FIAT 500 ELECTRIC CABRIO 87kW La Prima 42kWh 2dr Auto

The all-electric New Fiat 500 re-invents and re-defines what this iconic model line should be. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

This is the third generation Fiat 500, a model the brand rather charmingly calls 'a boutique car for the working man' - or woman: this new-era design will certainly have far more across-the-board appeal. Contrary to appearances, everything is different - not least the fact that you can only have battery power, this being Fiat's first all-electric car, offered as with the previous 500 in three-door hatch and Convertible body styles. It's stylish, cheeky and best of all, the driving range is class-leading for a tiny EV. In short, if you can afford one, there's lots to like.

Background

A new Fiat 500 is a big deal. We had the cute original in 1957. The New Millennium model that saved Fiat as a car maker, launched in 2007. And this car, introduced in early 2020. It's only offered in full-electric form (which is why the old petrol mild hybrid model carries on). And that's part of the reason development of this MK3 model has been so lengthy. Fiat wanted to wait for battery technology to mature a bit before launching this car - and that's paid off, allowing the brand to engineer in a much longer EV driving range than close rivals, the MINI Electric and the Honda e. "It doesn't feel time to be timid", says Fiat boss Oliver François. "This car isn't just for now, it's for the next decade. So it's built new from the ground up and it's all-electric and only electric from day one". But the exterior look is very recognisable, as is the hatch and convertible body style choice.

Driving Experience

This all-electric 500 model's 42kWh battery pack is mated to an 118hp motor and is fitted across the range, including the Convertible variants. This is good for 186-199 miles and the car manages the 0-62mph time in 9 seconds. Few will want the base 93hp version with its much smaller 24kWh battery (good for only 118 miles). Whatever your 500e choice, like all EV's, this one feels even quicker off the mark than that figure suggests (in the 42kWh variant, 30mph can be reached from rest in just 3.1s), though Fiat has tried to make power delivery quite linear so that you don't use up all your battery charge at once. Maximum speed is restricted though - to just 93mph. Various types of automated driving technology are available, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and intelligent speed limit assist. There's lots here that owners of previous 500 models will recognise - the high-ish seating position and manoeuvrability for instance; there's a tight 9.6-metre turning circle. You also get the previous model's rather brittle low speed ride quality, though it copes with poorer pot holes and speed humps quite well and anyway, things smooth out quite a lot once you get out of town. When you might discover that this Fiat actually handles quite well, despite having to carry around 350kgs more weight around than the MK2 mild hybrid petrol model. All the weight of the mattress-shaped Samsung battery has been positioned well down, compensating for the extra bulk with a lower centre of gravity, hence the well-controlled body roll at speed through the corners, though the effect is somewhat masked by the rather anaesthetised electric steering. A series of drive modes are available that will enable you to maximise your driving range. There are three settings - 'Normal', 'Range' and the curiously named 'Sherpa', with the last of these being focused on getting the maximum from the battery, including a navigation program that will limit maximum speed to 50mph and restrict acceleration. The 'Range' mode maximises brake regeneration, meaning that you'll normally only have to drive with one pedal, so great will be the deceleration when you lift off the throttle. But most of the time, you'll be leaving in this car in its 'Normal' setting, in which form it won't require too much acclimatisation over a conventionally-engined supermini.

Design and Build

Don't be deceived by the familiar looks; everything is new here - including the fresh architecture that this car sits upon. That's allowed for a subtle increase in size, both fixed-top and convertible versions of this third generation model being 3.36m long and 1.69m wide, an increase of 6cm in both length and width. The 1.53m height means it's 4cm taller too. Fiat has deliberately made exterior look an evolution of this car's predecessor - specifically in the light and bumper designs. Look more closely though and you'll spot sharper lines and flush door handles, plus the adoption of full-LED headlights. For existing owners, much less will be recognisable inside, where the dashboard is much wider and now topped by a big 10.25-inch touchscreen housing the brand's latest U connect 5 media system. This can deliver navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay. Out back, the 2cm wheelbase increase means that things aren't quite as cramped as before: indeed, Fiat markets the drop-top version of this car (which retains folding fabric sunroof-style top) as 'the world's first 4-seat convertible EV'. The company also reckons that the floor-mounted battery pack won't reduce luggage capacity.

