Made in Italy

Fiat 500 with mild hybrid version Mirafiori is back in production. We drove it: here's what it looks like

4 July 2025

3' min read

Fiat has brought production of the 500 hybrid back to the historic Mirafiori plant in Turin, where it all began in 1957, on 4 July. And to celebrate the 68th birthday, Fiat organised a preview of the new model.

Production is scheduled to start in November 2025, with an initial target of 5,000 units to be completed by the end of the year. The first pre-series units have already rolled off the line, confirming that the timetable envisaged in the industrial plan presented by Stellantis to the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy last December has been met.

The return of production to Turin represents a strategic step in Mirafiori's re-launch plan, with the aim of increasing production volumes by 100,000 units per year.

New 500 hybrid: 3 versions coming

The new 500 hybrid, mild hybrid in fact, will be available in three configurations: the classic saloon, just over 3.60 metres long, designed for the city, the 3+1 equipped with a third rear door on the passenger side with a windward opening to facilitate access to the second row, and the cabrio version, i.e. with a canvas roof but with uprights, a rarity in the ever-popular city cars, intended for those looking for a more leisure-oriented drive.

Powering the new 500 hybrid is the three-cylinder 1.0 FireFly engine with 12-volt mild-hybrid technology (a very light hybrid), mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. No automatic transmission, which many competitors in this segment also offer and which would certainly be appreciated in city driving. As for the engine, we are talking about a 999 cc, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum of 70 hp and 92 Nm of maximum torque at 3,500 rpm. The same powertrain - made in Termoli - that the Turin-based manufacturer adopts for the Panda Hybrid built in Pomigliano. So there is nothing 'new' at least in the pure engine aspect. But the car, destined mainly to cope with city traffic, should be frugal in terms of fuel consumption with this configuration.

Fiat 500 Hybrid, tutte le foto della nuova generazione ibrida leggera
Photogallery22 foto

On the technology front, the 500 will be equipped with the Uconnect 5 system. It will feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen, flanked by a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard, and this is a minimum requirement. Connectivity is also provided by a dedicated platform with infotainment functions and remote services. The new 500 will offer a comprehensive package of mandatory driver assistance systems from July 2024: automatic emergency braking, active lane keeping and traffic sign detection will already be present in the entry-level versions. Some versions will also be equipped with blind spot monitoring and the automatic parking system.

With this project, Fiat intends to strengthen its industrial presence in Italy and enhance an iconic brand with a view to accessibility and sustainability. As stated by Fiat CEO Olivier François, this is a promise kept and a sign of confidence in the national industry. We will see what happens in the coming months.

New 'light' Fiat 500 hybrid: first contact

We had the chance to take a mini test drive of the car on the factory circuit. It was a first contact that confirms habitability and good qualities of the infotainment system with 10.5-inch display and user interface that are entirely similar to the well-known electric version born in 2020. The engine with only 70 horsepower nevertheless pushes the car adequately and the gearbox is smooth. The car is not lightning fast, of course. Nevertheless, one appreciates the driving position, the space on board. And the classic, Italian and timeless lines. And then there is the subtle taste of driving a car that is all Made in Italy.