Short and sweet

There are a few niggles with the 500 though. The one quality fault we've come across so far is the leather coming away from the top of the drivers seat.

Another is a design issue ? the boot-opener on the key fob has no delay function, so an accidental press of the button while trying to open or lock the car in the dark results in the hatch popping open.

Long-term logbook

Fiat 500 1.4 16V Sport

Test commenced: February 2009

  • List Price New: R180 800
  • List Price Now: R188 500
  • Options Fitted: 16-inch alloys
  • Tested Price Now: R194 570
  • Odo on Arrival 8719km
  • Odo Now: 12 828km

    We like: Cool retro-modern looks, full-spec cockpit, chirpy attitude, performance & handling

    We don't: Expensive for what it is

    Summary: Little big car delivers in style

  • CiA Rating: 8 out of 10
  • Test Fuel Consumption: 7.5 l/100km
  • Fuel capacity 33 litres
  • Tank range 440km
  • CO2 Emissions: 172g/km
  • Real World CO2 Emissions: 149g/km