Fiat 500 Sport

The Fiat 500 Sport, or 500S for short, is the sportiest version of the hatchback, aside from the super-quick Abarth 500 model. You get a sports package as standard, which includes sporty front and rear bumpers and side skirts, a roof-mounted rear spoiler, a chrome exhaust, tinted windows and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Fiat 500S gets a leather steering wheel, which also has audio controls, as well as a red and chrome gear knob. The sports seats with their red stitching and embossed 500S logos look very stylish, too.

You get a choice of three engines with the Fiat 500S. The least powerful and least efficient of these is the entry-level 1.2-litre petrol. Also available are 85bhp and 105bhp versions of Fiat’s excellent 975cc TwinAir engine, and the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel, which is the most economical engine on offer.

Good points

The Fiat 500 is one of the most stylish superminis on sale, and the addition of the sports bodykit gives the 500S even smarter looks. Even though the Fiat 500S has no modifications to the engine or suspension, it still remains – like all 500s – fun to drive. It does roll a little in the corners, but you can forgive that because it has such a comfortable ride.Fiat’s excellent 975cc TwinAir petrol and 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engines are available. These engines give good performance, excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Both the MultiJet diesel and TwinAir engines emit less than 100g/km CO2 and so are exempt from road tax.

Bad points

Despite its sporty looks and interior, the Fiat 500S is only available with the same engines that you can get with entry-level Pop. Although the 105bhp TwinAir gives pretty decent performance, we think the 500 Sport could do with something a bit more powerful.That aside, the 500S has the usual problems that are associated with small hatchbacks. It has limited boot space that – even with the rear seats folded – still lags behind the Volkswagen Up!, which is one of its class rivals. If you regularly carry four passengers, then you might want to consider going for something more practical, as it is a bit of a squeeze in the back.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure sensors
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Front fog lights
• Auto climate control
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• Stop/Start
• Sports seats
• Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

• Hill hold control

Our choice

Of the four engines on offer, the 105bhp 975cc TwinAir petrol engine gives the Fiat 500S the performance to match its sporty looks. In addition it is also very cheap to run, returning 67mpg.