Fiat is taking a delightfully unconventional route with replacing the ICE-powered variants of its ageing 500, with a new hybrid package.
Initially following a strategy set by MINI with a separate platform for the EV and facelifted ICE models, the Italian firm will now be modifying the 500e to accommodate a hybrid petrol-electric powertrain. Best of all, a manual transmission will be included too.
Plans are believed to have changed following softening global EV demand, and the resignation of former Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares. Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, recently spoke about the move in a statement, saying:
“500 Hybrid offers affordable electrification and iconic style, proof that social relevance is at the core of the Brand mission. With the 500 Hybrid, we are strengthening production at Mirafiori to ensure the plant’s productivity and meet the demand. Our roots are in Italy and it’s no coincidence that the two most iconic FIATs are made here: the Panda in Pomigliano and the 500 in Mirafiori.”
Official photos show a front end with camouflage concealing the open vents needed to let the ICE engine breathe, but otherwise the car is very similar to its EV progenitor.
Fiat’s Mirafiori factory will benefit from a 100 million Euro investment to accommodate extra production.
The 2026 Fiat 500 Hybrid will join other vehicles reverse-engineered from an EV to an ICE vehicle, such as the LDV MIFA and the LDV Deliver 7.
Most importantly, Abarth versions are sure to follow, without the limitations of the 500e-based versions and hopefully with some of the hardcore elements of the 595 Biposto and Tributo Ferrari.
Production of the new model is scheduled to kick off during the fourth quarter of this year following prototype testing, with customer deliveries commencing shortly after.
