Road Tested by Hugh Maguire.
Fiat have been surviving in this market with really just one model, the funky Fiat 500. Yes it has many incarnations from the sporty Abarth, the standard economical petrol and of course an EV. The slightly larger Fiat 500X really just did not appeal as it seemed like a Fiat 500 on steroids yet it lost all the funky appeal of the cute 500.
So now we have an all new car which is not modelled on the little 500 but is a standalone model and its called the Fiat 600. The new 600 is keenly priced and comes in three trim levels namely, hybrid, Dolce Vita, and La Prima with either a 1.2 litre petrol self charging hybrid or an EV as in the 600e.
So after week behind the wheel and many km in truly awful wet weather how did the new Fiat 600 stand up to scrutiny? This week I am behind the wheel of the 1.2 metro hybrid La Prima version.
So has it got real street cred?
This new 600 carries the now familiar Fiat “Face” up front and in that way there is a nod to the styling of the cute 500. But there the resemblance ends as Fiat have made this car a standalone model rather than trying to make it a large version of the 500. I think it looks really well, with lovely alloy wheels, nice detail touches in the external trim and badging and a nicely styled rear section. Overall then I like it!
What is it like inside?
Slip inside the La Prima model of the new 600 and you are treated by a welcoming well designed interior. The seats are clad in light beige leather and nicely monogrammed with the Fiat 600 logo in contrasting stitching. The driving position is just about perfect with electric seats and a reach/rake adjustable steering wheel. Standard kit is very good. In front of the driver is a round digital configurable screen hosting the usual driver info. Mounted on the centre of the dash is a 10.25 inch touchscreen. However the best news is that Fiat very wisely have a row of real buttons below the screen which control some of the major functions such as climate control and well as shortcut buttons making this a much safer and more user friendly interior than those who have gone the most annoying route of having all functions within a touchscreen.
The new 600 is roomy enough for four and boasts a decent 360 litre boot accessed through the electric tailgate.
Performance.
The 1.2 litre petrol engine is supported by self charging hybrid technology via a small battery and an electric motor. But here I must point out that it really is more a mild hybrid than a true hybrid in that it rarely drives on electric power alone rather the electric propulsion boosts the 1.2 litre petrol to aid performance and economy. It will very briefly though run in EV mode so in this way its not as good a hybrid as say those self charging models like say a Prius. Road tax is €170.00 and over some 500 km it returned an average fuel consumption of 5.8 litres per 100km.
What is it like to drive?
Overall its pretty good. It rides our country roads well, and the handling is good. The steering lacks any feel but most don’t care and it proves reasonably quiet and refined. around town its nimble and easy to park ( the reversing camera helps) and on the motorway it proves an admirable KM muncher.
Hugh’s Verdict.
I really liked the new Fiat 600. Prices start at competitive €28,995, the top of the range La Prima tested here costs €33,995. Well worth putting the new Fiat 600 on your shortlist!