Category: City Cars 
Price Range: £8,700 to £13,605
Styling, interior, willing engine, handling
Illegible speedo in some versions; ride can be choppy; limited rear headroom
Fun to drive, fun full stop. Would be desirable at twice the price
It's refreshing that even with a modest 69bhp available, it's still possible to have plenty of fun in a 500. Thank the 1.2-litre 8v engine's smoothness and willingness to spin sweetly to the red line.
The 1.2 also feels more relaxed compared to the frenetic 1.4. That's because it delivers its maximum torque at 3,000rpm, some 1,250rpm lower than the bigger engine.
We're tempted to say the 1.2 is our favourite engine in the 500 range, but it's not quick: 0-62mph takes 12.9 seconds. For most buyers, it will be perfect for city slicking, but on the motorway plenty of momentum - and gearchanging - will be needed to cope with inclines.
Unlike the 1.4, this smaller-engined model does without the 'Sport' button (a function which sharpens the steering and throttle response). Instead, it makes do with a labour-saving 'City' button that just lightens the steering weight for parking. No bad thing - whereas the throttles of Sport-equipped versions are dozy when not engaged, the 1.2's default setting is far more preferable. As an added benefit, the 1.2 has lighter steering too, lacking the slightly artificial-feeling heftiness off-centre which the 1.4 suffers.
The 1.2 has a five-gear transmission rather than the larger petrol's six-speeder, and a fractionally less precise gearchange action, but this gearbox is lighter-weight and quicker-shifting. Otherwise, the handling is business as usual for the 500 - near class best. The little Fiat is always an engaging companion, once you've broken free of the city limits.
Driving in wet conditions, we found a noticeable grip deficit between cars fitted with 15-inch and 16-inch wheels. It's worth considering an upgrade to the larger wheel/tyre package, but be warned: this agitates further a ride that already verges on choppy.
