The New Gas-Powered Fiat 500: Small, Slow… but Stylish

The iconic Italian city car returns with a combustion engine, proving that electric isn’t everything.

Fiat surprised the automotive world by officially bringing back the gas-powered 500 after focusing on electric mobility. With just 65 hp from a three-cylinder turbo engine, this iconic city car isn’t designed to break speed records: the hatchback reaches 62 mph in 16.2 seconds, while the convertible takes a leisurely 17.3 seconds. Yes, acceleration is slow, but that’s not the goal for a car built for urban streets.

Urban Performance, Not Formula 1 Tracks

The Fiat 500 has always been designed for city driving, and in that environment, its performance is more than adequate. Top speeds reach 96 mph for the hatchback and 93 mph for the convertible, making it perfectly capable in stop-and-go traffic. The six-speed manual gearbox and 68 lb-ft (92 Nm) of torque to the front wheels provide a simple and enjoyable driving experience for short trips.

The new 500 also retains the clever 3+1 door layout, featuring a rear-hinged passenger-side door similar to the Mazda RX-8, improving rear-seat access without compromising the car’s silhouette. Weight remains low: 1,055 kg for the hatchback and 1,102 kg for the convertible, helping maintain agility in the city despite the modest power output.

While some may criticize its performance, Fiat makes it clear that the absence of an automatic transmission is intentional, directing buyers to the 500e electric model if they prefer not to shift gears. Compared to rivals like the Toyota Aygo X, the 500 focuses more on style and personality than outright speed or power.

With this comeback, Fiat shows that internal combustion engines still have a place in the European market, even as EU regulations could ban new gas cars from 2035. Meanwhile, the new gas-powered 500 combines tradition, design, and urban practicality, reminding us that not all of the future of mobility will be electric.