Admittedly influenced by the success of BMW’s MINI Cooper, Fiat has decided to revive its once-popular 500. The ’08 Fiat 500 is, in its present incarnation, a four-passenger, two-door, front-wheel-drive (FWD) hatchback offered in three trim levels, the base 500, 500 Turbo, and the sporty Abarth.
Three engine choices are offered for the ’08 Fiat 500, as well as a choice of two manual transmissions, a five-speed and a six-speed. The base 500 comes equipped with a SOHC 1.2-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) gasoline engine that puts out 59 hp and 75 lb-ft of torque. Next is a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 1.3-liter I4 diesel, capable of 68 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. Finally, there’s a 94-hp DOHC 1.4-liter gasoline I4 capable of 94 lb-ft of torque. This latter engine is claimed to do 0-60 in under 10 seconds and to have a top speed of 115 mph. The 1.4-liter I4 is also represented as averaging 36 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission.
The ’08 Fiat 500’s lower center of gravity and grippy 15-inch tires makes for nimble handling through tight corners, while its tiny size (less than 140 inches bumper to bumper) means easier maneuvering in city traffic. Braking in the ’08 Fiat 500 is described as stable and powerful.
A remarkable similarity in style has been maintained in the ’08 Fiat 500 in comparison to the original, with obvious upgrades smoothly integrated into its retro look. The cabin of the Fiat 500, while not plush or overly roomy in back, features an ingenious single instrument panel incorporating the tachometer and speedometer in concentric circles surrounding the cluster of electronic engine performance readouts. Fiat claims some 500,000 different option configurations for the ’08 Fiat 500 including Bluetooth technology, iPod and MP3 playback capability, and a USB connection.
Standard safety features in the ’08 Fiat 500 include ABS, stability control, seven airbags, and high-strength-steel body construction. A three-path crumple-zone configuration results in a much safer automobile than was the '50s original. This added safety feature, however, has resulted in a lengthier engine-compartment profile than the original had.
A 135-hp I4 engine is in the works for the Abarth trim, with plans to market this car in North America. Apparently, Fiat is eying the success of a re-introduced Alfa Romeo back into the U.S. market to gauge the chances of the 500 catching on here. It seems, however, that both deals are tied to the fortunes of Chrysler Corporation, therefore, it may be that we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see either the Alfa or the Fiat 500 cruising the highways of North America.
4.9 Overall rating
(22 reviews)Performance is not earth shattering but for a small and economical car, however it punts along eagerly and is very capable at motorway speeds of 70-80mph with enough ooomph to overtake when needed. Engine is smooth and very quiet for a diesel and gearbox a joy to use. Inside the cabin, you'd actually think it was a petrol model. Handling is stable at all speeds, the cornering very confident and steering direct and detailed. Having previously driven Focuses, the 500 does not disappoint. Ride can be a bit bumpy on certain British A- and B-roads but it's not annoying. Build quality is excellent - apart from a few hard plastics here and there - the interior controls and steering wheel are excellent in touch and operation, stalks are chunky and positive. Leather teering wheel is chunky and great to hold and has audio controls. The doors shut with a lovely heavy thunk similar to a new Focus or Golf. The looks is what the 500 is all about. It looks absolutely fantastic from any angle and the Sport model with it's roof spoiler, chunky tyres and tinted windows looks particularly squat The interior is such a pleasant place to be in, the details are lovely and theres so much storage. Space is amazing in the front for me (6'5" tall) - I actually have to pull the seat forward to reach the pedals. Two adults can sit behind me when driving. Cost of ownership is the main reason I bought the 500. The petrols are very economical but the diesel takes it to a new level. Road tax is laughably cheap (20GBP per year as opposed to 245GBP for a petrol Focus ST) and the economy varies between 46mpg for urban short runs to 72mpg on steady motorway trips.
Performace - nice acceleration, very good brakes, handles the curves very good Appearance - interior and exterior are great looking Cost of Ownership - the car spends 7l per 100km in city, 4 outside the city It is a real pleasure to drive. Makes people turn around to see your car when you pass by them . :)
I haved owned my new 2008 Fiat 500 now for a few months and it's adorable! It's the first Fiat in years - actually, make that ever, that I've really liked the looks of. It is a head turner. The dash is one of the car's most unique points. Interior and exterior styling is fantastic and there are tons and tons of options to go for. Alloys are a must, but stick to the smaller ones for better handling. Okay, economy wise it's fantastic. Mine is a 1.2 petrol and has been averaging 40 mpg in the town (although I do stick it in 5th gear whenever I can to go easy on petrol). On the runs I've had out of town it's returned about 55 mpg. Tax is lowest band. Insurance is really low. Performance is fine for engine size, but not quick. Ideal for town or city driving. The car got a 5 star NCAP rating, which is excellent for it's size. Gear change is one of my gripes, could be more refined. Also steering wheel makes a subtle, but annoying, ratchet type noise when turned. Seat position is a little high, although I'm 6'2". Rear seating is 'snug', but I rarely carry any passengers. Front has plenty of cabin space. Another gripe is that the windows seem to freeze up inside during sub zero temperatures, modern cars shouldn't really do that. That aside it's really fun to drive (though not as good a drive as the MINI). It does, however, look better than the MINI (Jeremy Clarkson's words, not mine). It's also truer to the original 500 than the MINI is to mini. Absolutely fantastic value for money, if you're not too crazy with the options, you simply cannot find a better - or cooler - car for the money in the UK.
I like my Fiat 500 becouse it's mine, it's fun to drive, rare, ECO, Diesel, Small so it's easy to drive in the city, quality is suberb and it's unique. I hate it becouse it's small (just 3 doors and for 4 persons) and slow as a snail and pricy as hell.
Fantastic little car! Drives brilliantly thanks to the nippy 6 speed 1.4. Lush leather interior and nice big alloys to scratch on the curbs. It is a little small, which is a bit annoying, but would lose its charm if any bigger!
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