Fiat 500C 1.4 Lounge Dualogic 3dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £16,450
Tax Band: D
Insurance Group: 16
MPG: 50.4
CO2: 130
0-62 Mph: 10.5 secs
BHP: 100 BHP
Range: 388 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4.25/5
Benefitting from a good level of trim and nippy performance, the 500C 1.4 Lounge Dualogic has good performance credentials but doesn't offer the fuel economy of its cheaper brothers. Those who prioritise performance over cost will be firm fans of the 1.4 but the more economically-minded motorist is likely to prefer the smaller petrols or the diesel.

PROS:  With more grunt than the 1.2 Pop, this version of the 500C benefits from a more impressive top speed and faster acceleration and is a great car with decent performance credentials.

CONS:  The 500C 1.4 Lounge Dualogic is quite expensive for a 500 and fuel economy and CO2 emissions suffer slightly thanks to the larger 1.4-litre engine.

Behind the Wheel

With 100 bhp at 6000 rpm and torque figures of 96 lb-ft at 4250 rpm, the 500C 1.4 Lounge is powerful for a car of its size. The 1.4 litre engine propels the 500C from 0-62 mph in a quick 10.5 seconds.

The 500C 1.4 Lounge Dualogic is a blast to drive, offering plenty of grip through the corners and feeling much faster than it actually is. A top speed of 113 mph also means that the 500 will be able to keep up with motorway traffic with ease.

All in all, the 500C 1.4 Lounge Dualogic offers very good performance for such a small car.

Looks & Equipment

As one of the more expensive trim levels, the Lounge offers a variety of creature comforts as standard. Standard kit includes power steering, central locking, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows and an advanced stereo system with MP3 connectivity. Stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth connectivity are also fitted at no extra cost.

The retro looks are maintained within the cabin and are effortlessly stylish whilst the shape and overall design of the exterior is smooth and attractive.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

Space is at a premium in the back seats but this is only to be expected. Boot space is also pretty poor with the 500 offering just 185-litres with the rear seats up and 520-litres with them folded down.

Despite this, the 500C is still a capable model and offers good levels of safety with driver airbag, passenger airbag, front side airbags and stability control all provided as standard features. The 500 scored the top five star rating in the NCAP crash tests and feels sturdy and well built.

A 3 year/60,000 mile warranty is included as standard.

Value for Money

Priced at £16,450 the 500C 1.4 Lounge Dualogic is the most expensive model in the 500C range - apart from the Abarth model - and the 500 arguably offers better value for money in a more basic specification.

Fuel economy is good, if not quite as good as the smaller engined version, returning 50.4mpg on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions of 130g/km put the 500C 1.4 Lounge Dualogic in VED band D.

Resale values should be excellent as the Fiat 500's desirability ensures that its residual values are strong.

Fiat 500C 1.4 Lounge Dualogic 3dr Car Review - by 
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