First the Volkswagen Beetle, then the Mini and now the Fiat 500. The script is the same: a small, cheap, utilitarian car that became iconic through its engineering purity and brilliance is relaunched as a heavily styled object, with the emphasis on premium build and desirability.
The original Nuova 500 was so basic that it was conceived partly as an alternative to a scooter; there was one engine option and it had just two seats (at launch), plus suicide doors. Pore over the options list of the latest 500 and you’ll find up to 549,396 different ways of specifying the car.
But despite the obvious emphasis on novelty and design with this type of car, done properly the appeal need not necessarily subside. Because it’s solidly built and great to drive, the 500 has morphed successfully into a second-generation car.
First shown in 2007, 50 years after the launch of the Cinquecento that inspired it, the 500 has proved a hit for Fiat, pulling in sales and hugely improving the brand’s image. But don't think this car is all about retro - the TwinAir version is easily the most mechanically radical part of the vehicle line-up, its two-cylinder motor introducing Fiat’s acclaimed MultiAir valve system in the 500 for the first time.
In terms of pricing Fiat is pitching the TwinAir above the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder model and fractionally beneath the more sensible-feeling 1.4. Even more expensive is the 1.3 Multijet diesel version. At the top of the range is the Abarth, featuring a bespoke front end and 1.4-litre turbo engine.
All engine variants and trim levels can also be had as a cute convertible, but at a premium of around £3000 over its tin-top equivalent.