Market and Model

So how much is Fiat's latest EV technology going to cost you? Well, as you'd expect, a fair bit more than you'd pay for the continuing mild hybrid petrol combustion 500 model, which retails from just under £16,000 in hatchback form. The 500e is priced from around £27,500, but that's for the feeble 93hp 24kW version few will want. The 118hp 42kWh model we tried with its 186 to 199 mile range costs from around £30,500 - or from around £33,500 as a Convertible. There are two identically-priced mainstream trim levels, standard or 'Red'; plusher 'La Prima'-spec costs £3,000 more. Across the model range, you get the brand's 'U connect 5' 10.25-inch centre-dash infotainment screen, which is fully connected and based on the Android operating system. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-mirroring. The 'La Prima'-spec model comes with a panoramic glass roof, full-LED headlights, 17-inch diamond-cut wheels and chrome-plated side panel inserts. It will be offered with three exclusive paint shades. Inside, there's eco-leather upholstery for the dashboard and the seats. Safety kit includes big car-style features like autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree parking assist system. As an option, Fiat is offering an intelligent adaptive cruise control system, which combines automatic lane keeping and a feature that will keep you a predefined distance from the vehicle ahead.

Cost of Ownership

The all-electric 500 features an 85kW DC rapid charging system that can recharge the 42kWh battery from empty to 80% capacity in just 35 minutes and can provide the car with 31 miles of driving range in just 5 minutes. Buyers can also get a Fiat-branded wall charging box that offers 3kW charging and apparently doesn't need to be professionally installed. This wallbox can be upgraded to allow for 7.4kW charging at home. That 7.4kW wall box allows you to fully charge this electric 500 in just over 6 hours. The car also comes with a mode 3 cable for charging at up to 11kW from a public charging point. It can be charged via AC or DC power points. The important driving range figure is quoted at 186-199 miles on the WLTP cycle (though that can rise to between 299-320 miles in urban driving). The smaller-battery 24kWh model can manage only 118 miles between charges - or 190 miles in urban driving. As usual with a Fiat, this car is covered by a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty and there's 36 months of breakdown cover included as well. Should you have a problem on a journey, you can use the 'Uconnect' infotainment system to contact roadside assistance. What else might you need to know? Well, servicing intervals are every year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Owners can keep up to date with their car's maintenance schedule via the 'My Car' section of that 'My E-Charge' Fiat app, which briefs you on the time of your next service and various maintenance issues.

Summary

In the past, Fiat 500 buyers have shown a desire to spend plenty on cars from this model line - which is just as well because they'll have to spend plenty to enter the era of 'New 500'. Looking at the list figures, you can see why it was so vital that the old model should continue as a more affordable option - a stepping stone to this new design So is this new EV-era 500 worth aspiring to? We think many loyal (mainly female) buyers will think so. It's just as stylish as its MINI Electric and Honda e rivals and set a new high bar in terms of driving range for a tiny EV that embarrasses both of them. Which goes some way to justifying a high price that hopefully will become more accessible as the range broadens. This is no longer the cheap Peoples' Car it once was. But without doubt, it retains the spirit of the original.

Body Glass

Cristalli Atermici

Heated rear window

Heated wiper area

One touch up/down power windows

Privacy glass

Rain sensing wipers

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Autonomous emergency braking

Autonomous emergency braking for vulnerable road users

Brake assist function

E-Braking

Electronic parking brake

ESC + ASR/MSR + HBA + Hill holder

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floor mats

Velour front/rear floor mats with 500 logo

Communication

Bluetooth connectivity

Central Console A+C USB (Charging Only)

E-call

Voice recognition

Wireless apple car play/android Auto

Wireless Mobile Phone Charger

Driver Aids

Capote open/close via remote control

Connected services

e-coasting

EV Granted Range (Take Me Home)

EV Low Battery Mode (Turtle Mode)

