Fiat 600 Hybrid: an affordable option with an ECO label

The brand’s success in countries such as Italy, Brazil, Turkey and Algeria is overwhelming, with more than 1.35 million cars sold in 2023. The brand’s intention is for this trend to keep growing and, to that end, it is preparing a new launch every year for the next three years. In addition to the Grande Panda, due at the end of the year, a Fastback, an SUV and possibly a Pick-up and a Camper variant will arrive in 2026.

What is clear is that the B-segment continues to grow, and proof of this is that the brand has sold more than 20,000,000 units in this segment. In the case of the new Fiat 600, the features of belonging to the B-segment and having SUV characteristics come together, which allows for the possibility of attracting up to 370,000 potential customers.

The dimensions of the electrified variants do not differ from those of the electric one, that is, 4.17 m in length, 1.78 m in width, 1.52 m in height, with a boot capacity of 385 litres, gaining a few additional litres compared with the fully electric version.

Two trim levels, three optional packs

In terms of trim level, the 100 CV and 136 CV variants are available in the Hybrid and La Prima finishes; the most affordable starts at 24,900 euros, excluding promotional discounts and financing. It comes as standard with a fairly complete level of equipment and driver-assistance systems, including elements such as, a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, cruise control, rain and light sensors, parking assist, emergency braking system, LED headlights or 16-inch steel wheels.

Meanwhile, three optional packs are offered: Comfort, Style and Tech, at 1,500 euros each. The Comfort includes front parking sensors, electric folding mirrors, blind-spot detection, 6 speakers, rear-view camera, double-floor boot, Keyless Go system, keyless entry and automatic climate control.

The Style pack features 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting with selectable colours, front and rear LED roof lights, fog lights, LED indicators, body-coloured dashboard, black upholstery with ivory parts, chrome interior door handles, exterior chrome trim, auto-dimming mirror and third headrest.

The Tech pack includes a high central tunnel, front armrest, electric parking brake, adaptive cruise control, wireless charger, rear USB-C port, level 2 autonomous driving system, light assist and navigation system with traffic sign information.

The La Prima finish, priced at 29,900 euros (+5,000 euros vs Hybrid and includes equipment worth 7,000 euros), features heated front seats with specific faux-leather upholstery, lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, automatic climate control, keyless entry, hands-free boot, automatic high beams, corner light fog lamps, adaptive cruise control, front and side sensors and rear-view camera, and tinted windows.

It is available in seven colours, four of which are specific to the model. As for prices, for the same trim level, the difference between the 100 and 136 CV versions is 1,500 euros.

All electrified

The Fiat 600 is offered in 100 and 136 CV mechanical variants, both associated with the 1.2 three-cylinder petrol engine with 48V MHEV hybridisation and eDCS6 double-clutch automatic gearbox. The three-cylinder engine has been updated with a new variable-geometry turbo, belt-driven starter system to improve starts and greater thermodynamic efficiency to reduce CO₂ emissions. To increase torque and provide additional power, it has a 21 kW electric motor, powered by a small 0.9 kWh battery. This small battery allows about one kilometre or more to be covered in fully electric mode. The electric system comes with an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty.

The 100 CV engine, with a maximum torque of 205 Nm at 1,750 rpm and an average consumption of 4.9 l/100 km, has a top speed of 184 km/h and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10.5 seconds.

The more powerful variant, with 136 CV, which shows no mechanical differences, only electronic tuning adjustments, noticeably improves performance and has a top speed of 200 km/h and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.5 seconds.

Pleasant in the city

We had tested this engine in other Stellantis models and, to be honest, we find it very satisfying. Its performance is not spectacular, but it is at a reasonable level and its consumption figures are quite restrained. The figures announced by the manufacturer are not far from real-world use. At least that is what we were able to verify during the brief first contact with the new model, where mixed urban and interurban driving over about 100 kilometres returned consumption of 5.4 l/100 km.

On routes with little gradient or manoeuvring, it allows pure electric operation at low speeds, provides a torque boost and improves engine recovery figures, with data similar to a larger-capacity petrol engine. In addition to reducing consumption and CO₂ emissions by 15% compared with a petrol engine of equivalent performance, its energy recovery function allows for “zero-emission” driving in the city and on some stretches of road.

The battery regains its full charge in a short time without any special effort, as the system is managed automatically, making for very convenient use with very low consumption. Nor is it especially noisy or abrupt in gear changes, as is the case with some competing models. Otherwise, driving is particularly simple and pleasant, not quite as good as the 100% electric variant, but it is true that in this case there is no need to keep track of recharging, and its price is particularly favourable.

For customers who do not want to make a very large initial outlay, the brand offers a special plan which, with a deposit of 5,631 euros and a monthly instalment of 99 euros over 24 months, lets you drive the Hybrid variant for 24 months. The same arrangement for the electric variant keeps this monthly instalment and the deposit increases by 1,475 euros. If you opt for the Hybrid La Prima version, with the same term and mileage, the resulting deposit is 6,752 euros and the monthly instalment rises to 119 euros.