Fiat was a slightly different company when it launched the rebirthed 500 in SA 13 years ago. At that time, the Italian automaker, along with Alfa Romeo and the Fiat Professional commercial vehicles divisions, had yet to make its merge with Chrysler.
Today Fiat is part of the massive Stellantis conglomerate, which, in addition to the marques mentioned above, includes Abarth, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall. Finalised at the beginning of 2021, it’s a relatively new development – and whether the clout of such a group has a radical impact on locally underperforming brands such as Fiat remains to be seen.
Earlier this month the company decided to remind us of the existence of the Cinquecento at a relaunch of sorts. Even though the model isn’t all that nuova. Let’s go back to June 2008 for a bit, when the tiny hatchback made its South African debut. Pricing started at R149,000 for the 1.2 Pop, while the 1.4 in Sport and Lounge guises both cost R179,000. It wasn’t an ideal time for the industry, right in the middle of a global recession. July that year saw new vehicle sales slashed by 19.7% and the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (Naamsa) said that for the remainder of 2008 the market would remain under pressure.
Even a year later as conditions eased, the reported figures for the Fiat 500 were not stellar. In November 2009, of the 118 cars sold by the firm (including Alfa Romeo), just six were of the 500 variety. Meanwhile, the Panda, which is all but extinct now, managed 29 units. And the best-seller for the brand was the Grande Punto, with 47 cars recorded.
Fortunes changed for the 500 over the years. We’ll single out February 2020, a month before the pandemic derailed the market altogether, for our example. With 35 units sold, it was the top performer in the stable. Just one (!) Panda was sold that month. The Grande Punto is no longer available. Funny, isn’t it? That gradual transition from boutique product with a niche following to sales mainstay.
Aside from minor aesthetic refreshing, specification updates and streamlined derivatives, not much separates the current 500 from the car that was launched more than a decade ago. And yet, our recent drive proved that despite its age the Topolino hardly feels archaic. Let’s not kid ourselves, 13 years is an eternity in automotive terms. The inherent style and adorability factor of its compact shape remains high. And the throwback-inspired, minimalistic interior has aged rather tastefully. On the safety front, you still get seven airbags across the board, in addition to fundamentals like anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and hill-hold assist. It’s a three-star car, according to Euro NCAP after a 2017 test. Standards have changed since the five-star rating of the initial model in 2007.
What is new is the grade walk. It starts off with the entry-level Cult (R219,900) – think steel wheels with covers and black plastic exterior accents. The Connect (R260,900) ups the ante with alloys, a seven-inch infotainment system and cruise control. Next is the Sport (from R269,900), packing a specific body kit, larger wheels and a digital instrument cluster. The Sport can be had as a cabriolet, as can the range-topping Dolcevita, which adds two-tone paint, a multifunction steering wheel and partial leather upholstery.
All are powered by the familiar 875cc, two-cylinder motor, producing 62.5kW and 145Nm. It’s an exceptionally zingy thing when paired with the five-speed manual, thrumming along heartily while propelling the 500 with surprising enthusiasm. Some ergonomic quirks were noted on our drive. The chunky spokes of the steering wheel obscured the stalk for the cruise control. And we often confused the seat height adjustment lever for the handbrake, as they’re positioned in extreme proximity. If you want the top-level Dolcevita grade, you’re forced to take the automated-manual transmission. It’s a woeful thing, unresponsive and not flattering to the engine. If two pedals aren’t a must, get the Sport instead.
Now, you should know that the actual new, new Fiat 500 sold in Europe has a full-electric powertrain. That’s got a completely redesigned interior, significantly revised exterior and a “Himalayan Sherpa” mode that optimises range. It’s also equipped with semi-autonomous driving functions. But don’t expect it down here any time soon. Aside from our limited infrastructure for electric vehicles, you just know it’ll cost a packet, earning it the same fate as other battery-powered tykes like the Mini E.
As for our current, fossil-fuelled 500? Well, there are certainly worse ways to spend money on an A-segment car. If you want a charming, well-built, reasonably safe and economical, compact two-door, there’s still plenty to like about this Fiat.
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