- Fiat’s 500 Hybrid is a re-engineered version of its fully electric sibling model.
- The city car features a mild-hybrid 1.0-liter engine and a six-speed manual.
- Visual changes are limited to a small grille at the front and a hidden exhaust.
Fiat is preparing to reintroduce a familiar face with a twist, previewing the new 500 Hybrid ahead of its production start in November at the Mirafiori plant in Italy. This time around, the stylish city car trades its electric motor for a mild-hybrid engine, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.
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Originally launched in 2020 as a purely electric model, the latest-generation Fiat 500 is now adapting to changing market preferences. While Fiat positioned the new 500 as an EV from the outset, persistent demand for hybrids has nudged the brand to revisit its strategy. Just months after the outgoing generation ended production, a newly reworked version is stepping in to fill the gap.
A Familiar Look with a Subtle Twist
On the surface, the 500 Hybrid stays true to the design of the 500e. The visual differences are subtle: a small grille up front, a fresh emblem on the tailgate, and an exhaust tip integrated below the rear bumper. Buyers will be able to choose from three body styles, including a traditional hatchback, a 3+1, and a convertible, just like with the electric version.
Beneath the hood is the tried-and-true 1.0-liter FireFly engine, assisted by a 12-volt mild-hybrid system aimed at improving efficiency. While Fiat hasn’t released full specifications, this engine has already powered models like the previous-generation 500 and the Pandina, producing 69 hp (52 kW / 70 PS). The power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, marking the first manual option for the current-gen 500.
Stellantis
Images from the Mirafiori plant in Turin show the pre-production assembly line, where the EV’s battery pack has made way for a conventional fuel tank. Fiat engineers have managed to fit the compact hybrid powertrain between the front wheels without significant structural changes, keeping development costs in check.
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Inside, not much has changed from the electric model. The manual shifter now occupies an extended center console, but the vibrant dashboard layout, 10.25-inch infotainment screen, and 7-inch circular digital cluster all remain intact.
Production Timeline and Pricing
Fiat timed the announcement of the 500 Hybrid for July 7, aligning with the anniversary of the original 500’s launch. Regular production kicks off in November, with 5,000 units expected to be built before the year wraps up. Once running at full capacity, the Mirafiori plant aims to produce up to 100,000 units annually.
Pricing is expected to start at €17,000 (about $20,000), making it significantly more affordable than the all-electric version, even after applicable incentives.
Fiat CEO, Olivier Francois, said: “Bringing the 500 Hybrid back to Mirafiori is a promise kept—a win driven by a committed team that chose to bet on the customer and the future. This factory is more than just a production site; it’s FIAT’s home, the beating heart of a story that began in 1957 with Dante Giacosa and today stands as a hub of Stellantis innovation in Europe.”
He also teased a new limited-run version of the model, set to debut later this year: “In November, we’ll celebrate this milestone with the special edition ‘500 Torino’, a tribute to the city, its workers, and our roots. Turin means FIAT, and FIAT means Turin. That’s why the official launch will take place here, in our city.”
