Fiat 500C Hybrid - Mini Cabrio Instead of MX-5? (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

Fiat 500 was launched in 2007. It turned out to be a hit. The new Fiat 500 leaned on nostalgia and retro styling, but at the same time it remained relatively inexpensive, especially since its only real competitor at launch was the MINI hatch. Citroen launched the DS3 a year after the 500, and it was advertised as anti-retro.
Initially Fiat offered a lot of customisation options - they said a total of around 500 thousand combinations of the engine, color, livery, upholstery, and even key fob cover were available. Nowadays Fiat turned customisation down a notch or two, but it still launches special editions every now and then.
In 2016 Fiat gave the 500 a facelift. The changes were cosmetic. The current model has a newer infotainment and a new engine. Fiat got rid of the Twinair, the Fire and the Multijet, and replaced them with the FireFly - a 3-cylinder 1.0 litre unit producing 70 hp with mild hybrid.
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↔ Fiat 500C Hybrid dimensions:
✔ length: 3571 mm
✔ width: 1627 mm
✔ height: 1488 mm
✔ wheelbase: 2300 mm
✔ boot/trunk: 185 L
💲 Fiat 500 starting price: 16 490 euro
💲 2022 Fiat 500C Hybrid Red price as tested: 24 000 euro
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#MarekDrivesENG #Fiat500C #Fiat500Hybrid
📌 Thanks for watching Marek Drives reviews. If you liked it, here are several other channels you may enjoy: Autophorie, Autogefühl, Bob Flavin, Carfection, Carwow, Doug DeMuro, Driven Car Reviews, Fully Charged, TheSmokingTire, TheStraightPipes, VINwiki.
Index:
0:00 intro
0:30 new Fiat 500
1:35 Fiat 500 Hybrid
2:10 performance
3:55 driving impressions
4:50 convertible - advantages and disadvantages
7:15 small issues
8:20 cockpit
8:45 rear seat
9:30 security
10:10 boot/trunk
10:40 prices
10:55 why didn't I buy the Fiat 500?
11:45 conclusion

[@extreme8808]

And I've lived long enough to see it all. A Polish guy, speaking English and doing a fairly decent Italian accent 🤣🤣 Made my day 🤣Love Little Pepe, no matter how small of an engine they put in it. As far as I'm concerned, it can have a pepper grinder under the bonnet and it would still be a jolly little car ❤

[@NenadTrajkovic]

And the car is proudly made in Poland…In a metter of thinking most of Polish automotive history iz bedged with Fiat brend and Poland drive almost most the oldest cars in Eu along Romania, Lithuania and Finland... …

[@bronxcartel6193]

Isn’t The EU amazing!

[@pioneerz450]

Gotta love that three cylinder thrum. Drove one of these for a week in Madeira, never failed to make me smile.

[@MafaldaBotelho29]

❤ Fiat 500C ❤ Madeira 🇵🇹

[@fleixfire6641]

I have the Abarth 595, and I have to say that it is a real treat to drive. Never fails to make me smile

[@The_Hero_Is_Back]

Citroen 2CV. Best four door cabriolet ever made. Unique sound, unique looks, unique. Loved mine.

[@richardsmith273]

We bought our son a Fiat 500 Lounge for his first car a year or so ago as our cars are automatic and he needed a manual to learn in. After a few weeks we found that we were all driving the Fiat rather than our own cars - it was such fun to drive. Yes, parts of the dash rattle a bit when the weather is cold and the seating position is a bit high but apart from that it’s fab. Would highly recommend and would buy another one.

[@mindcrafte]

Been watching your channel on and off for years. You should definitely have heaps mire subscribers. Great reviews. Now have a 2015 ABARTH 595C Competizione. Definitely the best of the 500s

[@jason41a]

high quality review. thanks for the video. full of detials and passion. good!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Much appreciated!

[@ianstewart2723]

Great review Mario 🇮🇹 I mean Marek 😂

[@TheGuyWithTheAfricaTwin]

A week is so long, but now the time has come for some funny and interesting stuff! 😀😀😀 I am driving my 500 Hybrid Sport GSE since 355 days to be exact and covered almost 27.000 km for trips to work and weekend fun. Consumpion is quite low with 4.2 liters (gasoline, not engine capacity 😁😁😁)... I am happy with the purchase and although I am 1,85m tall, I like to rise the seat in order to fill the gap between the seat cushion and the backrest. And yes, I live in the Mediteranean, to be exact in Istria. I fully agree that the car is on the slow side, but on the other hand it is really well built and keeps fighting the Croatian roads, which are not the best really. First service at 15k km was cheap and the second service won´t be much more expensive (€ 130-150, depending which dealer has been chosen).

