23/08/2024 Drivers over 50 will remember when Ireland was a big fan of the classic Fiat 600. As you might guess from its name the 600 was and still is larger than the 500. For many families the 600 provided affordable motoring in a car that could carry the family and some luggage a reasonable distance. The new 600 is available as a fully electric BEV model (600e) or as a hybrid. The new interpretation of the classic car is both curvy and disarmingly cute. Inside it is nice without being flashy – in keeping with the original!
The 600 Hybrid uses a 1.2 petrol engine combined with an electric motor to power the front wheels. It produces 100hp and emits just 109g/km of CO2. The BEV 600 has an electric range of circa 408km or in the urban environment FIAT says up to 604km is possible from a full charge. Electricity consumption is okay at 15.1kW per hundred kilometres, and the car can charge its battery at up to 100kW speed at a DC charger. The 600e pushes out 156hp.
We have the hybrid on test and instantly it impressed. The 600 is easy to use, and quite simple. The 600 clearly nods to the past with its curvy styling and this along with competitive pricing will be its big appeal. The car is more functional than a 500 (obvs) and you are grateful for the increased space and accessibility. The 600 is 4.17 metres long and despite its relatively compact proportions offers good storage for a compact car. The boot holds up to 385 litres and at a squeeze, five people can’t fit. Four people can fit in relative comfort but you get the sense that this is really an urban machine designed to facilitate life in towns and cities. Of course, there are some neat storage areas in the cabin and the obligatory centre digital display. Most controls fall easily to hand. The driving range from a full tank is impressive too and if you come from an electric 500 or even the 600, you’ll be glad of the hybrid’s greater flexibility. We never felt anxious heading out for a long drive in the hybrid. The 600 has much of the spirit of the original car, which was very much the no-frills approach. The 600 is happy to just do the job required and this is a big reason why the original was so loved, both here and in Italy.
On the road 600 drives very well it has a relatively long wheelbase and wide track for its size. The new car sits on a modified platform that is shared within the Atlantis group and many of its components are shared too like its engine and most of its underpinnings. The 600 hybrid offers an endearing approach to motoring. It is not going to cause any offence to environmentalists as it is quite green. It seems to be just the right size for urban use and it’s big enough to be able to tackle longer, commute and runs on the motorway. The driving dynamics, while not overtly sporty, are perfectly fine.
In terms of safety equipment, the 600 has a comprehensive amount of ADAS driving safety systems. Our top-of-the-range La Prima model was very well equipped but you wouldn’t class it as being a premium car, but that said you would feel quite content behind the wheel as you get plenty of toys to keep you happy. The new FIAT 600 hybrid sits on the Advanced CMP2 platform. Power is delivered through a six-speed EDCT auto gearbox that delivers smooth shifts. The hybrid powertrain makes life driving in congested cities very easy.
The Fiat 600 hybrid has good performance and while 100hp doesn’t sound like a lot, the car is quite light. The sprint from 0 to 100km takes roughly 11 seconds and there is enough pulling power to haul the driver and passengers along without drawing too much attention to itself. The 600 is a connected car with its UConnect system and tie-in with Google. In car navigation comes from TomTom.
We like the 600, and especially the hybrid, for its honesty, it’s desirable good looks and its ease of use. The fact that it’s a fun ad ahppy car is a bonus. The new 600 is a reminder that you don’t have to break the bank, relatively speaking, to find a car that is fit for purpose and Irish roads. FIAT 600 Hybrid pricing starts from €28,995, rising to €30,995 (Dolce Vita) and the range-topping La Prima costs from €33,995, BEV 600s start from €32,995 (net) with the La Prima priced from €37,995 (net). Michael Sheridan
