There’s no denying there’s been a buzz around the Fiat brand since the reveal of the excellent new Grande Panda last year. So why aren’t we seeing more of Fiat’s small SUV, the 600?

Corporate Car was told at the recent Panda launch by UK MD Kris Cholmondley that they’re hoping the launch of the Grande Panda will help buyers see the 600 in a new light. As a result, they are working on revised pricing and new ‘Sport’ versions for both the EV and hybrid-powered models.

On sale in the UK since mid-2024, Fiat kindly loaned us a petrol hybrid version of the 600 in range-topping La Prima trim to live with and drive to the Panda launch event, to see what we thought.

Design and interior
Our 2025-registered 600 was the more powerful 136hp hybrid, and it certainly stood out with its Sunset Orange paint job, complete with a contrasting black roof and pillars (a £950 option). Design-wise, we still think there’s more of a link to the current 500, with the same smiley, round-eyed expression as the smaller car. The falling rear quarters and hatch are this Fiat’s most awkward angle, but overall the 600’s upright styling is far better proportioned than previous 500 derivatives.

Inside, our 600 featured a sea of light-coloured faux leather — a combination that doesn’t appear to be on the configurator anymore. We liked the ‘Fiat’ stitching and blue piping; however, the light colour showed dirt easily, as was evident on our well-used car. The driving position and seats are comfortable, but rear space is more average. The 360-litre boot is a decent size, though it has a high loading lip.

Instruments are handled via a seven-inch screen housed in a circular pod, which is nicely detailed and easy to read. Elsewhere, the 10.25-inch infotainment screen sits prominently in the centre of the dashboard. The Uconnect system connects easily, but we found ourselves relying on Apple CarPlay due to the number of small on-screen buttons.

Alongside the hard, shiny plastics on the doors and dashboard, other interior drawbacks include the thin, two-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the Apple iPad-like magnetic cover for the large central cubby, and the fiddly drive buttons above it — also seen in the sister model, the Jeep Avenger.

Performance and drive
Two petrol hybrid versions of the Fiat 600 are available: one with 110hp and the version tested here with 134hp (now 145hp). Both use a 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with a 21hp electric motor and a very small 0.89kWh battery, combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Surprisingly, the 600 hybrid can travel up to 0.6 miles on EV power alone.

We’ve tried this drivetrain in other Stellantis models, most recently in the Vauxhall Astra, and the 600’s application is the least refined in our opinion. The unresponsive throttle is the first issue — the delay when accelerating is frustrating, especially when pulling out of junctions or roundabouts. The transition between power sources also isn’t particularly smooth. We found this most noticeable around town; this Fiat is better suited to faster roads, where it proved impressively frugal over a 400+ mile trip.

The lack of smoothness is most noticeable in urban driving, where the 600’s lightweight feel and tight turning circle should shine.

Despite the modest 18in alloy wheels and tall stance, the ride is surprisingly firm. As a result, handling is sharper than expected, although this is limited by a lack of steering feel.

Despite its shortcomings, we think the 600 deserves more UK fleet success than it’s currently achieving. It is a comfortable, efficient, and characterful choice, and upcoming changes to the range should help boost its appeal.

Standard equipment
18in alloy wheels, LED headlamps, manual air conditioning, 40/60 split-folding rear seats, 10.25in touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, cruise control, rear parking sensors, six airbags, lane keep assist, active safety brake.

Positive
Efficiency, tidy handling, still affordably priced

Negative
Hybrid system could be smoother, limited rear space, too much hard interior plastic

Engines: Mild hybrid: 110hp and 145bhp 1.2; Electric: 156hp

Equipment grades: Pop, Icon, La Prima

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (mild hybrid), single-speed automatic (EV)