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It's made for that region! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

[@vladx2]

Bonus points for the Riva edition B roll footage. Possibly the widest car to interior wood quality gap in the world. Perfect spec

[@edgk490]

Thanks, this was a fun watch!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ssmith954]

Saw one in person at the Fiat dealer the other day -- has to be said, it's an absolutely stunning design and just oozes character. It's a car you buy with your heart, not your head. And I live in a small town near the Mediterranean, so....

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Go for it! :)

[@JackWeed-nm1vq]

Have the Abarth C. The roof is pretty decent, boot with seats down is surprising (used it moving house). You can long press the key to open the roof. Simple and great design that’s why it sell so well still

[@gianlucagatti1939]

I'm italian...you had me at porcamadonna....ahahahaahahaha....you made a really nice review video even nicer....thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@MarekDrivesENG]

My pleasure!

[@neverquit2470]

Sei un mitoooo 😂

[@BigDuke6ixx]

Just put a deposit on one. Collecting in two day. Can't wait!

[@OnurKennethYumurtaci]

Loving the new transitions in the editing these days (though some can be a bit long). Since I don't know Polish I can't say anything about how your reviews are in your native language but as a long time viewer of your English reviews, I have always been a fan of your honesty, snarky comments, and the way you manage to balance emotion with real-world sensibilities. I'm really happy to see the channel grow the way it has, and if you did a weekly or monthly podcast or something similar, I'd really be interested in your inner thoughts on cars, the car industry, car culture etc. as well (hint hint).

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Thanks... My partner and I are pondering on a podcast in Polish, but I'm not sure we could pull one off in English. Or maybe we should. Food for thought. Thanks again.

[@OnurKennethYumurtaci]

@@MarekDrivesENG Just as how I sort of think it's different thinking and expressing in your native language, I think there may be separate markets/audiences for a Polish and English podcast. I once likened you to Henry Catchpole in that you are immensely sincere and likeable but also don't mince words when it comes to criticism. Perhaps English subtitles would suffice to start off? That would probably work especially well with a two-camera setup that we could watch here as supplemental videos or a separate channel.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

We have a second channel in Polish (not a podcast channel, but focused on spoken content), but TBH translating and adding subtitles is such a nuisance it'd be easier to record something else (albeit on a similar topic) in English.

[@OnurKennethYumurtaci]

@@MarekDrivesENG Dooo iiiiiit! We (I) promise to make do with KZbin's translated subtitles!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I wish youtube auto-translated from Polish. It doesn't.

[@martinhorvath1970]

We owned a 500 however not a cabrio. The city car for a couple without children, even for trips up to 300 km withou any difficulty. Engine 1,2 liter atmospheric, with robotic gear, we were very happy with it.

[@sha22276]

I thought the automated gearbox was not very smooth especially compared to other small cars

[@martinhorvath1970]

@@sha22276 is actually not a proper automatic GB. 500 had the robotic GB, which i understand to be a cheaper solution.

[@wolfrick5300]

500c and Mini Cooper (both classics) are my favs.new ones...not so much,the market has changed in this category,so many options,so much to consider.

[@nikitis13]

Yes Marek. 1 Abarth, 1 500 Pop, 1 NA, 2 NB, 2 NC MX5's. All Great cars. Most fun was the Abarth but had torturous seats and sold it otherwise I may have still kept it. All MX5's are fun. My favourites were the NB's. However, MX5's are very compromised. I ride scooters and motorcycles and can load those better and easier with "stuff" than the MX5. Being so low to the ground every single day becomes wearing after a while. I'd love to have a Fiat Twin Air 500 Cabrio next time. The rasp from that little twin cylinder sounds nice. 🙂

[@robtt997]

We have had two 500 Lounge models .Keep them about four years and 40k miles then sell on. Low depreciation and servicing (non franchised garage) , fun to drive and economical. We get about 50mpg and drive briskly . Weak point is the sump . The cover rusts and , after three years will need renewing . Not an expensive job but Fiat really should use better quality steel. The rear shock absorbers don’t last long (we have rough roads round us) and I replace them with decent gas filled aftermarket ones. They really make the handling much much better , improve the ride and last ! We came from a Mini and wouldn’t go back

[@Muhluri]

Good video

[@allans7281]

Love the video a lot of fun The boot seems like it could come down easily do you know if there’s anything that secures it in place Cheers mate USA

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Nope. You get in through the back seats, as I demonstrated.

