Driven: The Fiat 600 hybrid does retro cool right
May 16, 2025 by Darren Cassey
Car changing is a big deal
Retro is fashionable right now so the Fiat 600’s old school-inspired looks should turn fashion-conscious heads. Reviews editor Darren Cassey has been behind the wheel to see if there’s more than just aesthetic appeal.
The Fiat 600 might initially catch your eye with its trendy, retro-inspired curves, promising to turn heads like your favourite flashy handbag. But, much like said bag, once you try squeezing your daily life into it, you realise it’s more style over practicality.
That may well suit your needs, and up front, life isn’t too bad. You’ve got decent space, neat storage pockets, and some fun interior touches, especially if you pick a lively colour that carries through to the dashboard. However, some of the plastics feel cheap, and certain design quirks – like the oddly flimsy storage bin cover – can leave you scratching your head.
It’s less roomy in the back. Adult passengers might find it a bit cramped, though kids should be fine. Boot space is similarly tight at 385 litres, making alternatives such as the Dacia Duster and Renault Captur look positively cavernous by comparison.
The infotainment system doesn’t exactly improve the mood, either. While graphics are sharp, navigating the menus can be frustratingly unintuitive. Thankfully, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, neatly sidestepping the system’s shortcomings, including the lack of built-in navigation on the entry-level model.
Under the bonnet, the so-called ‘hybrid’ isn’t a proper hybrid. You won’t be cruising silently through town on electric power alone, but you’ll appreciate its decent fuel economy, with around 50mpg achievable thanks to electric assistance at lower speeds.
City driving is smooth and comfy, thanks to soft suspension and easy steering, making traffic jams less painful. On the motorway, the 600 copes surprisingly well for its size, though overtaking takes some thought because the engines are adequate rather than exciting.
Safety hasn’t been independently tested yet, but related models haven’t exactly dazzled Euro NCAP. Plus, Fiat’s overall reliability reputation leaves something to be desired, ranking near the bottom of the most recent Driver Power ownership survey. Warranty cover is just average, too.
Price is a bright spot, though. Even the poshest La Prima trim sneaks under £30,000, packing goodies like adaptive cruise control, synthetic leather seats, and a nifty 360-degree camera system. But for similar cash, you can get a proper hybrid alternative such as the Toyota Yaris Cross or Renault Captur that should cost less to run.
Ultimately, if you’re upgrading from a Fiat 500 and crave a smidge more space wrapped in similarly funky styling, the 600 could intrigue you. Just don’t expect too much practical magic hidden beneath its chic bodywork.
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