The new 2020 Fiat 500 Hybrid - Is the 500 still good enough to be dominating our roads? FULL REVIEW

The Fiat 500 now on it's 13th year in production and got a new Hybrid drive train for 2020 but did the little Fiat need more than just a new engine style to stay relevant in today's market?
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[@Trip-Play]

I think it is awesome that you're doing all this w/o a cameraman. And it's better than some other review channels out there. Yours is straight to the point. Subbed

[@AutoSocialUK]

I really appreciate that, thank you so much for the support!! 😊

[@mip6569]

Great review! It's a car you don't buy for speed but for the piece of Italy you can carry with you. The dolcevita 😊. It's one of the very last city cars on the market. Cars don't stop getting bigger (which is actually an absolute nonsense for the planet). Fiat 500 isn't perfect but it has much charm. While all of the other cars have dark and sad interiors, fiat 500 is bright and joyful. It gives smile when you drive it. Plus I love the "Club" finition with the electrical sunroof and the cream leather seats (signed by Poltrona Frau in addition 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻). I think it's not available in the UK for the moment.

[@studiocalder818]

Timeless design; the others swell more and more

[@donnanorford900]

I'm a bit late to the party, but I have say for a short review, this is one of the best reviews on on here for the Fiat 500 Mild Hybrid. Very informative to the point and more facts than opinion. I can't have an electric Fiat due to living in an apartment, but this has helped me to make my mind up to upgrade my 2013 Fiat 500 Pop to the 500 Mild Hybrid. Thank you.

[@AutoSocialUK]

Much appreciated! I’m glad it was helpful x

[@sak1339]

Nice review of a car that is definitely a "city car." The Italians generally are very good at the interior and exterior designs of their cars, I think.

[@AutoSocialUK]

Thank you. They’ve certainly nailed their Target audience with looks and interior!!

[@dmarieash4309]

I absolutely do , for city driving, thats what the car is made for. (N ) I have noticed a huge difference in petrol consumption, for the better.The sensors are great as it shows on the digital dash with the sound how close when reversing, makes up for the small window and helpful. I love my fiat. Its a great car and my 3rd over the years. They have come on a long way. Fiats get so much negativety. Try one 1st. Then have an opinion. Its not everyone's cup of tea but it is mine. Great video. Refreshing

[@AutoSocialUK]

Really glad you’re using N, I imagine 99% of owners don’t even know about it. It was hard to fault it, does exactly what you need it to ☺️

[@dmarieash4309]

@@AutoSocialUK absolutely do. Less emissions and usage of petrol as its hybrid. When its stop start in a city its great. Im no petrol head and had to get rid of my last fiat for a bigger car/Ford for kids sport kit. Now grown went back to a fiat a few months ago. Im a small person and the seats give you a hug 🤣 amazed that my kid is 6ft 2 and fits in the front fine with leg room. Reliability, compact, tall people in the front little ones in the back 🤣

[@Nanou197373]

Thanks for your great review! I bought this model in 2021 and I agree with everything you mentioned. Mine is epic blue with a cream steering wheel & all the options available for the series: chrome mirrors, tinted back windows, touch screen navigation board, seat height adjustment, etc. I’ve had it for 6 months and I love it. It’s cheap to run and it’s very stylish and comfortable. As you rightly point out, it’s not terribly powerful so I’m always careful to have plenty of space to overtake. I do use the “sailing” mode to avoid using up too much petrol and it’s a smart way of doing so although it will not keep up the speed unless the engine is restarted but it is helpful when stuck in traffic for ex. I like it

[@FlashySolution]

Thanks so much for a great, clear review 👌and no mention of where to store makeup wipes 🤣

[@geofffd1]

A good summary. I have the Star version hybrid and according to the hybrid readout it charges when you come off the accelerator but in gear. I love this little iconic car, the dash having more electronic controls for heating etc than the model you are testing although mines 6 months later and a different model. I 'm averaging over 60 mpg in all types of driving and its is necessary to use the gears to get good acceleration but at motorway speeds its fine and the engine is quiet with no wind noise but some from the tyres.

[@AutoSocialUK]

So no need to be in neutral? To be honest it is difficult sometimes because I read things online and the results are often mixed. That’s a really good combination MPG though…. Much better than my Abarth!! 😂😂😂

[@geofffd1]

@@AutoSocialUK Part exchanged our Abarth convertible to drive this economical hybrid abroad ......

