Fiat 500 vs rivals

SMALL cars are Fiat’s business. The firm builds the Bravo family hatch and even sells the Multipla compact MPV, but it takes its identity from the cramped streets of its Turin home.

The place inspired Dante Giacosa to create the Fiat 500 in 1957. It was a huge success, with 3.9 million sold over its 18-year life. Yet the original was conceived as a car to get the masses moving, rather than an urban fashion accessory. In that, it differs from the all-new model. No car has been as hyped since the MINI arrived nearly seven years ago.

Designed in-house by Fiat Centro Stile, the 500 comes with three engine options and three trims, as well as huge scope for personalisation. Prices start at only £7,900.

That means it undercuts its nearest rival by a large margin. The entry-level MINI costs £11,625, and is notoriously poorly equipped. But any owner will tell you it’s cheap to run and great to live with.

The Smart ForTwo doesn’t stir such passion, yet it’s still a success story. Sales were up 35 per cent in 2007 – largely due to the arrival of the second-generation model.

So the Fiat is in for a rough ride as it meets these two rivals in its first right-hand-drive UK test. Let’s see just how good the cute 500 really is.