Used 2018 Fiat 500 for sale 

Fiat categorizes the 500 into two different trims - Pop and Lounge, with Pop being modest of the two. Starting with an MSRP of $16,245, the price for the Pop trim rises above yesteryear's model by almost 1,000 Dollars, thanks to the inheritance of a turbocharger within. Also, not to worry about the options though, since there are a lot of customizable options available to be bought explicitly with this Italian moniker ranging from colors, wheels to interior materials and color schemes. All-in-all, Fiat has ensured that the 500 you buy is tailored to your requirements.

Looking at the difference in price between the two trims, there are meant to be a lot of features differentiating them. Most importantly, the latter trim gets the trademarked Abarth performance along with the aesthetic inserts like chrome fittings and bigger wheels. Also, Lounge is more electronically modern as it gets plenty of new and necessary technologies for ease of existence. 

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According to us, it is the Pop trim that is more worthwhile. Not only is it priced dutifully, but also it has a better engine now with the turbocharger in place. Hence, power is no more an issue, but the car lacks behind in acquiescence with the absence of basic features like climate control. Nevertheless, the car delivers a brilliant economy and hence is a good bargain against some liveable features. 

A surprise for those who hope, Fiat has finally decided to tune up the 500 Hatch starting this year. According to Fiat, the 2018 500 Hatchback will feature a turbocharged 1.4L inline 4-Cylinder petrol engine mated to the same old 5-speed manual transmission.

At the essence of this newly fabricated powertrain will be a total output of 135 Horses and 150 pounds of pure wheel spin per foot. These, however, are pretty rationalized figures given that the Abarth version of the same can release a total of 157 horses. In any case, the 2018 Fiat 500 is way more powerful than the 2017’s 101 HP hatchback.

Had it been 2017, the Honda Fit and Mini Cooper would have outpowered their Italian counterpart with ease. But it is not. So, the Fiat 500 retains the badge of the hottest hatch in the segment beating the Mini Cooper by barely one horse. In terms of torque, on the contrary, the 162 pound-feet reciprocated by the Cooper remains unchallenged again. 

2018 Fiat 500 Hatchback Acceleration Performance

The 2018 Fiat 500 takes a big leap in acceleration as it catches the 60 MPH mark within 8.1 seconds, whole 1.7 seconds quicker than the outgoing version. That is entirely the magic of the turbocharger intake. Apart from that, it also manages to pull off the quarter-mile faster than before, taking 14.4 seconds to cross the line. These characteristics would certainly buy the 500 more respect if not a position in the top-sales chart.

In comparison, the Mini Cooper is blisteringly quick at 7.3 seconds to 60 mph thanks to its turbocharged 1.5-Liter engine. It's 0.8 seconds faster than Fiat 500 POP, 3.4 seconds than Chevy Spark, and 1.8 seconds than Honda Fit. In quarter-mile time, however, Fiat 500 does close the gap but still loses by 0.2 seconds to Mini Cooper. Honda Fit, which was previously faster than Fiat 500 in 0-60 mph time but finishes almost 2 seconds behind at 16.8 seconds.

2018 Fiat 500 Hatchback Ride & Handling

In many words, the Fiat 500 hatchback can be associated with a small two-seater that is wieldy around the busy city streets and enthralling on the highways. Previously, the latter would have been a little hard to say, but thanks to the added juice, the 500 hatch feels quite the titillation to drive around. Its compact design aids in getting the nag out of the narrow city streets while the passenger watches in ease given an adequately cushioned suspension. 

The steering feels appropriately weighted at lower speeds, but at higher speeds, seems to take the edge off the wheels. It is like having the weight entirely taken off them and hence loses the feel of confidence while attacking curves with vigor. Now with more power under the hood, Fiat has given the suspension and brakes a tweak, but the steering response is nonetheless ameliorated. However, considering the area of application of the same, the 500 hatchback feels quite at home. 

2018 Fiat 500 Hatchback Braking Performance

As mentioned above, the 500 hatchback has a new suspension and braking system, but there is no physical evidence of the same here. In other words, the brand has retained the size of its brakes from the last working version of the 500. On the contrary, the brand has managed to tweak the calipers and pad materials, making them more efficient for the current form of discs in place. Also, since the turbocharger did not replace any assembly, the 500 has gained some weight in comparison to its previous self. 

In comparison, Mini Cooper is the heaviest at 2,750 pounds but it also has the biggest brakes 11 inches in the front and 10.2 inches in the back. Big brakes give Mini Cooper immense braking power and stop this hot hatch at 108 feet from 60 mph. General Motors’ Spark is a very light-weight option but seems a bit underdressed for the price. 

Now to the fact the Fiat 500 is best known for- fuel efficiency. From its 1.4-Liter naturally aspirated engine, the 500 delivered some impressive figures for the economy, but is this true for the new, peppier engine too? Turns out, yes, they are. Although with a turbocharger in place, the 500 gains minimal weight, and thus, there is hardly any effect on the power to weight ratio. In turn, this means a gentle dab on the throttle should suffice for the power required in most of the situations, thus not accounting for a reason to push the engine to its limits every time. 

Against the others, Fiat 500 and Chevy Spark offer the best fuel economy figures and are identical in the city and combine but Spark has 1 MPG more on the highway. Mini Cooper is the least economical in the city at 28 MPG. Combined figures of Mini Cooper and Honda fit are equal at 32 MPG.

As good as the 500’s performance figures are, the vehicle is equally unimpressive from the inside. Of course, there is no alteration to the previous year’s layout, but apparently, the car is not a fit for full-size adults. It has a total passenger volume of 75.5 cu.-ft. and Fiat expects us to fit four Americans comfortably in it. At first, it sounds sane, but as you approach the insides, it is the front seat you will favor, and not the rear. In other words, the rear seat, although looks enough for two occupants, feels extremely cramped with subpar legroom and headroom. Even the thigh support is not what you would expect on long rides.

