Fiat 500 On Fire

The Fiat 500 is selling well to private buyers so there's a waiting list. Plus they've won the BSM driving school contract from the Vauxhall Corsa with the BSM spokesperson saying very nice things about the 500. And it's preview in the US is being well received.

If you're in the market for a car it's very easy to get the buzz and buy one. But hang-on, let's make some comparisons. The Fiat 500 is a tiny city car which measures around 3.5m in length. When you compare it with other tiny cars for sale in the UK you'll only find a handful of rivals. There are a few super-minis around the 3.75m but many small cars have grown to 4m.

Comparing apples with apples the 500 is up against the Matiz, C1, C2, Panda, Ka, i10, Picanto and Twingo. The 107 and Aygo are the same as a C1. Leaving the Ford Ka aside because it's the same message as the 500 in a different envelope you'll find the 500's advantages are street cred', performance, economy and safety.

Street cred' is a difficult thing to talk about but many motorists wouldn't be seen dead in a Matiz, Panda, i10 or Picanto. The 500 has the sort of style that celebrates motoring - like the MINI.

The 500 is significantly quicker than the Matiz, C2, and Panda. It's also cheaper to run than the C2, Panda and Twingo. Where the Fiat 500 importantly wins is its safety. The 500 has a Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating which none of the above have.

Mind you, the 500 isn't cheap. The i10 is about £1,000 cheaper and the Picanto is £2,000 cheaper. Both are good cars and compare well with the 500.

Talking of price, the 500 compares well with the bigger and more expensive MINI.

However for little more than the price of a 500 you might consider the Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia or Suzuki Swift. They're super-sized at around 4m, have more space, equal if not better performance without significant higher running costs.

There are over 30 small cars for sale in the UK. It depends whether you want small, medium or large and the finer points of running costs being affordable. They're all stylish in their own way and mostly fun to drive. There are differences in safety ratings and prices - paying a premium for a brand.

If it all sounds too complicated you can compare these cars side-by-side over at carbuyersinfo. The Fiat 500 Comparisons would make a relevant starting point.

Regards
Ralph