What's it like?
The current Fiat 500 reinvents one of the most iconic cars of the '60s, in the same way that BMW did with the Mini. Cute styling, bags of personality and lots of kerb appeal make it a sure-fire hit on the used car market.
Urban streets are where the 500 excels, with its nimble handling and light steering. On faster roads its limitations become more apparent because of its nervous and unsettled ride. The 500's refinement also suffers as the speed builds, with wind- and road noise becoming increasingly irritating. At least the engines aren't too noisy, though.
The retro cabin is almost as good to look at as the exterior, with plenty of neat design touches. It's also well built using quality materials. All models come with front, side, curtain and knee airbags as standard, as do ISOFIX child-seat mounting points. The 500 has a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
The current incarnation is bigger than the original 500, but is still compact by today's standards. There's good passenger space in the front, but the back is cramped for adults. The boot isn't great either, but it is bigger than that of its arch rival – the Mini.
What are the running costs?
The 500's popularity will ensure that cars hold more of their original value as they age – making them a sound purchase as long as you don't pay over the odds in the first place.
Diesel models don't have noticeably better resale values over petrol models, but will save on fuel costs. The 1.2-litre has an official average of 55.4mpg (58.9mpg with Stop&Start), the 1.4-litre 46.3mpg (48.7mpg with Stop&Start), the 1.3 diesel 67.3mpg (72.4mpg with Stop&Start) while the Abarths manage 43.4mpg.
Road tax for a 500 shouldn't prove expensive. The 1.2 litre petrol emits just 119g/km (99g/km with Stop&Start) of CO2, with the 1.4-litre emitting 140g/km (135g/km with Stop&Start) and the diesel just 110g/km (104g/km with Stop&Start). Insurance is a similar story with cars in groups 3-6. Only the Abarths reach double digits, in group 13 and 14.
Servicing costs are in line with other models in the Fiat range, and similar to rivals' cars. Look out for models with the transferable three-year, 27,000-mile service plan that will help keep your maintenance bills down. This covers all standard service items, but not wear and tear parts such as brakes and clutches.
Which one should I get?
Most buyers will look to the 99bhp 1.4-litre petrol model. It's far from fast, but still manages to feel nippy. The 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine is adequate if you really can't afford the more powerful car. Diesel fans will opt for the 75bhp 1.3 Multijet, or the 94bhp unit that was introduced in early 2010.
The range starts with the Pop model, which comes with power steering, electric front windows, an MP3/CD stereo, and colour-coded bumpers and body trim. Sport models get air-con, alloy wheels and Bluetooth phone connectivity, while Lounge trim has a fixed glass roof and split folding rear seats.
The 1.4-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel models also come with stability control as standard, while engine Stop&Start was introduced to all non-Abarth models in early 2010, to improve fuel economy and lower emissions.
For those wanting something a bit more nippy, check out the 1.4 T-Jet Abarth with either 133bhp or 157bhp. It's fun and fast, but the ride is too firm and the steering needs more feel.