Fiat 500 review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

The 2015 facelift didn’t bring in any new engines, but incremental efficiency updates across the 500 range helped keep it competitive. The 500 was tested under WLTP conditions, although the diesel had been dropped by the time the new test had come around.

The base 1.2-litre petrol manages up to 50.4mpg on the WLTP test (58.9mpg combined on the old NEDC test) and emits 108g/km of CO2. A special tax-busting ‘eco’ version of the 500 1.2 with emissions of just 99g/km was offered in 2016, so these are worth seeking out as a used buy if you want free road tax.

The 0.9-litre TwinAir was available in two power outputs, but the switch to the WLTP test saw the more powerful 105 model dropped. On-paper efficiency improves over the 1.2 with combined fuel economy measured at 52.3mpg (74.2mpg under the NEDC tests) for the 85 and 67.3mpg for the 105. Its worth noting that in a number of tests with both TwinAir engines we’ve found a more realistic combined figure in normal driving is around 40mpg, so while the official figure is more realistic, it's still not realistic enough.

Those looking for further efficiencies and green credentials should look to the 500 Mild Hybrid, offering 53.3mpg and 88g/km of CO2. This is initially offered on a high-spec Launch Edition car, before appearing across the range.

18

Insurance groups

As you’d expect given its younger clientele, the 500’s insurance groups start off nice and low. The range begins at group 7 for the 1.2-litre Pop, in line with cars like the Citroen C1 and way behind the (admittedly more powerful) MINI hatchback. Even the highest spec 500 goes no higher than group 11, although the older more powerful TwinAir 105 did reach group 15.

Depreciation

Most Fiats tend to struggle with miserly depreciation figures, and while the 500's initial desirability meant it initially bucked that trend, it's a fairly common sight on UK roads now. You'll find the 500 hatch holds on to around 33-36 per cent of their value after 3 years, although the open-top 500C performs slightly better at 38-44 per cent.