2018 Fiat 500 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New for 2018?
As of now, Fiat has yet to announce any major changes to the 2018 model.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Fiat 500 – The Pros
1. Thrifty Fuel Consumption
If you are concerned about the price of fuel, the 2018 Fiat 500 will help you to save some extra cash. When fitted with a manual transmission, the base engine will return a thrifty 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the automatic transmission causes the car’s fuel economy to dip to 27 mpg in town and 34 mpg on the open road.
2. Electric-Powered Model
The Fiat 500e is ideal for the drivers who desire to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. Its battery pack has enough juice for you to travel up to 87 miles before needing a recharge. Even if you live in an area that doesn’t have a lot of recharging stations, you can easily replenish the 500e’s battery pack at home using a 220-volt outlet.
3. Really Fun Abarth Model
For the drivers who need a little more motivation on their daily commute, Fiat offers the sports-tuned Abarth model. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushes out a lively 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. You can look forward to experiencing much quicker acceleration. When tested, the 2018 Fiat 500 Abarth flew to 60 mph in a brisk 6.8 seconds.
4. Abarth Model’s Seductive Exhaust Note
Part of the Abarth model’s charm is its exciting exhaust note. It makes the little hatchback sound like a far more powerful performance machine. As soon as you hit the gas, the 500 Abarth emits a sinister roar. However, you will especially like how the 500 Abarth sounds when accelerating on the road.
5. Nimble & Easy to Park
This car’s small stature definitely has its benefits. The 500’s narrow body and short wheelbase enable it to fit into a relatively tight parking spot. The available rear parking sensors will make this process even easier. You will also grow to appreciate the 500’s nimble driving dynamics. Featuring a stiffer suspension, the 500 Abarth is especially responsive.
6. Hip Exterior Styling
The 2018 Fiat 500 definitely has a unique appearance. Although it looks modern, many of its styling cues pay homage to the original model that first hit the scene in 1957. A sloping rear end helps set it apart from every other car in the segment. The Abarth model looks especially aggressive with its sporty body kit.
7. Cool Convertible Model
If you enjoy cruising around town with the top down, the 500 convertible is destined to get your attention. Whether you are stopping by the local ice cream popular or going to see a movie, expect a lot of people to look your way. The car’s powered convertible top can be opened up even at highway speeds.
8. Economical Price Tag
The 2018 Fiat 500 proves you don’t have to spend big bucks in order to travel in style. Prices for the base model start at roughly $15,000, which is very easy on the wallet. Some of the notable standard features include cruise control, a touch-screen display, and Bluetooth. Even the more exciting Abarth model can be obtained for less than $22,000.
9. Available Digital Gauge Cluster
While the traditional gauges look cool, the available digital gauge cluster adds to your driving experience. Not only does the digital display provide full-color graphics, but it is also customizable. You will have easy access to all of the car’s most important data.
10. Standard Alpine Premium Sound System
A six-speaker Alpine audio system comes standard on the 2018 Fiat 500. Its sound quality is quite impressive for a base audio system. A 276-watt amplifier enables the system to sound clear at all volumes.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Fiat 500 – The Cons
1. Too Small for Some People
Some people will simply not like being behind the wheel of a vehicle that is so small. Large drivers may begin to feel a bit claustrophobic at times. The 500’s backseat definitely does not offer a great deal of comfort. There is also only a minimum amount of cargo space in the back compared to other hatchbacks. This will pose a big problem for the folks who need to accommodate their family.
2. Questionable Reliability
Unfortunately, the 2018 Fiat 500 does not rank near the top of the class in terms of reliability. You can anticipate making at least a few visits to the repair shop. Rival subcompact cars, such as the Honda Fit, are more dependable. You should also consider the Fiat 500’s low resale value.
3. So-So Crash-Test Scores
When crash-tested by the federal government, the 2018 Fiat 500 received a disappointing four-star overall rating. Although the Fiat does not have a dreadful safety rating, some of its competitors were able to earn five stars. The 500’s driver-side crash scores are especially concerning. Some drivers may desire a stronger sense of protection. Furthermore, few advanced safety technologies are currently offered.
How it Stacks up to the Competition:
Key competitors include the 2018 Smart Fortwo and the 2018 Honda Fit. In terms of available customizations, the 2018 Fiat 500 has the edge over these rival subcompact cars. You can outfit the 500 with a number of custom accessories. From a performance standpoint, the 500 Abarth is a big step ahead of the Smart Fortwo.
Conclusion:
The Fiat 500 is a cool-looking commuter car that will keep most drivers happy. Although the pint-sized Fiat 500 does have a few shortcomings, it still deserves some serious thought. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative to a sports car, the performance-oriented Abarth model proves to be a worthy option.
