Fiat 500 1.3 16v Multijet Diesel Review

We like:

The design; refined diesel engine; low price

We don't like:

Handling that's not sure-footed; no info on ethics

SmartPlanet judgement:

The Fiat 500 manages to be a green car while at the same time having bags of character. Its stylish looks suggest the driving experience will be fun -- but although the 500 is fine in its normal urban environment, it's not a rewarding driver's car once out of the city. The 500 does represent good value, however. We just wish we knew more about the working conditions of the people who manufactured it.

The Fiat 500's design is based on the 1957 Fiat 500 -- the car that is still held up as a design icon around the world. Its new exterior manages to be retro yet also modern and cute. But the real success is that it manages this on top of being a good green car. Continue reading...