Fiat 500 2018 Review
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Fiat 500 2018 Review: A Stylish City Car
These days, cars are more about lifestyle choices than merely being a means of getting about. The Fiat 500 2018 is eager to establish you as a style icon, as this ride embodies that ethos and a bit more. It's a cute super mini with significant amenities and impressive performance that challenges those who might underestimate it. With roots tracing back to the legendary 1957 Cinquecento, the Fiat 500 proves to be iconic.
Exterior
The Fiat 500 has been a style icon for over half a century. The new generation Fiat 500 continues to draw design inspiration from pop and fashion, enhanced with a new blast of boldness. Key exterior features include:
- 14 body colors to choose from
- Body-colored wing mirrors
- Side chrome inserts
- Chrome-plated tailpipe
- Chromed exterior door handles
- Chrome inserts on front and back bumpers
- Multi-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels
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Interior
The adorable Italian features a lighter, body-colored interior panel in the dashboard and a touch of chrome in the front. Its retro-looking media console is adorned with vintage radio dials, complemented by a leather steering wheel with audio control buttons. The front seats offer ample space, enhanced by a gear stick mounted below the console.
The infotainment system is powered by Fiat's user-friendly Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen, which includes radio, navigation, Bluetooth, and features that smartphone-savvy users will appreciate. Despite the classy appearance and color scheme throughout the cabin, material quality is somewhat lacking, with soft-touch plastics limited mainly to the dashboard.
While the front offers generous room for taller individuals, the rear seats feel cramped, with limited headroom due to the sloping rear glass. The boot, however, is surprisingly spacious for a car of its size, boasting a 185-litre capacity suitable for several shopping bags. The rear seats can be folded down to significantly increase cargo space.
Safety & Tech
The Fiat 500 boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, reflecting its robust technology and safety features. Standard safety offerings include:
- Stability and traction control systems
- Antilock disc brakes
- Hill start assist
- 7 airbags (including dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, window bags, and a knee bag)
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Drive
The Fiat 500 combines safety features with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder Twin Air petrol engine that is powerful yet reasonably fuel-efficient. Activating sports mode provides an exhilarating ride, though it may deplete the fuel gauge quickly after an enjoyable drive.
The higher seating position allows for efficient and responsive handling. Acceleration is swift when in sports mode, while normal mode offers an effortless driving experience. The 500's ride quality remains comfortable, whether navigating uneven city streets or cruising on UAE's multi-lane highways.
With the Dualogic transmission system, drivers can select between semiautomatic or automatic gear changes. While manual shifting offers an engaging experience, automatic mode may present some jolts during gear changes that take a little getting used to initially.
Verdict
The Fiat 500 is a charming vehicle that delivers big character in a compact size. Its retro charm and timeless design are hard to beat. While it faces tough competition from the Mazda 2, Ford Fiesta, and Mini Cooper, the Fiat 500 remains a beloved city car with unmatched playfulness.
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