[@PedroSilva74]

Nice review. Thanks. Thinking about buying one of this...

[@rjm1764]

Great review, Tish :) 13 years is an impressive run with little changes made. Despite its size, it still stands out. I have looked at images of the new forthcoming 500, and, for me, the interior looks like it might be a bit of a let down style-wise. It won't have that retro look that the current interior has. I don't have too many complaints about the dash design, as is, and the screen doesn't look too much like an afterthought. Though, maybe the Mini's dash is more funky. Who cares if it isn't the quickest? If it has the smile-factor, isn't that what it's about?

[@AutoSocialUK]

Hi Robert, sorry delayed response 😅 been looking at pictures of the electric 500, looks nice on the outside but I agree, pretty dull on the inside 😬 Exactly, it was never built for speed!!

[@lawrenceholden5716]

Speed is irrelevant these days, average over thousands of miles including motorways and mixed driving is likely to come up in mid 20s ! After many cars and hundreds of thousands of miles, I reckon a car that you like the look of, that makes you happy when you get in it or see it in a car park and is fun to drive and suits your needs is the one to have and Fiats are some of my favourites, so enjoyable to drive and in my experience reliable ( 3 Puntos and a Cinquecento), all those Italians can't be wrong!

[@sevesellors2831]

Great review great car loved my twin air Lounge.

[@afcgeo882]

I’m confused about what you’ve said about coasting… is this something you’d do while going down a hill/slope? If yes, then it’s something most manual box drivers should already do, albeit maybe by simply holding in the clutch. There’s no benefit to being in gear at that point. You’re just wasting fuel. As your speed will change during your descent, you will then properly select your gear to match it when you’re ready to give it power again. It’s a big factor in attaining fuel economy with manual versus auto transmissions, which can’t truly disconnect the drivetrain from the wheels and let the engine idle while moving.

[@karelnoe2419]

I got a hybrid dolce vita Full option and I adore it amazing car

[@AutoSocialUK]

So glad you’re enjoying it 😁

[@martinw245]

Do you find the brake pedal offset to the left. My daughter and I picked one up yesterday. I'm finding that's taking some getting used to.

[@Superman_.]

Daughter just purchased one of these today and I like it. Perfect for a young person that needs to get from A to B. I was surprised with how tidy it was inside. Hopefully she can have a few years of troublesome driving. If I was in me teenage years or early twenties and female I would pick one up too! Good review. Thanks

[@mainsfortes5778]

I love that car. Ir's the perfect daily driver.

[@AutoSocialUK]

I couldn't agree more

[@craigtrigg4288]

your very honest trish great review again hope you are well stay safe

[@AutoSocialUK]

Thank you! Hope you’re well too 😊

[@alexahart7390]

I thought that coasting was a big no no, on your theory test and while having lessons you are told not to do it? Very confusing. Fantastic review 👍🏻👍🏻

[@afcgeo882]

So as to say that the theory test was written with 1950’s technology in mind by a flawed human being based on flawed testing. There is ZERO danger or mechanical risk to coasting.

[@WhatMummyLoves]

Loving the hybrid. I have the Fiat 500x car tour on my channel

[@paulbullen1414]

Thanks for a good review. I too have reservations around the concept of coasting, especially rolling along in Neutral. When I was learning to drive, many years ago, this was considered a no no because technically, as I understood it, you would not have full control of the vehicle. However, you point out that this is now considered ok, but I for one would find coasting awkward so wouldn't be using that feature. Am I alone in my thinking?

[@AutoSocialUK]

No I 100% agree and I think that has to still be true to an extent, especially as the 500 is one of the only city cars without autonomous breaking. I still can’t see a single fiat 500 driver doing it!

[@elena_4683]

It’s still considered less safe to coast, that’s now in the Theory Test.

[@afcgeo882]

Don’t know who told you that you don’t have full control or what that means, but in emergencies you are to steer and brake, and you have those two abilities. If you’re ever in a situation where you need to out-accelerate something, you can take the extra fraction of a second to put it into gear. You’d need to change gears for that most likely anyway… In fact, going from N to a gear is faster than changing gears, and you could actually even do it without the clutch, if you absolutely had to in an emergency. You were simply taught wrong.

[@afcgeo882]

@@elena_4683 The theory test is wrong. That has ZERO factual support in engineering.

