Fiat assembles first 500 Hybrid units at Mirafiori plant

Fiat has started pre-production of the 500 Hybrid in Turin. Full production begins in November with an output goal of 100,000 units annually.

FIAT has taken a significant step forward in the evolution of its iconic 500 lineup by assembling the first pre-production units of the new 500 Hybrid at the Mirafiori plant in Turin. Full-scale production is scheduled to begin in November, with a target of over 100,000 units annually.

The 500 Hybrid is not just a new model — it's a statement. Built in Italy, it reinforces the brand’s deep connection to its roots while responding to the modern demand for sustainable urban mobility. Mirafiori already produces the all-electric 500e, and the addition of the hybrid version enhances FIAT’s offering in the increasingly popular compact hybrid segment.

Technically, the car is based on a 1.0-liter three-cylinder FireFly engine with 70 hp, paired with a mild hybrid system and a six-speed manual transmission. According to auto-data.net, the car consumes an average of 3.9 L/100 km and emits 88 g of CO₂ per kilometer — well within the ecological thresholds across the EU and potentially eligible for government incentives.

Pricing is another strong point. Based on information from italpassion.fr and ClubAlfa, the starting price for the new 500 Hybrid will be around €18,000 — significantly lower than the full-electric version and other hybrid rivals like the Toyota Yaris or Renault Clio. That positions the 500 Hybrid as an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who still want style and efficiency.

In terms of equipment, the new model will feature Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, a 360-degree camera system, compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and seven airbags. All of this comes in a compact body, ideal for navigating crowded city streets.

So far, only the European market is confirmed, which makes sense given that more than 70% of Mirafiori-produced 500s are exported from Italy. However, the absence of an automatic transmission could limit the car’s appeal outside Europe, particularly in markets like the US where manual gearboxes are less common.

The 500 Hybrid reflects FIAT’s broader strategy: to create cars that are people-oriented, stylish, functional, and accessible. The planned production expansion at Mirafiori suggests the company is confident in the hybrid model’s market potential — especially in the context of ongoing tax benefits across the EU, such as up to €2,500 in Luxembourg and around €2,000 in France.

By introducing the hybrid version, FIAT is not only updating an icon — it’s reaffirming its commitment to a more sustainable future with an Italian soul and global outlook.

Source: stellantis.com