[@marcush2220]

God bless you Marek ;)

[@williamsmith9579]

Hi Marek, great review as always - thank you! A quick suggestion for the new channels - why not just Call the English one 'Marek Drives' and the Polish channel as the equivalent expression in Polish?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Because that would force me to rebrand a much bigger channel. People know me by "Marek Dr...." something, and let's just leave it at that :)

[@williamsmith9579]

@@MarekDrivesENG Fair enough! Looking forward to seeing this channel grow :)

[@jrushen4235]

Adorable car.

[@panagiotisgeorgiou2866]

I had an MX5 NC niseko edition, sold it in 2017 and bought a 595C abarth pista with 165hp! Now I am looking for a countryman. You miss a chance in order having the same cars! :)

[@bijayanandanaik681]

When FIAT mini hybrid variants will be available at Bhubaneswar, India

[@baseballer21and0]

Lmao at the italian impression and how you're casually talking out of the back of the convertible. nice review. i have a coupe convertible now and I'm looking to rent something while im in europe. this seems perfect

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Glad you liked it!

[@Kayla-wg6em]

Does anyone know if this will be in the US?

[@Papaguero79]

Looking to buy a Fiat 500C Hybrid, or even an Abarth 595C, your review made me curious... I'm driving an old Peugeot 206CC (19y) and love it! So, should be interesting to see what the differences are and if it is a car for me.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

The current Fiat 500 (non-electric) is basically a face lifted 2007 model :)

[@kevinn1158]

Fiat knows better. They know you shouldn't be going fast, slow down, see the world around you. It should only sound like you are going quick. It also says to the women, I don't take myself seriously, hop in, let's go to the beach and be "free" Mi piace molto! This reminds me of a trip to France my wife and I took awhile back. Our B and B host owned a 2CV. I asked how she likes it. She said, we've owned it 20 yrs, the best feature is the narrowness because you are close to your mate. We leave the top open and if it rains, who cares? The seats are like lawn chairs and it has a drain!! LOL. I think these cars should come with sunglasses and a flamboyant scarf. ;P. Thanks Marek Ciao!!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Sunglasses yes, but careful with the scarves. Isadora Duncan, and all that...

[@kevinn1158]

@@MarekDrivesENG oh man, had to look that one up.. LOL. Like no capes! Edna Mode.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Now I had to look that one up. Clearly you have kids, and I don't ;)

[@henrikvl1704]

Having a 595c, no complaints in the acceleration department, do not recognize the comment wrt open space in the chair either... what works for me; it is an ideal second car. Not only for the groceries, but an inexpensive cabrio as well... my previous second cars were dull as hell, this one is not... the 595c I prefer driving over my suv... especially on sunny days

[@evangelosspyromilios5994]

few years ago in a 500 we were stuck in traffic temperature was 30+ degrees but the ice alert was constantly beeping.. Funny little car

[@MarekDrivesENG]

So it can get worse, than in the Fiat based Ford Ka. Over there you'd get a very bright orange warning light below 3 degrees C, so pretty much all winter you'd drive with an orange beam piercing your retina :)

[@joostbrouwer472]

had a 500c 80hp for 5 years as a company car fast enough,reliable and fun to have negative: ride comfort,steering vague,not as economical as advertised,vw up was 20% better positive:depreciation just 1500 eur/year. tried the new 500e,but the issues with the roof and handling have not been improved,and the price is crazy

[@Tom-uk2ow]

Cmon comparision is funny...Same you compared party and fun with morning sickness of alcohol and evening with netflix and zero cola...

[@Da_StormtroopeR]

4:53 😂👍 By the way, the new Aygo could be also an opportunity for a small convertible.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Yes, they make a canvas roof version as well. I was hoping to one in for review around the same time I had to 500C, but in the end Toyota assigned me a regular one in early autumn.

[@natoftw]

The paper-rip transitions look bad.