[@lawrenceholden5716]

@@afcgeo882 I seem to remember being told by an ADI that engine braking was important and to stop safely and efficiently the car should be braked while in gear and the clutch depressed prior to stopping so as not to stall. This also saved wear on brake pads and discs, although materials have improved and pads are not as likely to fade these days, it is another cost which can be reduced by driving style.

[@antoniodimascio5340]

Lovely car I am considering for the 500ev

[@MatJakub]

Love this review

[@AutoSocialUK]

Thank you for watching!

[@etyres8860]

great review! 👍

[@AutoSocialUK]

Thank you 😁😁

[@chiquita71]

Anti collision tech can be a bit paranoid, I have suzuki Ignis SZ5 and I turn off the anti collision tech, as it soon gets annoying. But I do like my reversing camera.

[@AutoSocialUK]

I know tons of people that don’t get on with it but I genuinely really like it! It’s gotten me out of trouble a couple of times. I actually think it teaches you to be a little bit of a better driver as well, I know that when I had the technology on my car it taught me not to break so late but I completely get where you’re coming from and I don’t think you are alone in your opinion. Some cars you can actually delay when it comes on which is handy because it’s still there but not over sensitive

[@04poppop]

Its Honda Monkey among cars, by the way its weir that insurance for brand new Fiat 500 starts on 155£ but older models are presented on autotrader with price tax tag 30£. I would expect new car will have much less tax and insurance cost than older

[@suhalbansal]

Love from India..

[@rebeccarose.2463]

How much would you say you save In petrol costs? I have just brought one :?

[@AutoSocialUK]

Completely depends what you currently drive?

[@PeterWTaylor]

Seems to me this isn't really a hybrid like the Toyota Prius etc. which use an electric motor to drive the wheels. It's just a standard manual gearbox petrol engine car with a bit of KERS.

[@peterpoppe4855]

Just went looking for a Fiat 500 to buy for my daughter (new). We found 3 (three !!) of these brandnew cars at the dealer with scratches on the dashboard, so indeed it looks nice but I'm afraid these nice looks will disappear rather quickly. One of them also got scratches at the back of the rear seats - they are just slightly painted black, no descent protection whatever. Although the budget is higher we'll probably get a Mini...

[@AutoSocialUK]

That’s a shame Peter. These scratchy plastics never wear very well. I hope you find a suitable one soon!

[@marantamil459]

Dissapointing that there's no rear camera

[@tedolphbundler724]

Anybody who is used to driving a manual coasts down hills in neutral, unless the hill is really big and you want to use the engine to brake the car. Nothing new here. Some here say that fuel cuts off when you are coasting in gear and that is true, but you are also losing momentum because of engine braking. The biggest net gain is to coast downhill in neutral.

[@chriscuthbertson]

I miss the 105bhp 1L twinair

[@martinw245]

Why neutral. Just depressing the clutch is coasting.

[@afcgeo882]

Holding in the clutch for prolonged periods isn’t recommended. It wears out the clutch springs and there’s a chance your foot may slip and you’d be in the wrong gear. It’s just easier to put it into N and then when you need to go into gear, just clutch in and go into whichever gear you need to. It takes a fraction of a second.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Coasting is also keeping the clutch down unnecessary.

[@martinw245]

Yeah I don't know why neutral is required

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@martinw245 Maybe it’s to allow the person to push the car to somewhere, for example the gas station if they run out of gas.

[@martinw245]

@@DaveDVideoMaker 😁 I was referring to the feature in the 500 where when you coast it recharges the battery. I mean coasting is also just depressing the clutch, so I'm not sure why it couldn't regenerate the battery then too, not just in neutral.

[@afcgeo882]

@@martinw245 I think Tish got the recharge wrong. There is no ability, with a manual transmission, to re-charge while in neutral (or clutch depressed.) It charges while you’re engine braking, remaining in gear, but off the accelerator, via a generator.

[@artestra]

omg hi tishhh 👋🏾😍

[@AutoSocialUK]

Omg, hi 👋🏼

[@pi1392]

Isn't it true that coasting in neutral can be dangerous, specially downhill. I'd rather drive safely than to follow some old misconceptions about "leave the car in neutral to saves fuel".

[@dlg78]

Ironically, coasting downhill uses more fuel, as it's technically idling, so it's using the idle amount of fuel. When you go downhill and let off the accelerator in gear, engine vacuum is negative and most cars do what's called 'overrun fuel cut', where the injectors will not be firing at all, and only kick in once engine vacuum rises above zero. Obviously only in manuals, not automatics.

