The Fiat 500 has gone from a cheap city car to an affordable hot hatch. Although still a second-generation model, the new Fiat is updated with a new design and infotainment system. Prices for the entry-level Action trim start at PS23,500. Alternatively, you can opt for the more upscale and powerful Abarth trim for a premium feel. Here are some of the benefits of each. And don’t forget to compare them to find out which one suits you best.
Fiat 500 L
The Fiat 500L is a family car that was introduced in Italy in September 2012 and went on sale in Europe a few months later. Its stretched 500 design hasn’t changed since its introduction, but it still makes a practical choice for the family. The car’s tall and wide body shape provides room for passengers and cargo, while its boot is large enough to fit most family needs. Its rivals include the Ford B-Max, which is more versatile and a bit larger.
The Fiat 500L’s resemblance to the Chevy Suburban is apparent in its shape. The roof of the car is low and slants downward toward the rear. The front wheel arches are also lower than those on the rear, which makes it look more like a mini-SUV. Even the front wheel arches are not quite as high as those on the rear. However, despite its low profile, it remains an attractive car.
Fiat 500 R
The Fiat 500 R was the final model of the series. The engine was downsized to 18 bhp from 23 bhp and the gearbox remained unchanged, but the top speed was increased to 62 mph. Inside the car, the Fiat 500 R had a more basic interior than the Fiat 500 L. Black was the dominant color in the upholstery, instrument surround, and trim. The Fiat 500 R was not a successful model for the Italian manufacturer, but it did set the standard for the rest of the brand.
The paintwork is in good condition and the car has been freshly resprayed, but there is some corrosion on the engine lid handle. The car’s exterior features an Italian flag-colored body stripe and a wicker basket. Inside, the car’s seats and interior are in good shape and the car’s livery is eye-catching. The Fiat 500 R is ready for road trips and vintage car shows.
Fiat 500 Lounge
The Fiat 500 Lounge is a high-end model offered by the Italian automaker. The base model is $19,745 and features a five-speed manual transmission, while the Lounge offers more advanced features. It includes heated front seats, leather upholstery, and automatic climate control. The car is also equipped with a navigation system, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and a DVD player. The Chrysler 500 Lounge is a slightly different car than its predecessor, but both are highly recommended for their upscale features.
The Lounge has a panoramic roof that opens the cabin up to the view, without sacrificing boot space or performance. It is available with a 1.0-liter hybrid engine, Frau leather seats, and a D-Fence hygiene package to keep airborne impurities out. It also comes with a 1.0-liter petrol engine and a 1.0-liter hybrid. The Fiat 500 also has an optional automatic climate control system, which keeps the cabin temperature comfortable no matter what time of year it is.
Fiat 500 Abarth
The Fiat 500 Abarth is not a particularly reliable car. Its reliability scores from Consumer Reports and Forbes were not good, which contributed to Fiat’s decision to pull it off the market in the U.S. That said, it’s a fun, affordable car and a slice of Italian history. We’ve got a look at its downsides, as well as how it stacks up against its competition.
The Fiat 500 Abarth has an aggressive exterior design, but a disappointingly weak engine. It takes eight seconds to accelerate from zero to sixty mph. This car should be able to do even better than that. It’s also very light, so more power would be a welcome feature. However, it’s worth noting that the Fiat Abarth has a dedicated dealer network. The Fiat 500 Abarth is a very attractive car, so we’d urge buyers to try it out.