Fiat 500 review

The electric 500 range isn’t particularly cheap – it starts at £28,195 for the 24kWh version, and the cheapest 42kWh batteried car costs £31,195. It’s £34,195 for the La Prima spec car. The convertible version is only available with the larger battery and it’s a £3k premium for the canvas roof. 

What are the specs like?

Key spec for the entry model includes keyless go, auto headlights and wipers, the 10.25in touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple and Android connectivity, auto aircon and cruise control. What you don’t get is split folding rear seats, parking sensors or heated seats, which seems a bit stingy at these prices. 

La Prima adds adaptive cruise, 360-degree parking sensors and a rear parking camera, 50:50 folding rear seats, wireless phone charging and a fixed sunroof. 

There’s also the Red trim, which costs the same as the entry models in both battery sizes, and offers largely the same spec but with some fancy bits of red trim. It exists as part of a partnership with the AIDS charity started by U2 frontman Bono.

Which one should I go for?

In for a penny and all that – we’d suggest going for the La Prima option just because it has all the kit. If you were living with the 500 day to day and doing long journeys it’s worth it for the extra convenience. Of course, at £34k the price takes you firmly into Peugeot e-208, Mini Electric and even MG4 territory – you’d have to really want that 500.

The warranty is for three years and unlimited miles, while the battery is warrantied for eight years and 62,000 miles. You’re looking at insurance group 14 for a base spec car, up to group 21 for a top of the range convertible.