Skip advert
Advertisement

Out with the old: long-serving Fiat 500 and Panda laid to rest

Production has finished for the Abarth 595 and 695 hot hatches as well

Fiat 500 Hybrid - front cornering

With the all-new Fiat Grande Panda landing early next year and a new hybrid Fiat 500 Ibrida on the way, Fiat has started to make space in its showrooms by retiring the current 500 Hybrid and Panda – both of which have been on sale for more than a decade. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

In fact, the outgoing, petrol-powered Fiat 500 is the same modern reinterpretation of the brand’s iconic city car that went on sale in 2007. It was facelifted in 2016 and received a more efficient mild-hybrid powertrain in 2020. 

Its replacement, the 500 Ibrida, is a hybrid version of the pure-electric 500e and it’s due to  launch within the next two years. Although production is now closed, Fiat assures us there’s plenty of stock of the current model to last well into next year, which it believes should satisfy customer demand before the new 500 Ibrida arrives. 

The third-generation Fiat Panda was nearly as old, having arrived in 2011. As well as being one of the oldest new cars sold in the UK, it was also one of the cheapest, as prices start from under £15,000. Fiat will continue to sell this model as the ‘Pandina’ special series in Europe, but not here. 

The early anticipated Grande Panda will be available with both electric and petrol-hybrid power, and is the first in a new family of Fiat Panda-inspired models the brand will launch over the next few years, including a mid-size SUV that will take on the Nissan Qashqai.

The death of the old Fiat 500 also marks the end for the souped-up versions sold under the Abarth brand: the 595 and 695. We’re told customer demand for the hot hatches should be satisfied by the company’s existing stock. The performance brand is currently preparing to launch its most powerful car yet, the Abarth 600e, which is due before the end of this year.

Click here for our list of the best superminis...

Skip advert
Advertisement
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Car Hunter: four-seat city cars for £7,000
Car Hunter: city cars for £7,000 - header image

Used Car Hunter: four-seat city cars for £7,000

Our Car Hunter has £7,000 to find a stylish, four-seat urban runabout
Features
22 May 2025
Fiat 500 Hybrid: city car to get new powertrain before the end of 2025
Fiat 500 Hybrid ‘Ibrida’ - front end

Fiat 500 Hybrid: city car to get new powertrain before the end of 2025

The decision to make the Fiat 500 electric-only is being unpicked with costly engineering
News
21 May 2025
Cheapest electric cars on sale 2025
Cheapest electric cars header - May 2025

Cheapest electric cars on sale 2025

EVs were often dismissed for being too expensive, but times are changing and these electric cars are flying the low cost flag
Best cars & vans
20 May 2025
Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy
Best electric cars header

Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? Here are the EVs that should be on your shortlist, and why…
Best cars & vans
14 May 2025

Most Popular

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales
Luxury car tax

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales

Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers?
News
22 May 2025
The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm
Nissan Micra - front

The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm

The Nissan Micra makes a long-awaited return as an EV and is set to offer up to 253 miles of range
News
21 May 2025
BYD Dolphin Surf review
BYD Dolphin Surf - front

BYD Dolphin Surf review

The BYD Dolphin Surf is a roomy, sophisticated, and competitively priced electric city car that’ll find plenty of willing buyers
In-depth reviews
23 May 2025