cramped Rear Seats
Inside the five hundred RED, the very first thing you discover is the optionally crimson driver’s seat, contrasting with the remainder of the sustainable Sequal Marine Plastic upholstery that’s black, and matching with the piping and the signature body-colored dashboard. Regardless of the hard-touch plastics, the cabin of the five hundred seems to be and feels fairly premium for the phase, with improved high quality in comparison with older Fiat merchandise.
When it comes to expertise, the RED trim comes commonplace with the largest-available 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. The graphics are crisp, the display is responsive and the interface is simple to make use of because of the menu shortcuts on the left facet. The wi-fi Android Auto (it additionally helps wi-fi Apple CarPlay) labored nice, permitting me to make use of Google Maps and Spotify whereas on the go. Fortunately, the local weather controls are semi-embedded within the touchscreen which implies that you may flip the heater/air-condition on/off shortly through the use of the fashionable bodily buttons beneath. Talking of which, to be able to open the doorways it’s important to press an illuminated button positioned on the door playing cards which feels bizarre at first, though there may be an additional physical-release latch beneath for emergencies.
The usual 7-inch digital instrument cluster can be good with the flexibility to indicate navigation and straightforward configuration from the buttons on the gorgeous two-spoke steering wheel. What I discovered unacceptable for a 2022 mannequin is the shortage of a rear-view digital camera and parking sensors though the compact footprint of the five hundred made it very simple to park. Additionally, the usual gear of the RED doesn’t embody the delicate Stage 2 ADAS present in increased trims.
The excessive driving place can really feel a bit odd if you’re taller than 6 toes (1.84 m), with the disadvantage of not being height-adjustable (besides within the La Prima). Nonetheless, this gained’t be an issue for most individuals because of the adjustable steering wheel column. The middle console is extra compact than within the ICE-powered 500 however taller drivers would possibly contact it with their proper knee which may be irritating at instances. Visibility is nice upfront, however not ultimate in the direction of the again as a result of giant C-pillars.
Rear passenger room has at all times been a weak spot for the five hundred and the EV platform didn’t change that. It’s actually cramped on the again with little headroom and completely no knee room to spare. It’s laborious for the average-sized particular person to discover a comfy place and the small rear home windows make it really feel a bit claustrophobic. Issues are a lot improved within the cabrio when the material roof is retracted however nonetheless, I wouldn’t advocate the rear seats for something greater than quick journeys if you’re not a baby.
In-cabin storage is sweet sufficient with a big tray within the heart of the dashboard highlighted with Torino’s skyline, regular-sized door pockets, a slim however useful compartment between the entrance seats, and a retractable cupholder that may be a little laborious to succeed in.
The 185 lt (6.4 cubic toes) of the cargo area are greater than the 171 lt (6 cubic toes) of the Honda e, however smaller than the 250 lt (8.8 lt) of the VW e-Up!, with the tapered form of the rear finish sacrificing a few of the 500’s practicality. Rear seats can fold down for transporting giant objects however don’t anticipate finding a frunk since Fiat has snuggled the electrical motor beneath the bonnet.
COVID doesn’t Like RED
The pandemic-fighting character of the RED trim will not be solely related to Stellantis’ assist to the group, but additionally in some further options that transcend styling. A particular biocide substance has been utilized to the air cabin filter, the steering wheel, the seats, and the boot flooring which kills 99.9 % of the micro organism and viruses. There’s additionally a Welcome Package that comes with the automobile bringing a liquid dispenser and a fancier key cowl.
Moreover, the Fiat 500 RED will get an additional “Sanitizing Glove Field” system with a UV-C lamp within the glove compartment. This lets you sterilize objects on demand with the contact of a button in three-minute circles. Sadly, our press automobile was an early order and doesn’t have this characteristic, limiting our healthcare-related bragging rights.
Straightforward to drive, Fast With A Refined Experience
Fiat needed the transition to the electrical period to really feel pure for newcomers, thus they stored the acquainted FWD format with the electrical motor beneath the bonnet, the battery properly hidden beneath the ground, and the charging port the place you’d usually discover the fuel flap. Certainly, the five hundred may be very simple to drive and takes no time to get used to, setting apart the shortage of a height-adjustable driver’s seat on this trim which isn’t ultimate for taller drivers.
You press the start-stop, then the D button on the middle console, and you’re able to take off in a silent method. Energy supply is clean and easy with none wheel spinning even at full throttle. The primary time you go over 20 km/h, individuals within the surrounding space will take heed to the basic Nino Rota tune enjoying from an outdoor speaker. That is one other method for the five hundred to make you smile – so long as you don’t hate the eye – however it additionally proved to be helpful for street-walking pedestrians who aren’t acquainted with the quiet hiss of an EV approaching from exterior their field of regard.
