It's been 68 years since the Fiat 500 first graced the automotive world, and to celebrate this monumental occasion, Fiat has unveiled an eagerly awaited addition to its lineup—the new petrol-powered Fiat 500 Hybrid! This move reflects a strategic pivot from the earlier decision to restrict the latest model to an electric-only format, and fans of the iconic city car couldn’t be more thrilled. Nestled beneath the charmingly compact facade of the Fiat 500 Hybrid is a dynamic 1.0-litre naturally aspirated ‘Firefly’ three-cylinder engine. Enhanced with a 12-volt mild hybrid power boost and clever stop/start functionality provided by a belt-integrated starter generator, this model is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
While this reliable powertrain, previously seen in earlier Fiat Panda and 500 generations, typically produced under 52 kW, specific details regarding power output, performance, and fuel economy are yet to be released. Pricing remains a mystery too, but based on the current offerings, we anticipate the 500 Hybrid will hit the market at an attractive starting price well below €20,000—potentially around €15,000, particularly as the Grande Panda Hybrid launches just over €18,000.
Lovers of the Fiat 500 will be pleased to find this hybrid model available in both hatchback and Cabrio convertible variations, equipped with cutting-edge features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a sleek seven-inch digital driver’s display, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.
Production is slated to kick off this November, with a handful of units already assembled, showcasing how closely the hybrid and electric models mirror each other in appearance. Subtle aesthetic tweaks differentiate the two, including a slender air inlet strategically placed in the hybrid’s snout, catering to its modest engine’s cooling needs. Plus, adjustments to the dashboard accommodate the new manual shifter. Initially introduced in 2020, this latest version of the Fiat 500 is undeniably captivating, yet its exclusive offering as an EV previously limited its market reach. And now, Fiat acknowledges this oversight. The new hybrid model aims to bridge the gap between Fiat’s rich heritage and modern technology, all while making the beloved 500 more accessible to the everyday consumer. “The new 500 is one of the best cars Fiat has ever created, both in terms of design and technology,” expressed Gaetano Thorel, head of Fiat Europe. He lamented that restricting the latest 500 to electric-only had constrained consumer enjoyment. When the engineers presented the solution of integrating a combustion engine, it marked a transformative day for the brand.
Thorel revealed that making this hybrid a reality was no small feat for the engineering team. “It posed quite the engineering challenge,” he admitted. Interestingly, while removing the battery spec has not increased interior or trunk capacity, the primary interior alteration is the addition of a practical manual stick shift. Some speculate the name ‘Hybrid’ might evolve to ‘Ibrida,’ echoing the Italian terminology and aligning with the branding shifts seen in other Stellantis models, such as Alfa Romeo's Junior Ibrida. What’s noteworthy is that the Fiat 500 Hybrid doesn’t utilize the same mild-hybrid technology adopted across various Stellantis vehicles, such as the Fiat 600 compact SUV, Peugeot 208, and Vauxhall Corsa, which rely on a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic option that can allow for short electric-only journeys.
Before excitement builds for a sporty Abarth replacement like the famed 595 hot hatch, Thorel has clarified that the engine focuses more on affordability than performance. “The new 500 Hybrid being produced in Mirafiori will feature a micro-hybrid engine that’s quite practical rather than performance-focused,” he revealed. Beyond this model, Fiat is channeling its resources into developing new projects, including a mid-size SUV, a Fastback, and a Grande Panda 4x4. With an impressive €100 million allocated to enhancing the 500e—encompassing platform redesign and potential new battery technology—enthusiasts might have to temper their expectations for a spirited baby Abarth. But stay tuned, as the evolution of the Fiat 500 continues, and the anticipation of this hybrid landmark is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter!