2011 Fiat 500 Review
Price
RM135,000
Installment
RM1,288/mth
2011 Fiat 500 at a glance
With looks, style, quality and desirability on its side, the 2011 Fiat 500 can be considered a successful reinvention of the original, even if its handling falls short of MINI's. But as a fashion statement, the 2011 Fiat 500 simply stands out.
2011 Fiat 500 quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Supermini |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
2011 Fiat 500 ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Reinventing an icon is a tricky business. The balance has to be just right; the 2011 Fiat 500 needs to look like the original, but evolved to modern times. Fiat managed that, capturing the essence of the original successfully, and retaining the proportions and outline of the original Fiat 500, but on a larger scale to cope with modern demand. Like before, the 2011 Fiat 500 is cute, retro, stylish, but now adds more than a touch of modern.
Handling
Mechanically based on the Fiat Panda, the 2011 Fiat 500 feels the most at home among traffic-heavy city areas, where the benefits of short bonnet, small dimensions and light steering come to the fore. But unlike MINI, the Fiat 500 fails to entertain or sparkle on winding roads. It hangs on well through corners and exhibits good agility, but there is too much body lean for anything overly enthusiastic. Add the vague steering and mushy brakes, and it becomes clear that the 2011 Fiat 500 is no MINI.
Comfort
The suspension serves up a smooth ride over Malaysian roads, although mid-corner bumps or potholes could prove unsettling. Refinement is reasonably good. Engine, wind and road noise at cruising speed are far from intrusive. Like the exterior, the cabin is charming, dominated by a simple, elegant dash. The driving position is high, even with the seat in its lowest position. And the steering column has no reach adjustments. The front visibility is excellent, but rear vision is limited by the small rear window and thick pillars.
Quality + Reliability
Fiat markets the 500 as a stylish, premium city car. Well, it certainly has style, but surprisingly, the cabin also projects an air of quality so rarely seen in Fiat models until recently. Most of the materials, including the plastics and fabrics, feel good to the touch and should prove durable. The fit-and-finish are solid enough, and premium touches do well to lift the cabin ambience. Long-term reliability is a concern, however, given Fiat's questionable track record. Still, the engines, borrowed from the Fiat Panda, should remain trouble-free.
Performance
The drivetrain consists of a 1.4-litre petrol engine paired to a five-speed semi-automatic Dualogic gearbox. With 99 bhp and 132 Nm to play with, the engine performance feels lively and flexible, but is not especially quick. The gearbox has two operating modes: semi-automatic and automatic. And in either, the 2011 Fiat 500 progresses smoothly, with the former offering more control, as you can change gears by pushing the gear lever forward or backward.
Roominess
The four-seater Fiat 500 provides plenty of room for the front driver and passenger. Getting in and out of the Fiat 500's rear is easier than for MINI, which in turn offers more rear room. Still, the Fiat 500's rear has just enough legroom for adults to get comfortable in. The tiny rear side windows limit the view out, however. The 2011 Fiat 500 makes the more practical car compared to MINI, as its 185-litre boot expands to 500 litres via the folding rear seats.
Running Costs
Fiats are usually relatively expensive to run, often let down by heavy depreciation stemming from perceived reliability issues. The Fiat 500 should buck that trend because it boasts a classy image and desirability—key factors which could keep resale values strong. Fuel economy at 16.7 km/litre is excellent, while servicing costs should also be reasonable.
Value for Money
With looks, style, quality and desirability on its side, the 2011 Fiat 500 can be considered a successful reinvention of the original Fiat 500. But while it comes with more style, better practicality and a much lower price tag than MINI, the Fiat 500's ride-and-handling are nowhere as accomplished. Even so, the Fiat 500 has been selling tremendously well. And we suspect that is down to most buyers seeing the 2011 Fiat 500 more as a fashion statement than as a piece of engineering purity.
Equipment
Standard equipments include alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, air-conditioning and radio/CD/MP3 audio system among others. The comprehensive safety kit includes front, side, curtain and knee airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and electronic stability programme.
Environment
The excellent fuel economy is matched by low carbon dioxide emissions, making the 500 one of the “greenest” cars on the roads. From the 500 to the Grande Punto and Bravo, Fiat has a rather “green” model range, thanks to the use of small-capacity engines.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Cute, retro styling
Above-expectation cabin quality
Plenty of safety equipments
The ride could be more composed
MINI is much more fun to drive
Rear room and access are limited