EV mode selector

Warranty handbook uk

Driver Convenience

360 degree parking sensors

Attention assist

Blind spot detection

Fiat Co-Driver (Autonomous Driving L2 with iACC, lane centering and traffic jam assist)

Intelligent speed assist

Lane keeping assistant (LKA)

Lane support system

Power assist steering

Quick Guide English

Rear view parking camera

Traffic sign information

Traffic sign recognition

Vehicle Start Button

Driver Information

10.25" touchscreen infotainment with navigation

7" TFT digital cluster

EV indications on instrument cluster and head unit

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming frameless rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors

Gloss black door mirror caps

Engine

Booster water pump

Entertainment

DAB radio

Global telematics box module (TBM)

JBL premium audio system with 6 speakers

USB for device mirroring in 1st row

Exterior Body Features

Chrome side mouldings

Chromed daylight opening

Door sill kick plates

Front and rear chromed 500 logo

Ivory ambient pillars and roof

Naval transport cover

Rear boot

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

Automatic high/low beam

LED 3rd brake light

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

LED Indicators

LED rear lights

LED reverse light

LED side lights

Rear fog light

Welcoming / Leaving lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic climate control

Cabin pre-conditioning

Electrically driven temperature control

Interior Features

Auxilliary 12V power socket

Bi-colour eco leather steering wheel

Cargo box

Centre console storage with sliding and closing door

Eco leather upholstery

Front central armrest

Height adjustable steering wheel

Matt Ivory painted dashboard fascia

One pedal drive

Steering wheel with audio controls

Telescopic steering column

Interior Lights

Boot light

Dashboard white backlight

First Row Dome Lamp Incandescent

LED spot light on central dashboard

Safety

7 airbags - Driver, passenger, side, window and drivers knee airbags

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Tyre pressure sensor

Seats

2 seat bench in second row

50/50 split folding rear seat

6 way manually adjustable drivers seat

Front headrests

Heated front seats

Rear head restraints

Seatback pockets

Single front passenger seat

Security

Automatic door locking

Immobiliser

Keyless Go

Passive entry and wearable key

Remote central locking

Transmission

Electric transmission

Vanity Mirrors

Passenger sun visor with mirror

Vehicle Charging

11 kW Onboard charger

85kW fast charge

Bag for mode 3 charging cable

Mode 3 charging cable

Second life ready battery

Smart charging

Smart charging port

Wheels - Alloy

17" Diamond cut alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Bag for repair kit

Fix and go puncture repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Battery Capacity in kWh: 42

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 915

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 255

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 35

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 85

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 85

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 99630

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Usable Battery Capacity: 37.3

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 14.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 427

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 299

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 299

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 320

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 265

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 186

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 186

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 199

Emissions - ICE

CO: N

CO2 (g/km): 0

HC: N

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: N

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

CC: 1

Compression Ratio: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Cylinders: N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Engine Code: N

Engine Layout: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: N

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Urban (mpg): N

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Badge Power: 118

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: N

Coin Series: La Prima

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 3

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 21D

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 8

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 9000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9

Engine Power - BHP: 118

Engine Power - KW: 87

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: N

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 162

Engine Torque - MKG: 22.4

Engine Torque - NM: 220

Top Speed: 93

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 205/45 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 205/45 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: DIAMOND-CUT

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1527

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 3632

Wheelbase: 2322

Width: 1683

Width (including mirrors): 1900

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1805

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 550

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 185

Max. Loading Weight: 400

Max. Roof Load: N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Minimum Kerbweight: 1405

No. of Seats: 4

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 9.7

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special pastel paint

Hoods

Hood - Black with Fiat monogram

Packs

Red Kit pack - Fiat

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Celestial blue

Metallic - Ocean green

Metallic - Rose gold

Metallic - Yellow gold

Paint - Special

Pastel - Ice white

Special pastel - Onyx black

Special pastel - Passione red

Trim - Cloth

Eco leather - Graphite/Ivory

Eco leather - Ivory

Vehicle Charging

Mode 2 Charging Cable (AC single phase 13A, 2.3kW)