Fiat 500 electric: buying guide | notice | price | from 24,500 euros

Which version to choose?

The thermal Fiat 500 has been produced at 2.5 million units since its launch in 2007. Modernized in 2015, it remains in the Fiat catalog, with a “micro-hybrid” petrol engine of 70 hp. However, we prefer the new electric 500.

There is a chasm between the access version called Action (€ 24,500) and the top of the range, truly over-equipped, called La Prima (€ 34,900). The Icon (€ 29,500) and France Edition (€ 29,900) finishes can only be distinguished from each other by the presence, on the more expensive version, of the panoramic glass roof.

Both versions feature the Uconnect touchscreen, automatic air conditioning, of the’“hands-free” access / start and reversing radars. They ignore smartphone charging by induction, the bench that can be split into two parts and the Eye Park Pack.

Only the Icon finish can afford this optional equipment, at € 200, or € 1,000 for the pack consisting of 360 ° radars, blind spot monitoring and reversing camera.

Qualities

She is beautiful, jovial, very compact (3.63 meters) and now silent: the Fiat 500 has gone electric. Handy, with comfortable cushioning and complete safety equipment, it is very alert in terms of performance, with an engine developing 87 kW, the equivalent of 118 hp.

To complete the package, the Italian has made good progress in terms of road performance, becoming safer and more pleasant to handle.

Life on board also benefits from this (r) evolution: the charm is still present

The ergonomics, the care taken in the presentation and the quality of the finish are progressing. We find more storage than before, while the classic counter has disappeared, in favor ofdigital instrumentation.

And, in the center of the center console, a new 10.25-inch touchscreen appears from the third trim level, called Icon.

This 500, available as a convertible and now offered in a “3 + 1” version, with an opposing rear door to facilitate access to the bench, is living with the times. It is displayed at 29 900 € for the recommendable France Edition version, which are subtracted from the € 7,000 purchase bonus.

Defaults

The 500 remains a 500: this is not a station wagon or a wagon. Traveling in the back is only suitable for young people and children, and you should not consider playing Santa Claus with such a hood: the trunk only cubs 185 liters.

Another parameter not to be overlooked: autonomy. If the transalpine is doing well on this point, with the possibility of traveling around 250 “real” kilometers between two recharges, this detail limits its use for long weekend departures.

The basic version, equipped with a small battery, further reduces its autonomy …

This is even more true for the basic version (24,500 €), limited to 70 kW (95 hp) and equipped with a smaller battery, which further reduces its range by 40%. And who, moreover, suffers from any level of equipment.

Finally, in each case, recharging remains the main source of concern. Better have a suitable electrical network at home, rather than relying on a public terminal …

Notice

Less practical than the Renault Zoe, Opel Corsa-e or Peugeot e-208, the electric 500 is distinguished by an incomparable charm asset. Its equipment, prices and autonomy are also good arguments.