Fiat 500 Facelift / Hybrid

The facelifted Fiat 500 (2016–2024) introduced the updated Uconnect infotainment system and later the Mild Hybrid 1.0 engine, bringing the ageing 500 platform into the modern era with improved connectivity and efficiency. While newer than the original, it retains the same chassis weaknesses—including suspension bush wear and cooling system vulnerabilities—and adds new concerns around the MultiAir and TwinAir engine technologies. The 0.9 TwinAir engine is a characterful and frugal choice, returning around 70mpg on official tests, but it is highly sensitive to oil quality and requires strict adherence to service intervals to protect the complex MultiAir valve system. Insurance groups remain very low, typically 3–9, making the facelifted 500 an affordable option for young drivers. Fiat's reliability record is mixed, and the 500's age-related electrical niggles—particularly the tailgate wiring loom—continue to affect later models. For buyers seeking the classic 500 charm with improved technology and lower emissions, the facelifted model is the better buy, provided the engine has been maintained correctly.