Fiat thinks that it doesn't always have to be purely electric and is offering a hybrid version of the 600. ntv.de was out and about with the economical dual-engine car.
Fiat has been using the number 600 for quite some time, once again. It is interesting that the 600 of the 1950s, which was over 30 centimetres longer, came two years earlier (1955) than the 500, which was under three metres long. But in the end it was the new edition Nuova 500, which appeared in 1957, that became the icon, and not the larger 600.
In contrast to the past, Fiat came up with the idea of a new edition of the 600 as a grown-up version quite late, namely only last year as a purely electric version. And it has little to do with the current 500, because like the Opel Mokka or Peugeot 2008, it is based on an original PSA platform. But that doesn't have to be a flaw for the end consumer. The important thing is that the new Seicento, as the Italians say, is stylistically a typical Fiat. And it definitely is, with its baby-like face and the 500's taillight look to underline the relationship.
The larger and taller Fiat 600 looks quite similar to the 500.
(Photo: Fiat)
And yet the 600 has something of an SUV about it with its height of 1.53 meters. With a length of 4.17 meters, however, the Italian is a small car and undercuts the 500X, which has since disappeared from the brand's website. You notice this when you get in, because instead of offering lavish space, it fits more like a tailor-made suit. But you don't feel squeezed in either.
The 600 also impresses with its cool interior. The instrument cluster is of course digital and there is also a 10.25-inch monitor in the middle – standard for all models. In the center console, passengers will find a storage compartment that is closed with a stylish-looking blind. It looks extravagant.
The Fiat 600 has something peppy
The Fiat 600 has a large screen and pretty decent workmanship. But there is also a bit of hard plastic. That's OK for this segment.
(Photo: Fiat)
And the furniture in the front-wheel drive car is fine. Yes, you could argue that the upholstery is a bit too soft or slippery. But we're talking about a budget car here and there's still a bit of comfort. The surfaces also look lively with the sewn Fiat lettering.
Fiat could perhaps simplify the operating menus on the monitor a bit, as they can be confusing at times. Okay, it's just Italian, you think with a wink. But controlling the air conditioning with classic push buttons is a relief. After all, many manufacturers bother their passengers with complicated menu navigation even when making everyday settings. Points for the Italians!
Stylish budget practicality? The large lettering in the area of the sill creates a touch of coolness.
(Photo: Fiat)
Ready for a test drive? The newly added drivetrain is actually no rocket science, consisting of a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 100 hp in this case (136 hp is also possible for an additional charge) plus 29 hp of electric power fed into the six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The fact that fuel is saved here is evident from the fact that the gasoline engine is temporarily switched off while the Fiat is still rolling. Incidentally, you should be able to get by with five liters according to the WLTP.
Crawling is also silent, as are parking maneuvers. And when the combustion engine kicks in due to a lack of energy (the 48-volt system does not contain a huge battery), it happens quite unspectacularly, as it is jerk-free. Likewise, gear shifting is largely jerk-free, although depending on the load you can feel that something is happening in the drive underneath you. Completely harmless and OK.
Space is OK
There is also enough space in the second row of the Fiat 600.
(Photo: Fiat)
The 1.3-ton vehicle is not exactly a rocket, but it is not a completely phlegmatic vehicle either. At least the sprint to 100 km/h takes around eleven seconds, if that is something that the clientele is even interested in. And the top speed is just over 180 km/h. There is no need to kid yourself, a 600 will probably be used mainly on shorter journeys.
However, the question does arise whether you could travel long distances with four people. After all, many families are denied the privilege of a large car. And the passenger in the back is not really in trouble, unless you are travelling as a giant. Of course, you can't go too far with luggage – the maximum is 385 litres. If you fold down the back seat, the rear compartment expands to a volume of almost 1300 litres. It's a small car, after all.
The Italian is available from just 24,990 euros on the list price and, as part of a special offer, even with a 1,500 euro discount on top (that's over 12,000 euros less than the electric version). And the equipment isn't bad, it even includes parking sensors, heated seats and cruise control. Navigation can also be conjured up on the screen via smartphone integration. So it runs either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, what more could you want? Just for your information.
More is always possible, of course. For example, with 5000 euros. Then there is the “La Prima” with massage function, integrated navigation and even a traffic jam assistant. This means that when the cruise control is activated, the 600 even starts moving automatically to comfortably navigate through rush hour traffic. In addition, the tailgate can be opened and closed using an electric motor, and without a key.
When you consider how people must have squeezed themselves into the 600 and drove over the Alps around seven decades ago, the modern 600 seems like a real luxury vehicle. The model with its affordable entry-level price also somehow represents a bit of luxury for families on a tight budget. It's nice that something like this exists.
