Fiat 500 1.2 Pop Complete Review, Specs, And MPG

The Fiat 500 1.2 Pop embodies the perfect blend of Italian flair and practical urban mobility. This compact hatchback, powered by a lively 1.2-liter engine, delivers efficient performance tailored for tight city streets and relaxed highway cruises. With its distinctive retro design and surprising interior space, it stands out in a crowded small car segment.

Design and Exterior Appeal

The Fiat 500 1.2 Pop captures hearts with its classic rounded silhouette inspired by the original 1957 model, updated for modern tastes. Measuring just under 3.6 meters long, it slips effortlessly into parking spots while turning heads with chrome accents on the grille and mirrors. The Pop trim features 14-inch steel wheels with stylish covers, body-colored door handles, and halogen headlights that provide adequate illumination for daily drives.

Available in vibrant colors like electric blue or fiery red, the exterior exudes personality. Fixed side windows with manual regulators keep costs down, but the optional electric versions add convenience. Roof rails are absent, emphasizing its pure city focus, yet the aerodynamic shape contributes to its impressive fuel efficiency. Weighing around 865 kg, the lightweight construction enhances agility without compromising stability.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the Fiat 500 1.2 Pop is a 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing 69 horsepower and 102 Nm of torque. Paired exclusively with a five-speed manual gearbox, it offers responsive shifts and engaging driver involvement. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes about 12.3 seconds, sufficient for merging into traffic or overtaking on country lanes.

Top speed hovers at 99 mph, prioritizing economy over outright speed. Real-world testing shows combined fuel consumption around 50 mpg, with urban figures exceeding 45 mpg thanks to start-stop technology and low rolling resistance tires. The engine’s MultiAir system optimizes valve timing for smoother power delivery and reduced emissions, complying with Euro 6 standards.

Handling and Driving Experience

Behind the wheel, the Fiat 500 1.2 Pop feels nimble and confident. Its short 2.3-meter wheelbase and precise electric power steering make it ideal for weaving through congested streets. Suspension tuning strikes a balance between comfort and control, absorbing potholes while maintaining composure in corners.

Body roll is minimal for a car of its size, aided by a well-sorted chassis derived from Fiat’s proven platforms. Braking is progressive with ventilated front discs, stopping distances from 60 mph around 40 meters. Noise insulation is decent, with wind and tire roar noticeable only at motorway speeds above 70 mph. The manual shifter has a light action with clear gate positions, encouraging enthusiastic gear changes.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

Step inside, and the cabin wraps you in a retro-modern ambiance. The dashboard features a color-matched upper section with white-faced dials for easy readability. Seats are upholstered in durable fabric, supportive for short trips, with height adjustment for the driver. Rear space accommodates two adults comfortably, or a child seat, thanks to the 185-liter boot expandable to 550 liters with seats folded.

• Air conditioning provides quick cooling.
• Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls.
• USB/AUX ports for media playback.
• Height-adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat.
• Seven-inch touchscreen optional with navigation.

Build quality impresses with soft-touch plastics in key areas, though some hard trims show fingerprints. Visibility is excellent forward and over shoulders, but thick rear pillars demand care when reversing—parking sensors are a wise add-on.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is comprehensive for the class. Standard kit includes ABS, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and seven airbags. Euro NCAP awarded it four stars, praising adult occupant protection but noting room for improvement in pedestrian impact. ISOFIX points make family use straightforward.

Tyre pressure monitoring and brake assist enhance confidence. Optional rearview camera integrates with the infotainment system for urban maneuvering.

Technology and Infotainment

The 1.2 Pop comes with a basic yet functional Uconnect system on higher specs, featuring a 5-inch display for radio, phone mirroring, and voice commands. Standard Blue&Me allows Bluetooth streaming. Controls are intuitive, with physical knobs for volume and tuning.

Upgrade to the 7-inch unit adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, and sat-nav. Sound quality from six speakers is punchy for pop tunes, though bass lacks depth without a subwoofer.

Running Costs and Ownership

Priced from around £13,000 new (historical), the Pop undercuts rivals like the Volkswagen Up or Toyota Aygo. Road tax is low at £20 annually, insurance group 6 keeps premiums affordable. Service intervals at 12,000 miles or yearly cost under £200, with Fiat’s warranty covering three years/60,000 miles.

Resale values hold firm due to cult appeal, depreciating slower than Japanese peers. Fuel and maintenance make it cheaper to run than SUVs, ideal for company car drivers with 20% BIK tax.

Rivals and Alternatives

In the city car arena, the Fiat 500 1.2 Pop competes with:

• Volkswagen Up 1.0: Refined but pricier.
• Ford Fiesta 1.1: More powerful, spacious.
• Hyundai i10 1.2: Longer warranty, bland styling.
• Toyota Aygo X 1.0: Identical to siblings, efficient.

The 500 wins on charisma and fun factor, though rivals edge in refinement or space.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Stylish design, excellent MPG, fun to drive, low costs.
• Cons: Limited rear space, basic standard tech, firm ride on rough roads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Fiat 500 1.2 Pop reliable?

Yes, with proper maintenance, it offers solid dependability, backed by Fiat’s network.

What’s the boot space like?

185 liters standard, expanding to 550 liters—adequate for shopping, not holidays.

Does it have Apple CarPlay?

Available on models with the 7-inch touchscreen upgrade.

How does it handle motorways?

Stable up to 70 mph, but wind noise increases beyond.

Is it suitable for tall drivers?

Drivers up to 6’1″ fit comfortably with seat adjusted.

Final Verdict

The Fiat 500 1.2 Pop is a delightful choice for solo commuters or couples seeking style without sacrifice. Its efficiency, charm, and affordability make it a standout in the city car class. For those prioritizing fun over outright practicality, it’s hard to beat.