In terms of quality, hard plastics are what you are greeted with along with a poor taste towards practicality. Many of the surface materials feel cheap, and outside noise easily permeates the cabin. However, this Fiat does benefit from a distinctive Italian flair if pleasing the eyes is what works for you. Accordingly, Fiat lets you choose from nine interior color combinations that sculpt the rather clumsy and shoddy interiors quite fashionably. Personalization extends beyond the color palette; you can mix and match features across trims to customize your Fiat 500.

In comparison, Honda Fit has the best space upfront and also at the back. This is due to the fact that it's the longest and tallest in the segment which gives it the best shoulder room upfront and also in the rear. Mini and Chevrolet are neck to neck in every department.

2018 Fiat 500 Hatchback Infotainment System:

The infotainment inside the Fiat 500 gets a taste of last year’s alterations. The revamped embellishments included a 7-inch touchscreen system with on-the-go entertainment functions like Radio, FM/AM, Mp3 plates, USB compatibility, etc. Plus, you also have a settings button that shows different kinds of menu options such as date and time, Bluetooth, door and locks, lights, etc. In terms of usability, the system is quite efficient and works very smoothly. Some noticeable features pertaining to this system are:

• Uconnect 4 with a 7.0-inch touchscreen
• Android Auto 
• Apple CarPlay
• Beats Audio Premium Sound System
• Navigation
• Hands-free calling
• Integrated Voice Commands
• Bluetooth audio streaming 

2018 Fiat 500 Hatchback Cargo Volume

Being a subcompact car, marginal is what you can expect in terms of boot space from the 2018 Fiat 500. Evidently, it has only 9.5 cu-ft. of luggage capacity, which is more like a sports vehicle number. But, when you fold the rear seats, it triples the space to 30.1 inches.

When comparing cargo volumes, Honda Fit has the largest space at 16.6 inches and when seats are folded down, it increases massively to 52.7 inches. Mini Cooper has the second-best space in terms of cargo, 13.1 inches with all seats up and 40.7 inches when rear seats folded down. Spark has better space than Fiat 500 at 11.1 inches with all seats up but Fiat 500 has more space when rear seats are folded down 30.1 inches to be exact.

The Fiat 500 has been the most consistent design in the history of automobiles. Every new version of the 500 is nothing but a modern interpretation of the original hatch from the 60s. Although advancements in robotics have helped it adhere to the contemporary demands, it still conceived the signature curvy layout. The iconic sloping rear end embodies the 500’s personality, though it limits rear headroom. 

The Fiat 500 is available in a stretched 4-door model that alleviates many of the coupe’s shortcomings. For 2018, the 500 is 139.6 inches. It is 64.1 inches wide and 59.8 inches in height with a ground clearance of 4.1 inches which is quite good in the city. The wheelbase is 90.6 inches which provides a good amount of space for the front passengers but for rear passengers, the cabin is uncomfortable.

When comparing Fiat 500 with others, Honda Fit is the longest and tallest at 160 inches and 60 inches respectively. Mini Cooper is longer by almost 20 inches which offers an immense length of the car at 157.4 inches. It also has 101.1 inches of wheelbase which gives immense space inside the cabin. At 68 inches Mini is the widest which translates to a good amount of shoulder room for the passengers. Chevrolet Spark has the best ground clearance at 6.6 inches which can clear road undulations and speed breakers with ease.

Modern cars ought to be safe, and the strict regulations in the United States have compelled even foreign manufacturers to conform to some prerequisites for occupant safety. While the 500 made its entry into America decades ago, the NHTSA and IIHS have recently tested the model for safety based on the ongoing standards. The NHTSA rated the 500 with 4-Stars, while the latter regarded the 500 to have passed its tests optimally. Other than that, the Fiat 500 comes with a few state-of-the-art protective gears, which is as follows:

• Electronic Stability Control
• High Beam Daytime Running Headlamps
• Hill Start Assist
• Tire Specific Pressure Monitoring Display
• Advanced Multistage Front Airbags
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center
• Front Passenger Seat Belt Alert
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor
• Driver Inflatable Knee-Bolster Airbag
• LATCH Ready Child Seat Anchor System
• Engine Immobilizer
• Remote Keyless Entry

Mini Cooper vs Fiat 500

The Mini Cooper 4 Door is one of the best hatchbacks out there. It's quick, agile, and surprisingly fuel-efficient. It has got power and excellent driving dynamics. Also, it has four seats which provide good comfort to passengers. Fiat 500 is only ahead in terms of price and the quirky looks it provides. Both are icons in their own space, but it truly depends upon your choice. At Mini's price point, you can easily get Fiat's performance version - Abarth that is more agile and has a zippy performance. 

Chevrolet Spark vs Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 and the Chevrolet Spark are offered at a similar price point with an equal amount of power. Both have 5-speed manual transmissions, are very fuel-efficient and are also excellent city slickers. The only problem with Fiat is that it's not a four-seater whereas spark is. In the performance section, Fiat is better than Spark. 

Honda Fit vs Fiat 500

Honda makes lightweight designs with an excellent engine and passenger space. Whereas the Fiat is known for excellent looks with modernized interiors and potent engines. The Honda Fit exceeds Fiat 500 POP in every sphere. But in terms of price, it's $7,000 dearer than Fiat. 

The 500 may not be a completely new car, but Fiat has managed quite well to impart many modern amenities while sticking to its legendary layout. Yes, it is more powerful than ever now, which aids the buying portfolio, but subpar interior space is what would eventually lead to the drop. Still, if you are sure of not getting your family in and using it for personal commuting, there probably is no better competitor to the 500 Hatchback.