Fiat 500 review

• For: Styling, retro interior, personalisation options
• Against: Poor safety rating, interior quality, not great to drive
• Verdict: Retro-inspired city car is loaded with charm

The Fiat 500 has been a sales phenomenon, so much so that the Italian marque has modelled most of its range on it: witness the 500X SUV and 500L MPV.

Central to its appeal is the cutesy retro styling – and the cabin is also high on character, if a little low on quality.

There are 500,000 different ways to configure a 500, so the chances of seeing an identical car are slim.

Prices start at around £13,000 for the basic Pop, but most buyers upgrade to Lounge trim. This mid-range model comes with air conditioning, alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Two petrol engines are available: a 1.2-litre and a brilliant 0.9 Twinair. Regardless of engine or spec, the 500 isn’t the sharpest city car to drive, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have fun.

Opt for the 500C and you get an electric fabric sunroof, which simply adds to the appeal.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2007
• Facelifted: 2016
• Due for replacement: 2020