Fiat 500 (2026 onwards) | Expert Rating
Summary
The Fiat 500 is a small three-door hatchback originally launched in 2007, echoing the beloved 1957 Fiat Cinquecento. This is the latest petrol mild-hybrid version, which Fiat calls the ‘500 Hybrid’, which arrived on sale in the UK in Summer 2026.
After retiring the former petrol-powered Fiat 500 range in 2025, Fiat decided to launch this latest petrol 500 range using the battery-powered 500 Electric’s underpinnings. “The 500 Hybrid is just as charming as its predecessors with the advantages of all the latest tech”, comments Autotrader’s Catherine Kent, adding however that the “Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10 and Toyota Aygo X offer a more rounded package.”
Amrit Kaur of Parkers praises the city car for its “well executed” design that “manages to feel timeless rather than derivative”, the car’s fun urban driving experience and argues that the car has “bags of charisma – like any 500”. That said, she adds that “the charm quickly wears a little thin because of that ancient, very mild hybrid powertrain.”
This criticism of the car’s mild-hybrid engine is very common among reviewers, with Richard Ingram of Auto Express explaining that without a turbocharger or any kind of meaningful electrical assistance, the 500 “quickly runs out of steam on faster roads.”
As of October 2026, the Fiat 500 holds a New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 54%. Beyond the car’s rather poor collection of review scores and basic warranty cover, this overall rating is bolstered by low predicted running costs.
500 highlights
- Stylish exterior looks
- Fun handling and agile city driving
- Competitive pricing
500 lowlights
- The previous 500 hatch was just as practical
- Underpowered petrol engine
- Rivals are more fuel efficient
Key specifications
Body style: Small three-door hatch and cabriolet
Engines: petrol mild-hybrid
Price: From £18,995
Launched: Summer 2026
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of October 2026, the Fiat 500 Hybrid has not been assessed by Euro NCAP. This model shares its underpinnings with the Fiat 500 Electric, which was assessed by Euro NCAP in 2021 and awarded four-star safety credentials.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of October 2026, the Fiat 500 Hybrid has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score |
| Petrol models | 53 mpg | B |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 119 g/km | B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 6 | A |
The Fiat 500 is an affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
While not particularly impressive by modern supermini standards, the petrol mild-hybrid’s average fuel efficiency of 53mpg (the cabriolet soft-top version is slightly less fuel efficient as its heavier) is pretty competitive when compared to the market at large – on par with the pure petrol Hyundai i10.
That said, the larger petrol mild-hybrid Suzuki Swift delivered up to 64mpg in official tests, and the similarly-sized full-hybrid Toyota Aygo X Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of up to 76mpg.
On the insurance front, the 500 hatchback is one of the cheapest new cars to insure in the UK, according to Thatcham Research, with models sitting between brackets 5 and 8, while Swift models occupy between 20 and 22 on the scale.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Fiat 500
| New car warranty duration | 3 years |
| New car warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 0 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 0 miles |
Fiat’s new car warranty is fairly basic, and worse than a couple of rival brands in a similar price bracket as the 500. The duration is three years, with a limit of 100,000 miles.
Warranty on a used Fiat 500
- If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Fiat 500 from an official Fiat dealership, you will get a minimum 6-month or 12-month Spoticar warranty (depending on the specific retailer and vehicle age/mileage) included.
- If you are buying a used Fiat 500 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
- If you are buying a used Fiat 500 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Fiat 500
As of October 2026, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Fiat 500. However, recall information is updated regularly, so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Fiat dealer.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at a new or used Fiat 500, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A1 | Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid | Hyundai i10 | Kia Picanto | Mazda 2 Hybrid | MG 3 | Mini Cooper | Peugeot 208 | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Aygo X Hybrid | Vauxhall Corsa
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Fiat 500 range at The Car Expert
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