Fiat 500 vs Suzuki Swift vs Toyota Aygo vs Ford Sportka vs MINI Cooper D

It still hasn’t gone on sale in the UK – it hits dealerships in January – but the Fiat 500 was undoubtedly the most eagerly anticipated car to be launched in 2007. So when we were provided with the opportunity to get hold of one in the UK, we were eager to see if all the hype was justified.

We weren’t about to let the 500 have an easy ride for its first test, though. Facing it was a reception committee consisting of the great and the good of the fun small car class: MINI, Toyota, Suzuki and Ford. The stage was set for a battle royale between some of the most lively and talented city cars around.

But this was no flash-in-the-pan test – we spent five days with the 500, covering more than 1,000 miles in Fiat’s new baby. And if our time with the car was anything to go by, one thing’s for sure – those who have already placed orders had better not be shy and retiring types. Our entire office decamped outside when the 500 came to visit, and on the road, MINI owners were particularly keen to take a closer look at the Fiat. If this response is anything to go by, MINI is going to have to be on its guard to stop customers deserting in favour of Fiat’s cheaper and even cuter offering.

Fresh and fun, the 500 highlighted the fact the Ford Sportka is now well past its sell by date. But that’s not to say the old-stager didn’t have a thing or two to teach the Italian whippersnapper. The blue oval’s refinement and quality levels are poor in comparison, and it struggles to compete on safety, but the Sportka still knows how to entertain and was the most enjoyable car to drive.

The Toyota Aygo also put up a good fight in fourth spot. Its 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine meant it couldn’t match the pace of its more sporting rivals, and it’s easy to spot where corners have been cut – the exposed boltheads and single piece glass tailgate are giveaways. But it has a lively driving environment, safe handling and an air of mechanical solidity that suggests it will never go wrong. On this impression, the same can’t be said of the 500.

Quality has undoubtedly taken a step upmarket, but construction is still flimsy in a couple of places, refinement isn’t great and the ride needs more polish.

Nevertheless, the Fiat was still good enough to hold off the challenge of the fun Suzuki Swift Sport. The Japanese warm hatch is endlessly eager, but it’s also noisy, stiff and doesn’t have the desirability of our top two.

Good though the Fiat is – and we love its bubbly personality – it doesn’t have the same panache, quality, execution and driver appeal
as the MINI. True, the Brit-built machine is much more expensive, but don’t forget that its awesome residuals make it very cheap to run. There’s no doubt that the 500 should have MINI worried, though. Roll on 2008.