[@laupakhin]

Thanks for the review Marek. Could the 500C be the 'oldest' new car you can still buy? I think the design still has some charm to it, enough to forgive some of its shortcomings. I think my preference would be on the new full EV version though, especially given the performance of this drivetrain. I think it would make for a fun little runabout.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Shit! It probably is the oldest new car you can buy today. The EV is OK, as long as you don't mind the range fluctuating even in mild weather conditions. I recall when I picked up the new 500e for testing it was about 12-15 degrees Celsius (spring), and the range was about 400 km. But as the temperature dropped to 2-3 degrees above freezing, the range fell, and I didn't even get 200 km out of it.

[@Tom-uk2ow]

OMG is that key same as i remember on Punto Evo?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Yup.

[@Tom-uk2ow]

@@MarekDrivesENG thanks👍,for that money Luigi will drive Panda and drink Chianti and eat Pecorino for ten years

[@dzintarspentjuss4516]

Once tried a rental 2017. Fiat 500, yes, it was fun to drive in the city, felt like go-cart, but that gearbox, doing 50 km/h you already in top gear, 70 on the ring road meant engine grinding over 3500 rpm, and almost unbearable in the saloon. Good that they put in 6 gear gearbox now, I hope that they increased gear ratio too.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

The 6MT TwinAir was the "cruiser" engine :)

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

Wait.... You are saying that it is not important.... But.... Does that mean you are not supposed to drive at 100km/h or more in the city? I must have missed something...

[@fordgalaxie3726]

It looks sweet and it sounds nice. But the lame engine is a letdown. As a convertible, I prefer my 2001 BMW 330 Ci with a smooth 6-banger.

[@themichal2298]

Just came back from Greece and I can't take 500 out of my head. The car rentals are making nuts out of renting it. My issue is that I drive only automatic and fiat somehow don't make a proper one.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Indeed Fiat's Dualogic automated manual is absolute garbage.

[@themichal2298]

@@MarekDrivesENG exactly I don't underestand why they can't make a proper one. They would get way more sales!

[@jbrookk]

I have a 500 Lounge from Mexico and has a proper AISIN automatic gearbox, it's a delight and I don't want to change it for a newer as it'll bring the Dualogic, Yikes!@@themichal2298

[@nikosbays8766]

owned a 500 diesel, very pleasing to eye, enjoyed every moment with it, was very cheap to run, but the quality was terrible. the passenger airbag started to crack because it was swelling underneath the plastic! with a little research i found out that was a very common issue to countries with hot climates! so Marek i guess in a small Mediterranean town you would have less problems with the mx5. i think the weather of Poland would be better for the quality issues of 500.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Buy my back would hurt :)

[@micheleoncini8369]

Terrible quality and what you said was the problem? 🤣🤣🤣🤣 really terrible

[@gucciblackbaby5867]

Alfa Romeo Spider

[@NenadTrajkovic]

🇮🇹🚗💨💨🇮🇹

[@Rankidu]

7:32 that escaleted quickly 🤣 watch out, italians could be offended by your blasphemy, altough is true that many italians do not use indicators

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Read a few comments earlier. Apparently I sound convincing ;)

[@Rankidu]

@@MarekDrivesENG sure you are😆 I was just noticing that "porca madonna" is not taken lightly by many italians, as is a "bestemmia", a swering against vergin Mary. I don't care ar all, it's just to let you know in case of future use of bestemmie when driving in italy ;)

[@HISPEEDLEVEL]

This car is OK... maybe .. if it costs about no more than 10.000 and eat less than 4L/100km (I have much bigger -heavier car with 5/100 so...)

[@tebohomacheka2684]

The yawn caught me offguard

[@oronniejames9300]

Come on man...19 seconds for 0-100 ...i have the same car for a year...0-100 13.5 seconds...dont be silly

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Did you measure it with a GPS device or based on the speedometer/stopwatch readout? The latter will be at least 3 seconds off for this car.

[@sha22276]

I prefer something else , the car is getting too old. Wow 19 seconds 0-100 kph!!!

[@jbrookk]

Newer versions are slow! Mine it's 2012, 105 HP and makes it in 9.5 seconds.

[@allans7281]

Very cute car come on give it some power and let it wet its pants every now and then 🥱

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Well, there are Abarth versions as well. Not my cup of tea though.