These days cars are all about a lifestyle choice than merely being a means of getting about. The Fiat 500 2018 is keen to launch you as a style icon, because this is what this ride is all about, or maybe a little more. It's a cute super mini with some huge amenities and an impressive amount of performance to smirk at those who may undermine it. Having been famously inspired by the legendary 1957 Cinquecento, the post-war micro mini, it can't get any more iconic than that.
Exterior
The Fiat 500 has been a style icon for over half a century. The new generation Fiat 500 still takes its design cues from pop and fashion but with a new blast of boldness thrown in for good measure. There are 14 body colors to choose from, body colored wing mirrors, side chrome inserts, a chrome-plated tail pipe, chromed plated exterior door handles, chrome inserts on the front and back bumpers, and multi-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels.
You might also be interested in: Fiat 500X 2017 Review
Interior
The adorable Italian has a lighter, body colored interior panel in the dash and a bit of chrome in its front. It has a retro looking media console with vintage radio dials, leather steering wheel with audio control buttons. There is a sense of immense space in the front seats, thanks to a gear stick that is mounted below the console.
The information system is Fiat's app-tastic Uconnect user friendly 5-inch touchscreen. It has radio, navigation, Bluetooth and other stuff that smartphone-flaunting hipsters will love. Despite the classy appearance and colors throughout the cabin, the quality of most materials is subpar, that’s to say you won’t find any soft-touch plastics elsewhere apart from the dash.
There is ample room in the front for taller individuals, but the rear seats are totally squeezed, with nonexistent headroom in the hatchback due to the sloping rear glass. The boot is impressive for a car of its size, there’s enough room for a few shopping bags in the 185-litre boot. Fold down the rear seats and the space grows considerably.
Safety & Tech
A 5-star Euro NCAP rating for a technological star. Standard safety features include stability and traction control systems, antilock disc brakes, hill start assist, 7 airbags (dual stage front airbags, side airbags, window bags and a knee bag). The Fiat 500 is the only car in its category to offer so much safety.
You might also be interested in: Top 3 Least Loved Cars at the 2018 Dubai Motor Show
Drive
The safety features and distinct character are clubbed with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder Twin Air petrol engine that is overwhelmingly strong, has reasonable capacity, and is relatively fuel efficient too. When you put it in sports mode and rev the engine for a longer stretch, you’re likely to find yourself staring at the fuel gauge racing towards empty, but that’s after you'd have had all the fun turning those heads first.
With a higher seating position, the handling is efficient and responsive. The acceleration is zippy like a bullet when you put it into sports mode, and if you are feeling lazy then you always have the option to just leave it on normal mode. The 500's ride quality is pretty comfortable whether you're driving over uneven city streets or cruising down the UAE’s multi-lane highways.
With the Dualogic transmission system, you can choose whether to change gear in semiautomatic or automatic mode. Driving it on the manual shifts makes it a bit more fun, but at the same time while on auto mode you can feel the jolts when the shift changes from 3rd to 4th which may take a bit of getting used to at the beginning.
Verdict
The Fiat 500 is a darling vehicle that offers you big character in its tiny footprint. Its retro charm, timeless and classy looks are unbeatable. Even though there is tougher and more practical competition in the form of the Mazda 2, Ford Fiesta, and Mini Cooper, the Fiat 500 is a popular city car that will always have a client, for its playfulness remains unmatched.
Editor's Pick:
2018 Jeep Compass revealed at the Dubai Motor Show
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk unveiled at Dubai Motor Show
Also See:
