New Fiat 600 Hybrid blends Style, Space & Efficiency.
New Fiat 600 Hybrid blends Style, Space & Efficiency.
The stunning new Fiat 600 takes the best of the B and B-SUV market segments to offer a beautiful, joyful, and pampered driving experience, marking the famous Italian brand’s return to the highly-competitive B-segments. Credited with being the perfect embodiment of the brand’s values of Italian style and sustainability, the new 600 is available in both hybrid and fully-electric variants. The iconic Fiat 500 enjoys enduring popularity among Irish drivers, and the new 600 is sure to enjoy similar success.
Three Trim Levels.
Trim levels consist of an entry-level 600 Hybrid, mid-spec 600 Dolce Vita Hybrid, and top-spec 600 La Prima Hybrid, all of which are equipped with the same 1.2-litre 100hp Hybrid powertrain which drives the car’s front wheels via a 6-speed eDCT6 automatic transmission. The powertrain is similar to that found in the 600’s Jeep Avenger sibling, as well as in various Citroën, Peugeot and Opel models, so it has a proven track record. Built on the advanced CMP2 platform, the 600 Hybrid integrates cutting-edge technology to ensure a dynamic driving experience while prioritising environmental responsibility. Thanks to the innovative integration of an electric motor within the gearbox, the 600 Hybrid boasts full electric capabilities, allowing for effortless detachment of the engine from the transmission.
Spacious Cabin & Boot.
The smart central storage compartment in the new 600 has a capacity of 15-litres, with a clever, foldable cover to keep your valuables out of sight when you exit the car. Located just above the central storage cubby are the transmission control buttons that just require a simple one-touch push to select Park, Reverse, Neutral or Drive, with a double tap of the Drive button necessary in order to choose the ‘Manual’ transmission option, if required. The 600 is a surprisingly-spacious car, and its 360-litre boot capacity is similar to that found in some cars from the class above. In terms of comfort and connectivity, the new 600 is available with several features that will make every journey more pleasant.
Test Car Details.
My 600 La Prima Hybrid test car was finished in Green Sea metallic paintwork, with contrasting 18” two-tone, diamond-cut alloy wheels. The black plastic wheel arch protectors, along with black lower door cladding with a chrome strip and ‘600’ moniker adds a dash of ruggedness to the side view of the car, and its slightly raised ride height also adds to its appeal. In addition to the list of standard equipment in the entry-level and mid-spec 600 Hybrid, La Prima trim exclusively adds key features such as; full ivory leather seat upholstery with ‘FIAT’ and ‘600’ monograms embossed within, heated front seats, 10.25” DAB Radio with navigation, type A+C USB ports, USB type C in the rear, wireless phone charger, ivory painted dashboard facia, automatic high beam, rear privacy glass, gloss black mirror covers, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go + lane centring, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support & massage function, hands-free power tailgate, front, rear & side parking sensors, LED front fog lamps with cornering function, and power door mirrors that are foldable and heated. The petrol engine works in union with a 48V electric motor that produces 28hp, and a small 0.9kWh battery, with the electrical system used to supplement the 205Nm of torque on offer. This results in nippy performance right from the off, as the electric motor gets to work immediately, eliminating power lag as the petrol engine kicks in. The tiny battery that powers the electric motor does require constant charging, and this is where the 600 Hybrid’s regenerative braking system comes into play. The car’s light steering is a real bonus in urban areas, or when negotiating a parking space, and the rear view camera and parking sensors in my test car definitely helped in that regard too. The 600 La Prima comes with Drive Assist (Level 2 Assisted Driving) as standard, which means a superior level of safety and assistance when driving. The standard 360-degree sensors receive multiple inputs from multiple directions for unprecedented coverage, helping the driver to avoid any kind of collision. The 600 Hybrid’s slightly raised driving position gives easy access to the well placed and spaced foot pedals in the relatively-roomy footwell. Thanks to the 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and generous manual steering column adjustment options, it is easy to find a perfect driving position too. The 600 Hybrid can sprint from 0-100km/h in just over 10-seconds, and it is capable of fuel efficiency in the order of 5l/100km (56mpg) on a combined driving cycle. Additionally, a 109g/km emissions rating results in annual road tax of just €170.
Verdict & Pricing
The new Fiat 600 SUV successfully combines the style of the Fiat 500 city car with far greater practicality. Its ease of drivability, generous standard equipment tally, relative spaciousness and striking design add greatly to its overall appeal in the crowded compact SUV/Crossover market segment. Pricing starts at just €28,995 for the entry-level 600 Hybrid, and from €30,995 for the mid-spec Dolce Vita trim, with my top-spec test car priced from €33,995.
Visit www.fiat.ie for further information.
