We review the Fiat 500 Start & Stop from price to economy and all its features
WHEN you mix cute with eco-friendly you should have just about the perfect motoring combination.
And as the retro Fiat 500 has cute by the bucketload it was only a matter of time before they added the green.
Cute and green ... Fiat 500 Start & Stop
Enter the 500 Start & Stop, below left, a small bundle of “green motoring” that has already picked up its first award, the What Car? magazine Best Green Supermini title.
The ordinary 1.2litre Fiat 500 was already impressively efficient but when you add Fiat’s Start & Stop engine system the picture gets even greener.
The system automatically cuts the engine in standing traffic, then restarts when you re-engage gear.
The result is a drop in C02 emissions from 119g/km to 113 and fuel economy improves from 55.4mpg to 58.9mpg, although the best I managed on a combined city/ motorway run was just over 52mpg.
The reduction in C02 sees road tax drop to just £35 a year while insurance is group four, which means the running costs of the 500 Start & Stop are also friendly on your wallet.
It’s also perfect for nipping in and out of city traffic. Just don’t expect driving excitement.
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But everyone will be smiling at you as you drive by because the 500 is one of those rare cars everyone seems to love. Actually, that is not strictly true because a photographer friend was mortified and questioned my sexuality when I picked him up in the car.
Personally, I think the 500 looks great. It has charm and character and it’s a very practical little car.
And now in Start & Stop form it adds green credentials.
It is also well equipped, with air con, alloy wheels, electric front windows, electric door mirrors and Bluetooth phone connectivity all in the price of £9,700.
That’s pretty reasonable for being a motoring eco warrior.
What to look for when buying a used Fiat 500
Fiat quality has been improving since its darkest days, but the 500 has not been without problems.
To date four recalls have been issued on the 500, and six on the Abarth model, ranging from potential airbag problems to steering faults.
It is important to check that these faults have been put right; a dealer will fix them without charge.
Recalls aside, owners report a few annoying problems such as a creaking front suspension, peeling body stripes, and glitches in Bluetooth connectivity and iPod integration.
There have also been reports of engine management lights flickering on.
An extended warranty on your second-hand buy might well be worth it.