Home › Fiat › Fiat 500 2016

Fiat 500 2016 review

Hatchback Petrol

Fiat 500 2016 — front three-quarter view

Overview

The 2016 Fiat 500 is the facelifted version of the retro city car that first charmed British buyers in 2008, and it remains one of the most recognisable small cars on UK roads. The 2015 facelift brought sharper lights, a cleaner grille, a revised dashboard and a proper touchscreen infotainment system, while keeping the cheeky shape and compact footprint that make the 500 so easy to live with in town. At just 3,571 mm long it slips into parking spaces that defeat larger superminis, and its high seating position and big windows give a clear view of the traffic around you.

The core UK model is the 1.2-litre petrol, a simple four-cylinder engine with 69 bhp and 102 Nm of torque, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. It is not quick, taking 12.9 seconds to reach 62 mph, but it feels willing around town and returns a claimed 60.1 mpg on the old NEDC test cycle, with CO2 emissions of 110 g/km. Buyers who want more pace could choose the characterful 0.9-litre TwinAir turbo, offered with 85 bhp or 105 bhp, the latter reaching 62 mph in 10.0 seconds while claiming 67.3 mpg and 99 g/km of CO2. A 1.3-litre diesel with 95 bhp was also listed, but petrol suits the low-mileage city use most 500s actually see.

In Lounge trim, the version used as the reference for this page, the 500 feels genuinely plush for its size. A fixed glass roof brightens the cabin, the touchscreen brings Bluetooth and DAB radio, and rear parking sensors take the stress out of tight bays. The trade-offs are familiar city-car ones: the boot holds only 185 litres, the rear seats are strictly for two smaller passengers or short trips, and motorway refinement is modest. Running costs help the case though, with insurance group 8, a 35-litre tank and a reputation for cheap servicing keeping bills in check.

As a used buy in Britain, the 2016 500 makes most sense as a stylish second car, a first car, or a commuter for short journeys, provided you buy on condition and history rather than looks alone. Choose the manual gearbox over the Dualogic automated manual, check the MOT history and the sills for corrosion, and go in with open eyes on safety: the original 2009 car earned five stars under the old Euro NCAP protocol, but the facelifted car was retested in 2017 under tougher rules and scored three stars overall. For town driving with a small budget and a big sense of style, few cars deliver as much charm per pound.

UK price from: £13,955

Specifications

Engine	1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol (1242cc)
Power	69 bhp
Torque	102 Nm
0-62 mph	12.9 seconds
Top speed	99 mph
Combined economy (NEDC)	60.1 mpg
CO2 emissions	110 g/km
Transmission	5-speed manual
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
Boot space	185 litres
Dimensions (L x W x H)	3571 x 1627 x 1488 mm (1893 mm wide including mirrors)
Wheelbase	2300 mm
Fuel tank	35 litres
Insurance group	8
Emissions standard	Euro 6
Euro NCAP rating	3 stars (2017 retest of facelifted car)
Warranty (when new)	3 years / 60000 miles

Features

5-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Bluetooth, DAB radio, USB and AUX input
Fixed glass roof with sunblind
Rear parking sensors
7-inch TFT instrument display
Air conditioning
Cruise control with speed limiter
15-inch alloy wheels
7 airbags with ISOFIX child seat preparation

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads (pair)	£28	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified
Front brake discs (pair)	£55	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified
Clutch kit (1.2 manual)	£145	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified; labour extra
12V car battery	£85	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified
Wiper blades (pair, front)	£18	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified
Oil filter and engine oil service kit (1.2)	£32	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Iconic retro styling that still turns heads
Tiny footprint and light steering make city driving and parking easy
Low running costs with insurance group 8 and a claimed 60.1 mpg
Lounge trim feels upmarket with a glass roof and touchscreen
Huge choice of used cars, colours and trims across the UK

Cons

Slow 1.2 engine struggles on motorways and steep hills
Boot holds only 185 litres and rear space is tight
Three-star Euro NCAP result from the 2017 retest lags modern rivals
Dualogic automated gearbox versions are best avoided

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Fiat 500 1.2 too slow?

For town driving it is fine, as the light body and short gearing make it feel willing at low speeds. It takes 12.9 seconds to reach 62 mph and tops out at 99 mph, so motorway overtakes and steep hills need planning. If you regularly drive long distances, the 105 bhp TwinAir is the better pick.

Should I choose the 1.2 petrol or the 0.9 TwinAir?

The 1.2 is the simple, cheap-to-run choice and suits low-mileage city use. The TwinAir adds character and pace, with the 105 bhp version reaching 62 mph in 10.0 seconds and claiming 67.3 mpg, but it needs diligent oil-level checks and costs more to buy. Avoid the Dualogic automated gearbox in either engine and pick the manual.

How much road tax does a 2016 Fiat 500 cost?

It depends on the exact car, because VED rules changed for cars first registered from 1 April 2017 and Parkers lists a range across the version. Many 2016 1.2 cars are advertised at 20 pounds a year, but always check the VED band for the specific registration before you buy.

Is the 2016 Fiat 500 practical for everyday use?

For one or two people it is very practical, with easy parking, a 35-litre tank and low running costs. The limits are space: the boot holds only 185 litres and the rear seats suit two smaller passengers on short trips, so it works best as a city car or second car rather than a family load carrier.

What should I check before buying a used 2016 Fiat 500?

Check the full MOT history for recurring advisories, inspect the sills and lower doors for corrosion, and confirm a full service history. Test the Dualogic gearbox carefully if fitted, listen for suspension clunks, check that all electrics and the touchscreen work, and look for oil leaks and the oil level on TwinAir cars.