Learn Additionally: Fiat To Unveil A New Supermini And Three New Crossovers By 2027
In typical Fiat trend, the steering wheel may be very mild. This, together with the compact footprint and the easy cease and go of the EV powertrain makes it a feast to drive across the metropolis independently of your driving expertise. The suspension will not be gentle however it absorbs bumps in an environment friendly method with out making passengers uncomfortable. The most important enchancment over its predecessor is the trip high quality, with the electrical 500 being similar to bigger premium automobiles in that regard.
Driving exterior town is the place you discover that the 117 hp (87 kW / 118 PS) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque from the electrical motor are providing nice efficiency. Acceleration feels faster than the marketed 9 seconds for the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) dash, permitting overtaking with nice confidence. On the freeway, the five hundred will get on top of things at no time and feels very sturdy even on the 150 km/h (93 mph) high pace. It’s also quiet for the phase’s requirements, making it a pleasant cruiser.
On twisty roads, the five hundred confirmed good dealing with with little physique roll and the flexibility to maintain up at a quick tempo. Nonetheless, the sunshine steering will not be as communicative as we’d like, and also you don’t have the identical degree of confidence and management as with the Honda e which felt extra planted and playful. We guess that the already confirmed Abarth variant shall be an awesome pocket rocket for the reason that functionality is already there.
Good Vary, Correct Journey Pc
One vital facet of all EVs is the driving vary. In blended driving situations and with out being simple with the throttle, the bigger 42 kWh battery will simply present 260 km (162 miles) of vary as famous by the very correct journey laptop. This is likely to be lower than the marketed WLTP determine of 321 km (199 miles) however the 500 will certainly get you additional than any Honda e, Renault Twingo Z.E., or VW e-Up! on any day. The five hundred additionally proved to be constant and doesn’t drain the battery if you push it as quick as different EVs do.
The “Vary” driving mode is nice for one-pedal driving with regenerative braking barely rising the out there vary in comparison with the “Regular” mode with out limiting efficiency. In distinction, the “Sherpa” mode needs to be reserved for emergencies because it limits high pace and shuts down the local weather management so you may get the additional mile. From an 11 kW charger, an empty battery will get to one hundred pc in 4 hours and quarter-hour which isn’t dangerous, whereas a family socket will get you there in 15 hours. Throughout our time with the five hundred we plugged it right into a public charger and noticed 100 km (62 miles) of vary added in a few hours.
Cheaper 500 fashions may be had with the 23.65 kWh battery and a barely much less highly effective 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS) electrical motor however we wouldn’t advocate this setup if you’re not restricted to the city cycle.
Pricing And Competitors
Naturally, the five hundred’s transformation to a completely electrical mannequin has made it extra of a distinct segment product as a result of inevitable value improve. In Greece, pricing for the five hundred RED Hatchback with the small battery begins from €27,650 and goes as much as €37,350 for a fully-loaded 500 La Prima 3+1. Which means that the most costly 500 undercuts the top-spec Honda e Advance (€38,990). Word that these numbers are earlier than you add the federal government incentives which slash round 20 % of the value, taking the entry-level 500 to €19,900.
Our Fiat 500 RED Hatchback with the 42 kWh battery prices €31,850, undercutting the bigger Peugeot e-208 supermini (from €32,300) and the Honda e (from €35,990). With the federal government incentives, the ultimate value is lowered to €23,084 which within the ICE-powered world may get you a well-equipped supermini or perhaps a small SUV. Nonetheless, we consider that the Fiat 500 RED represents good worth for a style-focused city EV, regardless of lacking the ADAS suite, the full-LED headlights, the 17-inch wheels, and the rear-view digital camera of the La Prima flagship.
Verdict
The electrical Fiat 500 makes on a regular basis chores extra nice with its cuteness, distinctive character, and ease of use for all types of drivers. The competitively-priced EV is a good alternative for city use, whereas it performs properly on the freeway with a surprisingly refined trip. The 260 km (162 miles) of real-world vary is greater than satisfactory for the typical driver and proved to be fairly constant. The one important downside is the restricted rear passenger room which makes it much less sensible than different vehicles within the phase, though most 500 consumers gained’t care an excessive amount of about it. General, the electrical period introduced enhancements in all features in comparison with its ICE-powered predecessor, and the five hundred feels extra premium and mature than ever earlier than with out shedding any of its attraction.