[@afcgeo882]

How? How is it dangerous? Do your brakes not work? Does steering switch off? Are you suddenly unable to simply pop it into proper gear if needed (which is faster than switching from one to another)? I simply don’t see ANY logic in that!

[@afcgeo882]

@@dlg78 While it is true that engine braking uses no fuel, while coasting uses idle fuel, it consistently slows your vehicle, which may not be what you want to do given the slope and moving traffic. To keep speed constant you’d need to upshift until you’re practically idling, and then keep pressing some gas. That will still net you slightly more fuel use, and will likely require you to downshift once you’re off the slope. There’s ZERO reason not to coast in that situation.

[@dlg78]

@@afcgeo882 no, when the engine is in manifold vacuum mode but moving by inertia, a modern fuel injection car cuts all fuel. It's specially called deceleration fuel cut mode.

[@afcgeo882]

@@dlg78 I’m aware. Do you know that’s called “engine braking”? Everyone driving a manual should know this. It works with carburetors too. The vacuum makes the pistons slow down its movement by resistance, and since they’re still connected to the driveshaft via the clutch, it makes the wheels slow down - engine braking. If you own a manual car, try it. You will feel a very effective braking force when you do it. It’s also why it’s called “DECELERATION fuel cut mode” (emphasis mine.) It’s a great way to slow your car without using your brakes and it saved my life once when my old car’s brake fluid pump failed and I lost brakes on the motorway. By downshifting and engine braking I was able to slow to about 5mph, after which I coasted to a stop. However, if you don’t want sudden braking, like when a hill is gentle and long, you would do better to just coast in neutral until you get either too fast or too slow, which is when you put it into gear and either engine brake or accelerate. Idle RPMs are around 800rpm, but if you’re cruising on the motorway, in gear, they’ll be around 2000rpm. As soon as you lift your foot off the accelerator the car will brake unless you clutch in or go to neutral. The larger displacement the engine, the more brake force will be applied. Turbos don’t play into it. If you do this on a slippery surface and you have a large engine you can also cause “shift slip” which cause the wheels to spin out and you to lose control.

[@peterktori9116]

THEY SHOULD TRIPLE GLAZE ALL. THE WINDOWS. TO IMPROVE. NOISE LEVELS. FOR WHAT FIAT ARE. CHARGEING. OK.AND SHOULD HAVE. A FULL REVERSING DISPLAY. IN CONSOLE.

[@jonathanstokes5069]

Great vid as always Tish. I think it's a nice looking car but I'm really not sure about the coasting. Not having full control over the car doesn't sound safe tbh. Oh BTW, still loving my mini 😊

[@AutoSocialUK]

Ironic K, promoting coasting in a car that isn’t fitted with anticollision 😂

[@studiocalder818]

Much better the timeless design of the 500; the mini swells more and more

[@afcgeo882]

What full control aren’t you having exactly?

[@peterktori9116]

SHOULD HAVE MORE GROUND CLEARENCE. TO LOW. GOING TO HURT YOURE BACK. SOONER THAN LATER

[@martinw245]

I have a back injury. No trouble at all getting in and out in my daughters car. The roof line is high.

[@tesytesy9531]

Sit

[@shuttayerface503]

Small slow and noisy what's not to like

[@AutoSocialUK]

And yer girls buy them in their millions 😅😅😅😅

[@afcgeo882]

@@AutoSocialUK To be fair, most girls have NO clue about cars, nor want to. They just buy it because it’s “cute”. They also grow out of them very quickly. It was the same with the Ka as well. There are just better cars out there than a regular 500.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Critics... pfffft. Shortening of critical and Latin for wanker. This is cool, cheap, fun, and hybrid just makes it even better for certain types of commuters. Bonus is it's not made by a bonkers narcissistic billionaire for his wealthy woke sheep. Good review Natisha. We don't get this version in Au (and probably wont) so thanks for showing :)

[@AutoSocialUK]

I wonder if they would sell in AU.... what do you think?

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

@@AutoSocialUK Doesn't look like Au will get the hybrid. We do no get most hybrids or EVs. Because Shitsville 'Stralia. The ICE 500 sells ok here, see quite a few around. Well manuals you see as all the autos are broken..