Fiat has breathed new life into its iconic 500 with the unveiling of a 64 bhp mild-hybrid model, combining both style and efficiency in a car that’s tailored to urban driving. Moving away from older petrol architecture, the new 500 Hybrid is built on the same platform as Fiat’s electric 500e — blending heritage, clever engineering and modern tech.
Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this new 500 Hybrid special, and why it’s one to watch for city drivers.
Design & Styling: Classic Looks, Subtle Updates
- Visually, the 500 Hybrid stays very close to the electric version, keeping the familiar rounded shape and friendly presence.
- The most obvious change is a reworked front grille — designed to feed more air to a petrol engine instead of cooling EV components.
- Despite its hybrid powertrain, the car retains the charming simplicity of the 500’s design, making it just as easy to park and manoeuvre in tight city spaces.
- Production is set at Fiat’s historic Mirafiori plant in Turin, underlining Fiat’s commitment to blending legacy with future-facing models.
Powertrain: Low Power, High Efficiency
- The 500 Hybrid is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder “FireFly” petrol engine, paired with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system.
- Maximum power is around 64 bhp (some sources cite 65 hp), making it modest but well-tuned for city driving.
- It uses a six-speed manual gearbox, which preserves a classic driving feel and adds to the car’s character.
- Performance is gentle: 0–62 mph takes about 16.2 seconds for the hatch, 17.3 seconds for the convertible, with a top speed of approximately 96 mph.
Fuel Economy & Driving Focus
- Fiat claims a combined fuel consumption of 53 mpg (WLTP) for the hybrid.
- The mild-hybrid system is optimised for city use — stop-start, low-speed efficiency, and reduced emissions are clearly part of the design brief.
- Rather than chasing performance, this 500 is built to be an efficient city commuter — ideal for short journeys and urban environments.
Interior & Technology
- The interior closely follows the electric 500’s layout, with a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an intuitively designed dashboard.
- There’s a larger storage cubby on the dash, giving more practical room for day-to-day items.
- The gear lever is positioned near the steering wheel, a deliberate feature that both feels classic and keeps the cabin space efficient.
- Standard safety and driver-assistance systems reflect Fiat’s focus on making the 500 Hybrid a safe, modern city car.
Trim Options
Fiat will offer several trims, including:
- Icon: Entry-level, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, and the full touchscreen setup.
- La Prima: A more premium feel, with options like a glass roof, heated seats and eco-leather.
- Torino Edition: A limited-run, special edition with unique badging and interior touches.
Buyers also get a choice between hatchback and 500c convertible, giving flexibility for those who want the open-air driving experience.
Why Fiat Did This: Strategy & Engineering
- Fiat has taken the unusual route of building a hybrid on an EV platform — using the structure of the 500e to house a petrol engine.
- This wasn’t just a cost play: the move lets Fiat avoid the expensive re-homologation of an ageing petrol platform and meet modern safety and regulation standards.
- Production at Mirafiori is key: Fiat plans to ramp up capacity significantly, with long-term goals to produce 100,000 units per year.
- According to Fiat, the hybrid represents a “new chapter” that combines heritage, practicality, and sustainability.
Pros & Considerations
What we like:
- Efficiency in the city — ideal for urban commuters
- Manual transmission — rare in hybrids, especially modern ones
- Lightweight feel — the small engine and platform make the car agile
- Classic style, modern tech — a winning blend of old and new
Things to think about:
- 64 bhp is not going to set any speed records — motorway driving may feel limited
- The mild-hybrid system doesn’t give long purely electric range
- Manual gearbox may not appeal to everyone
- As a new model, running costs (insurance, servicing) will need to be tracked over time
MotorHype Verdict
The new Fiat 500 Hybrid is a smart move from Fiat — not a flashy supermini, but a thoughtful, city-focused car with genuine personality. It keeps the 500’s charm alive while evolving it for modern drivers who want economy, simplicity, and a little retro style.
If you’re looking for a compact car that’s cheap to run, fun to drive and classic in feel, this hybrid could be a very compelling option — especially for daily city use.
Want to Explore More?
If the hybrid 500 isn’t quite your style or budget, why not take a look at the used cars for sale on MotorHype? You might find your perfect city car for less — with a few more years under its belt.
