Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat 500 TwinAir vs Toyota iQ

Retro comes face-to-face with modern with two-cylinder 500 vs Toyota iQ battle

Fiat 500 TwinAir vs. Toyota iQ

The Fiat 500 is taking its retro appeal to a whole new level. From its familiar name to its distinctive styling, the source of the city car’s inspiration is obvious – it has all the charm of the Fifties original. 

Now it bears an even closer resemblance to its famous ancestor, thanks to the introduction of an unusual two-cylinder engine – but that’s where the similarities end. While the original had a simple air-cooled powerplant, the 500 TwinAir’s new 85bhp 875cc unit features advanced technology such as variable valve timing and a turbocharger. It’s also a lot more eco-friendly, with CO2 emissions of 95g/km and claimed fuel returns of 68.9mpg.

Advertisement - Article continues below

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68606","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Not all city cars take their cues from the past. The cleverly packaged Toyota iQ is a true 21st century urban runaround. It squeezes four seats into a body that measures only three metres long. And as with the Fiat, it promises CO2 emissions of below 100g/km and a diesel-like appetite for unleaded.

Better still, a recent round of mechanical and interior tweaks, and the addition of Toyota’s new five-year warranty, mean the iQ represents a stern test for the chic 500.

Verdict

This test highlights the different approaches these models take to city motoring. With its compact dimensions and clever cabin, the Toyota is the cutting-edge choice, while the retro-inspired Fiat is fun and fashionable.

For many town-bound motorists, the iQ is the perfect companion. Thanks to its size, agility and well equipped cabin, it’s an excellent option, while strong refinement means cruising is comfortable when you break free of the city limits. But there’s no getting away from its compromised seating layout and tiny boot. There are no such issues with the Fiat. While it stands out with its cheeky looks and array of options, it’s the new TwinAir engine that steals the show. Punchy, clean and full of character, the two-cylinder suits the car perfectly. The 500 is worth the £827 premium over the iQ, and it takes a well earned victory.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,788 off RRP*Used from £11,795
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £3,189 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,153 off RRP*Used from £14,400
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,538 off RRP*Used from £14,000
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025
New BYD Seal 6 2025 review: talented estate should have BMW worried
BYD Seal 6 Touring - front tracking

New BYD Seal 6 2025 review: talented estate should have BMW worried

BYD’s latest arrival isn’t an EV, but efficiency is still key
Road tests
3 Sep 2025
New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima - front cornering

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition

The newly crowned Auto Express Supermini of the Year is available in hybrid or pure-electric form, with the EV offering 199 miles of range
News
1 Sep 2025