Fiat’s mannequin vary is now barely complicated as a result of the outdated automobile lives on because the Fiat 500 Hybrid (regardless of being only a gentle hybrid). The one you need, although, is the newer electrical 500.

They might look acquainted, but it surely’s solely if you see them facet by facet that you simply notice the brand new electrical 500 is totally new.

Fiat has finished a terrific job of protecting the trendy day 500’s cool retro look whereas making a automobile for the trendy age.

As a result of it was developed as a pure electrical automobile from the outset, it has a pretty big (for a small automobile) 42kWh battery and a theoretical WLTP lab take a look at vary of 199 miles, though we found that it’s greater than 140 miles in real-world use.

There is a cheaper Fiat 500 Motion mannequin with a 24kWh pack, however we do not suppose the monetary financial savings are large enough to offset the a lot shorter vary.

The electrical Fiat additionally drives considerably higher than some other 500, with its 117bhp motor making it surprisingly zippy and enjoyable for a metropolis automobile. Sure, we discovered the steering fairly gentle, however there’s loads of grip and an absence of physique roll – and whereas it isn’t precisely at dwelling on the motorway, it handles remarkably nicely.

The inside can also be a large enchancment over earlier 500s. It is nonetheless slightly plasticky, but it surely appears to be like nice, the seats are snug and the infotainment is logical and responsive.

There’s even a convertible mannequin with a roll-back canvas roof. Nonetheless, it is nonetheless not very best for tall drivers, and it goes with out saying that you simply should not plan on carrying adults within the again fairly often.

Nonetheless, inflation and the dying of the Plug-in Automobile Grant haven’t been good for the electrical 500’s record worth. At launch you possibly can purchase one for lower than £20,000, however now the vary begins at round £30,000.

If you need the longer-range model, you may must shell out much more. That is a good chunk of change for such a bit of child, however we’re nonetheless very keen on this fashionable little EV that is surprisingly good to drive when escaping town.